The Los Angeles City Council has moved to instruct the Department of Building and Safety (LADBS), in consultation with the City Attorney, to prepare a report with recommendations to improve the existing inspection and permitting process for restaurant equipment. This initiative aims to streamline the installation of commercial kitchen equipment, which currently requires permits and scheduled inspections even for items like espresso machines and air fryers. The recommendations are expected to explore expanding virtual inspections for all commercial equipment, extending the self-certification program to commercial contractors, enabling single inspectors for project continuity, and clarifying guidelines for 'like-for-like' equipment replacements that do not require inspections.