AB 1693 would cut red tape, reduce costly delays, and help retailers open and operate sooner — without compromising safety.
SACRAMENTO, CA – Democratic Caucus Chair and Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D–Hollywood) today introduced AB 1693, legislation to reduce permitting delays for retail storefronts and help retail businesses open and operate in a timely, predictable manner — especially those still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, recent natural disasters, prolonged vacancies and other significant economic challenges. Sponsored by the California Retailers Association and the WC3 Chambers of Commerce — a coalition of nearly a dozen chambers in Westside Los Angeles — this bill would establish a professional certification program to accelerate building permit approvals for retailers making interior renovations to existing buildings.
"Brick-and-mortar retailers are essential to vibrant neighborhoods and local economic recovery," said Assemblymember Zbur. "When unnecessary permitting delays keep retailers from opening their doors or revitalizing an existing building, it hurts workers and communities. AB 1693 reduces barriers, improves predictability, and helps retailers open faster — without cutting corners on safety."
California's retail sector employs more than 3 million people across over 500,000 establishments and is one of the state's largest small-business employers. Yet many independent and family-owned retailers continue to face prolonged vacancies and financial strain due to lengthy building plan review timelines — challenges that have been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating 2025 fires, especially in regions like Los Angeles.
AB 1693 allows retailers to hire qualified, licensed architects or engineers to certify that tenant improvement plans comply with all applicable building, health, and safety codes. Local building departments would be required to approve or deny complete permit applications within 20 business days, with clear timelines for resubmissions, while retaining oversight through required audits to ensure accountability and public safety.
"California retailers continue to recover from a worldwide pandemic and are now grappling with tariff's and very complex and lengthy local permitting processes across the state," said Rachel Michelin, President and CEO, California Retailers Association. "Assemblymember Zbur's AB 1693 is a commonsense proposal that will simplify local bureaucracy and support the retail industry, local economies and consumers, which are all struggling with affordability."
Major cities including New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. currently allow approved professional certification programs that have reduced wait times while maintaining code compliance. In 2025, California adopted a similar approach for restaurants through AB 671, authored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks. AB 1693 applies a comparable permitting framework to retail storefronts.
"Retailers remain a key backbone for California's economy and ensuring their continued vitality is critical," said Todd Johnson, President & CEO of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce. "The Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce is proud to support this legislation which, similar to California Assembly Bill 671 that passed last year, will provide a streamlined avenue for retailers to open in California."
"We strive to not only support, but to protect and proactively advocate for our retail businesses," said George Francisco, Board Chair of the WC3 and Director of Policy & Planning of the Venice Chamber of Commerce. "In an era of "one-click to buy" purchasing, easing any of the regulatory burdens on brick and mortar retail businesses is more than just an economic investment, it is a service to the entire surrounding community."
AB 1693 will be heard in policy committee later this session.
Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur serves as the Democratic Caucus Chair for the California State Assembly and represents the 51st Assembly District, which includes Universal City, Hollywood, Hancock Park, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and other portions of Los Angeles.
CONTACT: Vienna Montague, (916) 319-2051, Vienna.Montague@asm.ca.gov