Homeowner's Guide to Los Angeles' Wildfire Executive Orders

 

The devastation caused by recent wildfires in Los Angeles has left many families and businesses facing the difficult task of rebuilding. Recognizing the urgency and complexity of this recovery effort, Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom have issued executive orders to streamline rebuilding processes, waive specific regulatory requirements, and support affected communities.

If you are among those impacted by the wildfires, these orders include provisions that can help you repair, restore, or rebuild your property more quickly and efficiently. Here's what you need to know.

Karen Bass Executive Order: Key Provisions for Rebuilding

Mayor Karen Bass’s executive order provides detailed guidance for “Eligible Projects” – those related to repairing, restoring, demolishing, or replacing structures or facilities substantially damaged or destroyed by the wildfires. Below are the main points:

1. Streamlined Project Review

Eligible projects benefit from a streamlined ministerial review process, bypassing discretionary reviews typically required by the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC). This fast-tracks approvals and avoids delays caused by public hearings and appeals.

2. Non-Conforming Buildings Allowed

If your property had legal non-conforming uses or designs (such as setbacks, height, or density), you can rebuild to those specifications as long as the new structure:

  • Does not exceed 110% of the original square footage, height, or bulk.

  • Complies with the original use (e.g., residential properties must remain residential).

3. Waived Demolition Permits

For structures substantially damaged by the fires, you no longer need a demolition permit, provided you notify the Department of Building and Safety and follow disposal regulations.

4. Temporary Housing Allowed

To accommodate displaced residents during rebuilding, properties can host recreational vehicles, tiny homes, modular structures, or mobile homes for up to three years, or longer if a valid building permit remains active.

5. Historic Property Guidance

For properties with historic designations, the Department of City Planning will issue guidance on appropriate treatments to maintain historical integrity during reconstruction.

6. Support for Multi-Family Housing

An interdepartmental task force will expedite Temporary Certificates of Occupancy for multi-family residential projects nearing completion, increasing housing availability in affected areas.

7. Coastal Zone Exemptions

Projects in coastal areas will be exempt from Coastal Development Permit requirements, provided they meet eligibility criteria.

Gavin Newsom Executive Order: State-Level Support

Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order complements local efforts, further reducing bureaucratic barriers to rebuilding:

1. Suspension of CEQA and Coastal Act Permits

The order suspends:

  • The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for eligible projects, allowing repairs and rebuilding to proceed without time-consuming environmental reviews.

  • Permits required under the California Coastal Act, provided projects stay within 110% of the original footprint and height.

2. Protection Against Price Gouging

The executive order extends protections against price gouging in Los Angeles County until January 7, 2026, helping to prevent exploitation during recovery.

3. Statewide Coordination

State agencies, including the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), are tasked with identifying and reporting on additional permitting barriers that could be suspended to expedite rebuilding efforts.

What This Means for You

If you are a homeowner, business owner, or developer rebuilding in Los Angeles, these executive orders offer significant benefits:

  • Faster Approvals: Avoid lengthy review and permitting processes, especially for projects that comply with eligibility criteria.

  • Flexibility for Rebuilding: Restore properties even if they had non-conforming features under previous zoning laws.

  • Temporary Living Solutions: Use modular structures or RVs on your property during the rebuilding period.

  • Cost Savings: Skip certain permit fees and comply with fewer regulatory hurdles.

How We Can Help

At Ziese Architecture, we want to help the communities affected navigate the complexities of post-disaster rebuilding. Our team is ready to help you:

  • Assess your property and determine eligibility under these executive orders.

  • Design and submit plans that comply with the new streamlined processes.

  • Manage temporary housing solutions during reconstruction.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions, or send any inquiries to info@ziesearchitecture.com

 
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