Introduction to California’s Housing Law
Gov. Gavin Newsom plans to issue an executive order Wednesday allowing Los Angeles-area governments to limit development in wildfire-affected neighborhoods by exempting them from provisions of a landmark housing law, a spokesperson for his office said.
Background on Senate Bill 9
The proposed order would let the city and county of Los Angeles and Malibu restrict construction that was allowed under Senate Bill 9, a 2021 law that allows property owners build as many as four units on land previously reserved for single-family homes.
Areas Affected by the Executive Order
The order would apply to Pacific Palisades and parts of Malibu and Altadena — areas that burned in January’s Palisades and Eaton fires that are designated as “very high fire hazard severity zones” by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Newsom spokesperson Tara Gallegos said.
Concerns About Population Increase and Fire Evacuations
The decision came after concerns about the potential of a significant population increase if there were widespread use of SB 9 developments in rebuilding areas, making future fire evacuations even more difficult, Gallegos said.
Pressure from Los Angeles Elected Officials
The governor’s plan follows pressure this week from elected officials in Los Angeles. On Monday, City Councilmember Traci Park, who represents Pacific Palisades, sent a letter to Newsom requesting that he suspend SB 9, warning that otherwise there could be “an unforeseen explosion of density” in a risky area.
City Councilmember Traci Park’s Letter
“When SB 9 was adopted into state law, it was never intended to capitalize on a horrific disaster,” Park wrote.
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass’s Statement
On Tuesday, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass released a statement supporting Park’s request, citing similar concerns about SB 9 straining evacuation routes and local infrastructure in the Palisades.
Mayor Bass’s Concerns
“It could fundamentally alter the safety of the area,” Bass said.
Conclusion
The planned executive order by Gov. Gavin Newsom aims to address concerns about the potential risks associated with increased development in wildfire-affected areas. By exempting certain areas from the provisions of Senate Bill 9, the order seeks to balance the need for housing with the need for safety and responsible land use.
FAQs
Q: What is Senate Bill 9?
A: Senate Bill 9 is a 2021 law that allows property owners to build as many as four units on land previously reserved for single-family homes.
Q: Which areas will be exempt from SB 9 under the executive order?
A: The order will apply to Pacific Palisades and parts of Malibu and Altadena, which are designated as “very high fire hazard severity zones” by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Q: Why is Gov. Newsom issuing the executive order?
A: The order is being issued in response to concerns about the potential risks associated with increased development in wildfire-affected areas, including the strain on evacuation routes and local infrastructure.
Q: Who supported the request to suspend SB 9?
A: City Councilmember Traci Park and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass supported the request to suspend SB 9, citing concerns about the potential risks associated with increased development in wildfire-affected areas.
