Taco Bell Secures Fast-Track Plan Check Approval for Bakersfield Mall TI

Permit Place recently provided permit expediting services for a Taco Bell tenant improvement (TI) in a Bakersfield, CA mall, on behalf of Lennox NAS.

The project involved securing approvals for a restaurant TI within an existing mall location, coordinating closely with the City of Bakersfield Development Services Department – Building Permits Division.

From initial plan intake to plan check approval, the project was completed in just 2 days. This rapid turnaround was achieved through careful upfront planning, a disciplined due diligence process, and coordinated communication between the client, design team, mall ownership, and the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).

Challenges

This Taco Bell tenant improvement moved smoothly through the City of Bakersfield Development Services Department. While the jurisdiction issued some standard prescreen comments, there were no major obstacles or resubmittals required. Because of the Permit Place team’s preparation and planning, comments were minimal, quickly addressed, and resolved in the first review cycle.

Solutions and Strategies

The team’s due diligence process was key to streamlining the TI approval. By confirming submittal requirements, aligning drawings with AHJ expectations, and planning a strategic application package in advance, Permit Place minimized surprises during review. Proactive measures included:

• Early coordination on mall-specific requirements
• Responsive communication with plan reviewers
• Immediate handling of prescreen comments

Project Wins

The Taco Bell mall TI received first-round plan check approval in only 2 days, keeping the construction schedule on track and avoiding costly delays. Even as a standalone (non-program) project, Permit Place applied the same rigor and systems used for large national programs—demonstrating the company’s ability to deliver fast, predictable outcomes for restaurant tenant improvements in busy mall environments.