New Zbur Law Streamlines Interior Renovations for California Retailers

AB 1693 helps brick-and-mortar retailers renovate and improve existing storefronts faster while maintaining health and safety standards

SACRAMENTO, CA - Democratic Caucus Chair and Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood) announced today that Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 1693, legislation making it easier for brick-and-mortar retailers to renovate and update the interiors of existing storefronts by creating a faster, more predictable permitting process. Sponsored by the California Retailers Association and WC3 Chambers of Commerce, a coalition of chambers in Westside Los Angeles, gives retailers another option for getting plans for interior renovations reviewed and approved while maintaining California's building and safety standards.

"Retail is constantly changing, and brick-and-mortar businesses need to be able to change with it," said Asm. Zbur. "Whether a retailer is updating the layout of a store, renovating an existing space, or preparing a storefront for a new tenant, straightforward interior improvements shouldn't get stuck in a lengthy permitting process. AB 1693 creates a faster and more predictable option for getting that work approved while maintaining the health and safety standards Californians expect. I'm thrilled to see this bill signed into law by Governor Newsom, and grateful to the California Retailers Association and WC3 Chambers of Commerce for partnering with me to support retailers and strengthen our neighborhood business districts."

Under AB 1693, retailers making interior renovations to existing buildings can hire qualified architects or engineers to certify that their plans meet applicable building, health, and safety standards. Once a complete application is submitted through the new process, local building departments have 20 business days to approve or deny the permit. The law maintains important safety and oversight requirements while giving retailers a more predictable timeline for making improvements to their stores.

The measure also advances Governor Newsom's efforts to make it easier to do business in California by removing unnecessary barriers for businesses that are ready to invest in their physical locations. In announcing the signing of AB 1693 and other small-business legislation, the Governor highlighted the law as a way to help retailers open and operate faster while maintaining building and safety requirements.

"The California Retailers Association applauds Governor Newsom for signing AB 1693 by Assemblymember Zbur," said Rachel Michelin, President and CEO of the California Retailers Association. "Retailers throughout California are vital contributors to their local economies, yet they continue to face lengthy local permitting processes across the state. AB 1693 is a commonsense measure that will streamline local bureaucracy and support retailers, local economies, and consumers, all of whom are contending with affordability challenges. We thank Assemblymember Zbur for his steadfast leadership in moving this bill through the Legislature."

"The Westside Council of Chambers of Commerce is proud to have been a co-sponsor of AB 1693," said George Francisco, President, Westside Council of Chambers of Commerce (WC3). "This legislation is a welcome step towards revitalizing a much-besieged sector of our economy. Retail commerce is a forward-facing component of what the Westside of Los Angeles is known for - from iconic shopping venues like the The Grove, The 3rd St Promenade, Abbot Kinney Blvd, Melrose Avenue, The Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive - much of the world identifies with creative retailers in our community. Offering regulatory support to alleviate the excessive permitting burden is something for everyone to feel proud and celebrate! Our member organizations exist to serve and strengthen the Westside of LA economy, and AB 1693 will mark a great step forward for retailers of all sizes and our communities."

"The Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce helped initiate the idea for an expedited retail approval process along with co-sponsors California Retailers Association and Westside Council of Chambers of Commerce (WC3)," Todd Johnson, President and CEO, Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce. "This bill will streamline the process for small mom and pop retailers and others to open and renovate their spaces while ensuring safety and compliance with local laws. We give our sincere thanks to Assemblymember Zbur for his leadership in introducing AB 1693 and to Governor Newsom for signing this important legislation."

Professional certification programs are already used in major cities including New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. California adopted a similar approach for restaurants in 2025 through AB 671, authored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks. AB 1693 extends a comparable framework to qualifying retail storefront improvements.

AB 1693 will take effect January 1, 2027.

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, [email protected]