California Introduces AB 671 to Streamline Restaurant Permitting

California, August 19, 2025

News Summary

California has introduced AB 671, legislation aimed at simplifying the restaurant permitting process. Supported by DoorDash, the bill allows restaurants to open within 20 business days of application submission, addressing long permitting delays that have strained local businesses. With this reform, health and building departments will be mandated to respond efficiently, helping to bolster the struggling restaurant sector and support local economies.

California is taking significant steps to simplify the process of opening and operating restaurants, with the introduction of new legislation known as AB 671. Supported by DoorDash, the bill aims to address the challenges that local restaurants face in navigating complex regulatory hurdles, which have compounded in recent years.

Local restaurants are vital to California’s economy, employing one in ten workers and generating over $220 billion annually in sales. However, since 2019, the state has experienced a decline in restaurant employment, making it one of the most difficult states to establish and manage a restaurant due to its burdensome regulations. Lengthy permitting processes can significantly drive up costs and hinder job creation within the industry.

AB 671, introduced by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, seeks to streamline the restaurant permitting process, allowing new establishments to open within 20 business days after their application is submitted. This expedited timeframe is expected to facilitate existing restaurants in making necessary operational improvements without facing significant delays connected to obtaining permits.

The legislation includes strict timelines for local health and building departments, obligating them to respond to permit applications within 20 business days and to address any deficiencies in applications within 10 business days after rejection. By minimizing downtime and compliance costs, the new law is intended to support small businesses and help retain restaurant staff during a time when economic stability is paramount.

DoorDash emphasizes its commitment to uplifting local economies and promoting common-sense reforms that benefit restaurant entrepreneurs. The company is actively rallying merchants across California to endorse AB 671 and has partnered with industry leaders to advocate for its passage. This legislation not only stands to help individual restaurant owners but also aims to ensure California remains an attractive hub for the restaurant business sector.

Max Rettig, Vice President of Global Public Policy for DoorDash, has highlighted the importance of implementing reforms that foster job creation and encourage business growth. In line with this sentiment, Nayomie Mendoza, a local restaurant owner, illustrated the financial strain caused by permitting delays and called for more efficient access to permits so that restaurants can serve their customers effectively.

As AB 671 moves through the legislative process, stakeholders across the restaurant industry remain hopeful that the bill will alleviate some of the burdens currently faced by restaurant operators. This initiative represents a step toward creating a more favorable environment for the restaurant industry, which is essential for the overall health of California’s economy.

Key Features of AB 671

• Purpose: To streamline the restaurant permitting process in California.
• Timeframe: Restaurants can open within 20 business days of application submission.
• Health & Building Departments: Required to respond to applications within 20 business days and address deficiencies within 10 business days.
• Support for Small Businesses: Aimed at reducing compliance costs and downtime for restaurants.
• Advocacy: DoorDash and industry leaders are collaborating to push for the bill’s passage.

FAQ

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• DoorDash News: Smart Reforms Help California Restaurants
• Eater: New 2025 California Restaurant & Bar Laws Explained
• Nation’s Restaurant News: Restaurant Surcharges Exception to California Junk Fee Law
• San Francisco Chronicle: California Permit Application Bill
• Allergic Living: Supporting California’s ADDE Act for Allergy Labels
• Wikipedia: Restaurant
• Google Search: California restaurant laws
• Google Scholar: California restaurant regulations
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
• Google News: California restaurant industry

Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER

The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.