The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion on June 30 by Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, 3rd District, to strengthen support, resources and services for existing restaurants navigating the county’s permitting and plan check processes. The goal is to help business owners more easily open new restaurants and food establishments to communities across the region.

“Every restaurant starts with someone sharing a piece of themselves – a family recipe, a cultural tradition or a dream they’ve carried for years,” Horvath said.

The board directed the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the Department of Public Works to develop implementation plans for new state laws intended to streamline restaurant permitting and renovation processes, including measures that establish expedited review timelines and provide greater flexibility for restaurant operations. The board also directed the Department of Public Health, in consultation with the Department of Economic Opportunity and other partners, to update restaurant permitting websites, checklists and toolkits to make them more user-friendly and accessible.

The department will additionally conduct outreach and offer education to ensure restaurant operators understand available resources and new state policies, and will explore expanding technical assistance and concierge-style services that provide guidance to restaurant owners before plans are submitted.

Restaurants support thousands of jobs and are a critical driver of tourism and local economic activity throughout Los Angeles County, Horvath said. By improving access to information and strengthening technical assistance, the county aims to create a more predictable and supportive experience for restaurant owners seeking to open or expand their businesses.

For information, visit lindseyhorvath.lacounty.gov.