Accelerated Restaurant Building Plan Approval

Before applying, meet with a Building & Safety representative to review the project scope and notify the City that you intend to use a qualified professional certifier under AB 671. Schedule a virtual appointment using the Appointment Scheduler (Building Counter > AB671 Pre-Submittal Meeting)

Applicants must submit a building permit application in accordance with the standard submittal procedures. The application can be found on Accela Citizen Access (ACA) under Building - Commercial Permit, making sure to select Restaurant Tenant Improvement (AB 671). 

In addition to the standard application package, applicants must provide the following materials:          

1. Plan set certified by the qualified professional certifier for compliance with all building, health, and safety codes, including stamps from the certifier on each plan set.
2. Qualified Professional Certifier Affidavit. This affidavit will attest to the following:
   • The plans and specifications comply with all building, health, and safety codes;
   • The restaurant meets the criteria necessary for entry into the program pursuant to state law;
   • Whether County of Santa Barbara Health Department review is required;
   • Information regarding existing and proposed fixtures; and 
   • Proof of the Professional Certifier’s Qualifications, including license, experience, and insurance.
3. Indemnification Agreement.

Building & Safety will complete its AB 671‑mandated code compliance review within 20 business days of receiving a complete application, including the required affidavits. All other City disciplines—such as Planning, Fire, Public Works—will review the application using their normal review timelines and procedures, which include issuing correction lists if needed. 

If any City division issues comments rather than approving the project, the applicant must submit corrected plans and materials. Under AB 671, the City will review resubmittals within 10 business days of receipt. Building & Safety review will be limited to addressing the specific items identified in the prior correction cycle. 

After all reviewing divisions approve the plans, the permit will be issued following the City’s standard issuance procedures, which include completing all final forms and paying any remaining fees. Approved plans and permit documents are issued electronically.  

Even when a qualified professional certifier is used, all inspections will continue to be performed by the City. The use of a qualified professional certifier does not exempt the project from required inspections or from any modifications identified during the inspection process. Refer to the City’s Building Inspections webpage for scheduling and requirements.

State law requires the City to audit at least 20% of all certified tenant improvement projects submitted under AB 671. Audits begin within five business days of permit issuance and include review of the submitted plans for compliance with all applicable building, health, and safety codes. If an audit finds material noncompliance, the City will issue a plan check correction notice within 10 business days of initiating the audit. 

In order to qualify as a professional certifier pursuant to AB 671, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Licensing. The certifier must hold a valid license under the California Business and Professions Code as either a professional engineer, or an architect.
2. Experience. The professional certifier must have at least five years of experience in commercial building design or plan review.
3. Liability Insurance. The professional certifier must maintain professional liability insurance in an amount not less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) per occurrence.