(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the department shall, on or before January 1, 1991, set forth and implement criteria for the alteration or construction of buildings specified in subdivision (a) of Section 129725 that provide for onsite field review and approval by construction advisers of the department and provide for preapproval of project plans that comply with the requirements for which the department has developed standard architectural or engineering detail, or both standard architectural and engineering detail.

(b) Onsite field reviews shall be performed by available area construction advisers of the department. The area construction advisers shall have the responsibility to coordinate any approvals required by the State Fire Marshal. The approvals may be obtained prior to the start of construction or on a deferred basis, at the discretion of the area construction adviser.

(c) An annual building permit project classified as a “field review” shall be reviewed and approved by the area construction adviser.

(d) Effective January 1, 1991, all plans submitted for the alteration or construction of buildings specified in subdivision (a) of Section 129725 to the department for plan review shall be evaluated to determine if it is exempt from the plan review process or if it qualifies for an expedited plan review. The evaluation shall give priority to plans that are for minor renovation, remodeling, or installation of equipment.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 143, Sec. 310. (AB 133) Effective July 27, 2021.)