Newsom signs executive order to help LA county rebuild faster
Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order Sunday to streamline the rebuilding of homes and businesses destroyed in the fires.
The order suspends permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act to allow victims to restore their homes and businesses faster.
"When the fires are extinguished, victims who have lost their homes and businesses must be able to rebuild quickly and without roadblocks," said Newsom in a statement. "The executive order I signed today will help cut permitting delays, an important first step in allowing our communities to recover faster and stronger. I've also ordered our state agencies to identify additional ways to streamline the rebuilding and recovery process."
The executive order will do the following:
- Suspend CEQA review and California Coastal Act permitting for reconstruction of properties substantially damaged or destroyed
- Direct state agencies to identify additional permitting requirements, including provisions of the Building Code, that can safely be suspended or streamlined to accelerate rebuilding and make it more affordable.
- Extend protections against price gouging on building materials, storage services, construction, and other essential goods and services to January 7, 2026, in Los Angeles County.
- Commit to working with the Legislature to identify statutory changes that can help expedite rebuilding
A copy of the executive order can be found here.