California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the California Coastal Commission to back off from anything that would delay the rebuilding efforts in the Los Angeles area following the devastating wildfires.
Newsom issued an executive order on Monday which also relaxes the rules to help victims have better access to hotels and short-term rentals.
Driving the news: On Jan. 12, Newsom issued an executive order waiving the requirements to rebuild homes under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the Coastal Act.
- He issued another executive order on Jan. 16 to streamline the construction of accessory dwelling units on properties that were destroyed by the fires.
- But the California Coastal Commission issued guidance saying that rebuilds are subject to Coastal Act exemption provisions, contrary to Newsom’s order.
The big picture: Newsom’s latest order referred to the commission’s guidance as “legally erroneous.”
- The commission is now barred from issuing guidance or attempting to enforce permitting requirements that conflict with Newsom’s previous executive orders.
- The new order also temporarily allows wildfire victims to remain classified as short-term occupants instead of tenants when they stay in hotels or short-term rentals beyond 30 days.
What they’re saying: “As the state helps the Los Angeles area rebuild and recover, we will continue to remove barriers and red tape that stand in the way,” Newsom said. “We will not let over-regulation stop us from helping the LA community rebuild and recover.”
- Coastal Commission Executive Kate Huckelbridge released a statement saying the commission will work together with Newsom.
- “The damage caused by the fires in Los Angeles is unprecedented, and the state’s response must rise to meet this challenge,” Huckelbridge said. “As the governor has emphasized, the Coastal Act will not slow or hinder rebuilding efforts. Coastal permitting requirements have been suspended for fire-impacted areas in Los Angeles to facilitate rapid recovery.”