Subject Line: News Alert: Mayor Bass Issues Executive Order to Expedite Rebuilding After Firestorm

On January 13th, Mayor Karen Bass issued an Executive Order to accelerate recovery and rebuilding efforts for Los Angeles residents affected by the firestorm that began on January 7th.  This unprecedented natural disaster has destroyed thousands of homes, forced over 80,000 residents to evacuate, and burned nearly 25,000 acres.  The Mayor’s order eliminates key regulatory barriers and provides immediate relief to impacted communities, including the commitment to review and approve building permits within 30 days for structures that were damaged or destroyed by the fires. Further guidance on the order will be issued and the Somos team has been in direct communication with the City to assess this new permitting landscape. 

Summary of Key Features of the Order

The Executive Order establishes a Debris Removal Task Force to oversee cleanup efforts, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and prioritizing public health.  A Watershed Hazards Task Force will work to mitigate risks of flash floods, mudslides, and debris flows, working with local, state, and federal agencies.

To facilitate rebuilding, a Disaster Recovery Permitting Center will be established in impacted areas. This center will consolidate permitting services and be staffed by representatives from key city departments and agencies such as FEMA. The order mandates that building permits for eligible reconstruction projects be reviewed and approved within 30 days, with inspections conducted within two business days of request submissions. Discretionary reviews, including California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements, are waived for eligible rebuilding projects staying within 110% of the original size, unless they meet zoning standards.

Displaced residents are permitted to use recreational vehicles, tiny homes, modular structures, or mobile homes on their properties during reconstruction for up to three years. Additionally, the City is expediting temporary certificates of occupancy for 1,400 multi-family housing units nearing completion.

City departments are directed to report back with recommendations for additional state and federal regulatory relief and funding needs within seven days of the issuance of the order. A dedicated Department Strike Force will identify and address administrative barriers to ensure the rebuilding process proceeds smoothly. 

Read the full Executive Order here: https://mayor.lacity.gov/news/mayor-bass-issues-sweeping-executive-order-clear-way-angelenos-rebuild-their-homes-fast

Please contact Alfred Fraijo at alfred@somosgroup.org for further information.

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The information provided by Somos presents general information and should not be relied on as legal advice when analyzing and resolving a specific legal issue. If you have specific questions regarding a particular matter, please reach out and consult with Somos about a specific matter or law.