Executive Order Suspends Environmental Regulations for Wildfire Rebuilding

Regulatory Relief Aims to Accelerate Wildfire Recovery in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties

Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order to expedite the rebuilding process for communities affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. This order clarifies and expands previous exemptions under the California Environmental Quality Act and the California Coastal Act, allowing for quicker rebuilding by suspending permitting requirements for properties that were substantially damaged or destroyed.

The executive order applies to primary structures, accessory structures, and new accessory dwelling units, provided they remain within 110% of their original footprint and height. Supportive infrastructure, such as foundation systems and utilities, is also included in the suspension. Local agencies now have sole authority to determine property eligibility for these suspensions, with their decisions being final and not subject to appeal to state agencies like the California Coastal Commission.

The order also lifts Coastal Act permitting requirements for mobile home parks, manufactured homes, and recreational vehicles serving as temporary or permanent housing for three years, after which local governments may reconsider permit requirements. Building permits in Los Angeles County are valid for three years, and homes built to the 2019 California Building Standards Code can be reconstructed without additional review, though they must comply with updated 2022 floodplain elevation standards.

In Los Angeles, the order suspends affordability requirements for replacement housing in certain scenarios, although rent-controlled units must still be replaced as per local ordinances. Displaced tenants retain a right of first refusal to return. Projects for rebuilding homes with three or fewer units are not classified as “new housing development” or “conversion or demolition” under state law, to prevent delays. Additionally, local governments receive temporary relief from deadlines to update zoning ordinances.

Governor Newsom emphasized, “We will not let overly strict regulations get in the way of rebuilding these communities. The state stands with its local partners to ensure that we cut red tape and make recovery as easy as possible.”

The order also suspends provisions of the Fish and Game Code that might hinder emergency rebuilding, ensuring that reconstruction efforts are not delayed by additional environmental reviews.

Related Posts

Debris Removal Deadline Extended, Eligibility Expanded for Condos and Multi-Family Homes

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

Officials continue to push for eligibility expansion to include nonprofit organizations, houses of worship, mobile home parks, and additional multi-family...

Palisades Youth Soccer Team Fundraises to Compete in Sweden Tournament

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

The team is raising funds through GoFundMe, with donations aimed at covering travel costs, accommodations, and fees A youth soccer...

Seven-Bedroom Venice Pad on Shell Ave. Hits Market at Under $7M

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

The home sits on a 5,740-square-foot lot and includes a two-car garage A newly listed property in Venice, featuring modern...

School of Rock Students Shine in Winter Performance Despite Widespread Fires

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

Summer Camp Registration Opens Now By Susan Payne Wildfire devastation wreaked havoc in areas of Los Angeles this January with...

City Approves Redevelopment Deal for Civic Auditorium

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

Officials said the next phase of the process includes site analyses to assess redevelopment viability The Santa Monica City Council...

LAPD Cadets to Host E-Waste Donation Drive in Pacific Area

March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025

Donations of items such as smartphones, televisions, laptops, monitors, printers, and tablets will be accepted The Pacific Area Boosters Association...

THIS WEEKEND: Palisades High to Host Benefit to Support Displaced Students

March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025

The evening aims to bring the Pali High community together while raising funds through sponsorships, donations, and an ongoing online...

March Madness Celebration Coming to Santa Monica Pier

March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025

The celebration will culminate in an evening viewing party at Patio 66, where fans can watch the games while enjoying...

ARCANE Space to Debut “11th Place” Exhibit by Dominick Vanderlip

March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025

Vanderlip’s work explores themes of rebellion, survival, and introspection ARCANE Space will host 11th Place, a solo exhibition by artist...

Bacio di Latte Set to Serve Gelato From New Downtown Santa Monica Spot

March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025

Bacio di Latte offers a range of flavors, including classic options like Stracciatella, Pistachio, and Hazelnut Italian gelato chain Bacio...

Palisades Council Opposes Housing Density Bill, Emphasizes Rebuilding Priorities

March 26, 2025

March 26, 2025

The council urged state lawmakers to oppose SB 677 and called on Los Angeles City Councilmember Park to introduce a...

Pavilions Motel Ordered to Close After Public Nuisance Ruling

March 26, 2025

March 26, 2025

The ruling means the motel must shut down and cannot reopen under the current ownership for at least one year...

Cinque Terre West Reopens in Venice After Palisades Closure

March 26, 2025

March 26, 2025

The Vinzonis have now joined The Colony, a food hall in Venice, to continue serving their signature dishes Nine months...

Saint Monica Prep Welcomes New President

March 26, 2025

March 26, 2025

She has served as principal of Seattle Preparatory School since 2016, brings extensive experience in Catholic education Saint Monica Preparatory...

Hundreds March in Santa Monica to Advocate for Immigrant Rights

March 26, 2025

March 26, 2025

The march took place amid growing tensions over immigration policy at the national level Several hundred demonstrators marched through the...