Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bill by a Hollywood lawmaker intended to speed the permitting process for interior renovations at California retail stores by allowing plans to be certified by qualified architects or engineers.
Assembly Bill 1693, authored by Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur, D-Hollywood, gives retailers an alternative process for obtaining approval for interior improvements to existing storefronts. The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Under the new law, a retailer can hire a qualified architect or engineer to certify that proposed interior renovations comply with applicable building, health and safety standards…