Governor Newsom Issues Executive Order to Limit SB 9 Development in High Fire Hazard Zones

Strategic Insights -

In response to local concerns and the need to ensure safe rebuilding in areas affected by the Los Angeles fires, California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order granting local governments stronger authority to limit Senate Bill 9 development in high fire hazard severity zones. The order remains in effect as long as the state of emergency remains active, providing local governments with the flexibility to tailor standards based on community needs while addressing fire-resilient and safe recovery.

Key Takeaways:

  • The executive order grants local governments authority to adjust rules for SB 9 development in very high fire severity zones within the LA fire burn scars, including the Palisades, eastern foothills of Altadena, Sunset Mesa, and Malibu.
  • The order includes a seven-day pause on SB 9 development in these specific areas to allow locals to develop their own standards.
  • Local governments have the flexibility to add additional mitigation requirements or designate areas within the affected zones where SB 9 development is or isn't allowed.
  • The order is consistent with the state's commitment to increasing the state's housing supply and supporting local officials in rebuilding their communities.
  • It leaves the SB 9 framework in place everywhere other than very high fire hazard severity zones in the burn scar.
  • The Governor has issued several orders to help the Los Angeles community recover and rebuild, including suspending permitting laws and building codes, cutting red tape, and streamlining rebuilding efforts.
  • The Governor has also deployed resources before the hurricane-force fires broke out, growing to over 16,000 boots on the ground at the peak of the state's response.

Statistics:

  • 16,000 first responders and recovery personnel deployed
  • $2.5 billion in Small Business Administration Assistance approved
  • $144.2 million in individual assistance disbursed
  • $100 million in dedicated community partnerships through LA Rises
  • 40,000 total visitors to disaster recovery centers
  • 30 days to clear properties of hazardous waste
  • 9,195 properties cleared of debris
  • 2,300 homes cleared of debris
  • 12,500 right of entry forms submitted
  • 8 of 8 schools resumed in-person instruction
  • 9 of 9 water systems reactivated

Sources:

  • Office of the Governor of California: Governor Gavin Newsom's Executive Order (no date)
  • Source information is not provided in the original text.
  • The information provided is based on the exact text of the original release from the Office of the Governor of California.