CALBO Position:  Oppose
Location:  Assembly Appropriations   

Summary:  Requires local government to expedite the permitting process for specified retail tenant-improvement projects.

CALBO’s Opposition:  

• Self-certification undermines safety. AB 1693 allows plan designers to effectively approve their own work, creating a conflict of interest and weakening independent verification of building, fire and life-safety codes.
• Erodes inspection integrity. The permitting process is designed to provide unbiased oversight; shifting towards self-certification reduces accountability and increases the risk of noncompliant construction.
• Public safety concerns. Even limited to retail tenant improvement, all projects must meet critical life-safety standards – independent review by local building departments remain essential. 
• Loss of local authority. The bill imposes a standardized permit streamlining process that limits the ability of local jurisdictions to apply appropriate review procedures based on project complexity and community needs. 
• Repeat of prior concerns. Similar to last year’s AB 671, this approach raises ongoing concerns about long-term impacts to code enforcement, building performance, and occupant safety.