Good news for California restaurant owners: Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law on October 9, 2025 (effective 2026) aimed at speeding up local permit approvals for restaurant buildouts and remodels. The goal is simple — reduce costly delays and simplify the maze of local regulations that slow down openings and renovations.

What the New Law Does

The new legislation creates a streamlined approval process for restaurant tenant improvements — meaning changes or upgrades made by tenants to a leased restaurant space. Here’s how it changes the game:

• Qualified Professional Certifiers:
  Restaurant owners can now hire a licensed architect or engineer (who meets certain requirements) to certify that their plans meet all building, health, and safety codes.
  → This shifts much of the plan-checking responsibility away from local departments and speeds up the process.

• 20-Day Approval Rule:
  Local building departments must approve or deny a complete application within 20 business days. If they don’t respond in time, the plan is automatically deemed approved.

• Fast Resubmissions:
  If a plan is denied, the restaurant can resubmit corrected plans, and the city must review only the issues previously flagged — within 10 business days.

• Audits for Quality Control:
  Local agencies will periodically audit certified plans to ensure compliance.

• Professional Accountability:
  Certifiers who make false statements can face disciplinary action from their licensing boards and are liable for damages caused by negligent reviews.

Why This Matters for Restaurant Owners

For years, restaurant owners have faced long waits and inconsistent rules when trying to open or remodel a space. Under this new system:

• Permit times shrink dramatically, cutting weeks or months off typical timelines.

• Fewer bureaucratic roadblocks make it easier to get to opening day faster.

• Predictable timelines mean fewer surprises for investors, contractors, and staff.

• Smaller operators benefit most, since delays often hit independent restaurants hardest.

Health Department Plan Review Also Gets a Boost

The new law doesn’t just apply to building permits — it also streamlines health department plan reviews under the California Retail Food Code:

• Health departments now have 20 business days to approve or deny restaurant plans.

• If they miss the deadline, plans are automatically approved for permitting.

• Corrections and resubmissions follow the same 10-day turnaround rule.

CEQA Exemption for Minor Restaurant Projects

Because these tenant improvements are considered ministerial (not discretionary) actions, they’re exempt from CEQA review. This means fewer environmental paperwork hurdles for small restaurant projects.

Local Liability and Enforcement

The law protects local agencies from liability for decisions made under this streamlined process. However, certifiers and applicants remain responsible for compliance — including indemnifying local governments from damages related to construction.

Applies to All Cities — Even Charter Cities

California lawmakers declared this a matter of statewide concern, meaning all cities, including charter cities, must follow the new streamlined standards.

Takeaway

For restaurant owners and food entrepreneurs, this law could be a game-changer. Faster plan approvals mean lower costs, quicker openings, and more confidence to invest in new concepts.

If you’re planning a remodel or a new restaurant buildout, talk to your architect or contractor about using a qualified professional certifier to take advantage of the new rules once they go into effect.