Los Angeles, CA — In response to the devastation caused by recent wildfires, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion to request the state government to relax certain building regulations for affected areas. This decision aims to streamline the rebuilding process for residents grappling with the loss of their homes.
The proposal, initiated by Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Lindsay Horvath, seeks to implement extraordinary measures to make rebuilding easier and less bureaucratic for those impacted. The suggested changes include temporary suspensions of state mandates such as mandatory solar panels on new residences and specific battery storage systems.
During a public session, Horvath expressed the urgency of the situation, highlighting the financial burdens residents face in rebuilding efforts that meet modern standards. The supervisors emphasized the necessity of clear and immediate actions to aid community recovery, with Horvath asserting the county’s commitment to assisting residents without delay.
The request includes proposals that could potentially waive public consultation requirements typically necessary for affordable housing projects within the burn zones, along with suspensions of density regulations and stipulations for construction in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
Supervisor Barger reassured that these measures are meant as temporary relief to facilitate swift and fair recovery and are not intended to permanently alter or undermine existing environmental and building standards across the county or state.
In addition to regulatory relief, the board’s motion would permit the Public Works Department more flexibility in altering or initiating contracts without the standard competitive bidding procedures, aiming to hasten infrastructure and public utility repairs essential for community rehabilitation.
However, this motion has faced criticism from various housing advocates and environmental groups, who argue that loosening these regulations could reduce the overall number of housing units built and diminish the state’s ability to oversee the reconstruction efforts effectively. Critics like Janet Cox, CEO of Climate Action California, have expressed concerns over the need for a more inclusive decision-making process to establish appropriate standards moving forward.
Courtney Alicia Miles, from Abundant Housing L.A., emphasized the importance of rebuilding sustainably. Miles warned that bypassing regular procedures could hinder the development of resilient and equitable communities rather than expedite recovery.
This initiative reflects a broader confrontation between immediate recovery needs and long-term community sustainability and safety standards. As the motion now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom for consideration, it fuels a pivotal debate on balancing swift action with meticulous planning in disaster-stricken zones.
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