Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on Jan. 12, 2025 suspending permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act, allowing victims of the recent Los Angeles fires 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 Gov. Newsom. “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.”
According to the website of the California Governor, The executive order issued by Governor Newsom will:
- Suspend CEQA review and California Coastal Act permitting for reconstruction of properties substantially damaged or destroyed in recent Southern California wildfires.
- 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 while enhancing wildfire resilience and safety.
A copy of the executive order can be found here.
Photo credit: AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill (License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)
