Unprecedented Response to California Wildfires
Los Angeles Mayor, Bass, has declared an unprecedented response to the devastating wildfires that have ravaged homes, businesses, and communities. The goal is to expedite the rebuilding process by cutting through red tape and bureaucracy to focus on urgency, common sense, and compassion.
Governor Newsom of California has also issued an executive order with similar objectives, aiming to approve permits within 30 days and waiving regulations related to state environmental laws to facilitate the rebuilding process.
Both orders emphasize the importance of increasing resilience to future wildfires in the rebuilding efforts, with a restriction that eligible rebuilds cannot exceed 110% of the previous home’s size.
Although there are no specific mandates related to resilience in rebuilding homes in Newsom’s order, the focus remains on ensuring community resilience, hardening homes, and creating defensible space to mitigate future wildfire risks.
Current Situation
The fires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena continue to pose a threat to residential areas, with the Palisades Fire burning almost 24,000 acres and the Eaton Fire consuming over 14,000 acres. The containment levels remain low, and the presence of dangerous Santa Ana winds further complicates firefighting efforts.
While the executive orders have been mostly well-received, there is still uncertainty surrounding the situation. The housing market may experience fluctuations as a result of the wildfires, with potential pauses in activity followed by a surge in demand. Additionally, concerns about insurance coverage and mortgage forbearance for affected residents add to the complexity of the situation.
For more updates on the LA fires, visit our coverage here.