California adjusts SB 9 rules for fire-prone zones
Iain Hoey
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Fire rebuilding rules change for high-risk zones
Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a new executive order giving local governments greater authority over housing development in very high fire hazard severity zones within Los Angeles County.
The directive applies to areas affected by major fires, known as burn scar zones, and temporarily limits development under Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) while local rules are drawn up.
The Governor’s office said the order is part of wider efforts to support community-led rebuilding in areas affected by recent fire disasters.
It added that the order remains in effect as long as the state of emergency continues.
Seven-day pause and local discretion over SB 9 development
The order includes a seven-day pause on SB 9 developments in affected areas, such as the Palisades in Los Angeles, parts of Altadena, Sunset Mesa, and Malibu.
The Governor’s office said this pause gives time for local authorities to create fire-sensitive rebuilding standards.
Under SB 9, homeowners are allowed to split residential lots and build duplexes, even in single-family zones.
According to the Governor’s office, the new executive order does not remove SB 9 altogether but allows local governments to define where and how it applies within fire-prone areas.
It stated that officials will be able to add requirements or designate exclusion zones based on local risks and needs.
The Governor’s office said this flexibility helps communities align housing recovery with fire safety.
Executive order builds on earlier recovery efforts
The Governor’s office stated that the new order adds to previous steps taken to accelerate recovery in Los Angeles.
It cited earlier executive orders that fast-tracked the rebuilding of homes and schools by suspending permitting rules and certain building codes.
It added that regulations under the California Environmental Quality Act and the California Coastal Act were also temporarily waived to reduce rebuilding delays.
The Governor’s office said this approach aimed to reduce administrative obstacles for survivors seeking to return to safe housing.
It confirmed that state agencies have been instructed not to issue guidance that could contradict these waivers.
Fire response included state and federal coordination
The Governor’s office said the state response began before the fires had fully ignited, with over 16,000 personnel deployed at its peak.
It explained that coordination with federal partners included securing a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration and logistical support from both the Biden and Trump administrations.
The office said these steps helped speed up debris clearance and support affected residents more efficiently.
It also stated that this cooperation helped maintain continuity in federal relief during a presidential transition period.
Hazardous waste removal completed ahead of schedule
According to the Governor’s office, hazardous waste was cleared from 9,000 homes in under 30 days.
It said this pace surpassed the timelines seen during the Camp, Woolsey, and Tubbs fires.
It added that at the peak of the operation, 500 crews from the Army Corps of Engineers were active on site.
These crews were tasked with removing ash, soot, and fire debris following the Eaton and Palisades fires.
The Governor’s office said this contributed to faster recovery and safer rebuilding conditions.
California adjusts SB 9 rules for fire-prone zones: Summary
Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a new executive order on SB 9 development in fire-affected areas.
The order grants local governments discretion over housing rules in very high fire hazard severity zones.
It includes a seven-day pause on new SB 9 development in identified burn scar zones in Los Angeles County.
The Governor’s office said the pause allows time for local standards to be created.
It stated that the SB 9 framework remains in place outside of the specified fire zones.
The order follows earlier measures waiving environmental and coastal permitting laws for recovery efforts.
The state said over 16,000 personnel were involved at the peak of the fire response.
A Presidential Major Disaster Declaration was secured to support affected areas.
Federal and state crews removed debris from 9,000 homes in less than 30 days.
At peak operation, 500 Army Corps of Engineers crews were active on site.