California Governor Newsom issued an executive order on January 27 amid a dispute with the California Coastal Commission, reiterating his suspension of permit requirements under the California Coastal Act to expedite the recovery process from the wildfires that have plagued Los Angeles and Ventura County since the 7th of the month.
The Coastal Commission is responsible for planning and regulating land and water use along the coast of California, covering an area of 1.5 million acres spanning over 1,000 miles. Newsom also instructed the department to cease issuing guidance that contradicts the executive orders he issued on the 12th and 16th.
The guidance issued by the Coastal Commission suggested that rebuilding projects should comply with the exemptions and procedures of the California Coastal Act; however, Newsom deemed the guidance as “legally incorrect” and stated that it “may cause confusion and delays.”
Newsom stated, “As we continue to assist the Los Angeles area in rebuilding and recovering, we will keep eliminating obstacles and bureaucratic processes that hinder reconstruction.”
In the order issued on the 12th, Newsom suspended permit and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act to allow homeowners whose houses were destroyed to rebuild more quickly.
In the order issued on the 16th, Newsom streamlined the construction and occupancy process for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on affected properties, including extending the exemptions under CEQA and the Coastal Act to increase temporary housing.
The order also waived fees for mobile home parks for the next three years and directed the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to open campsites for displaced individuals and allow temporary trailers to be parked on land undergoing reconstruction.
The order on the 16th also removed the rule that prevented hotels, motels, and other short-term rentals from providing shelter to homeless individuals for more than 30 days. Typically, individuals staying in these establishments have to check out every 30 days to be considered short-term guests rather than tenants. This provision was suspended by the order until March 8.
The order also extended the ban on price gouging for short-term accommodations.
The Los Angeles City Planning Department acknowledged these executive orders and stated that they are “simplifying the review process for qualifying rebuilding projects, including suspending the requirements of the California Coastal Act and the California Environmental Quality Act.”
Newsom declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles and Ventura County on the 7th. Strong winds fueled the spread of wildfires, which have burnt over 50,000 acres of land (nearly 50,000 acres in Los Angeles County alone) and destroyed more than 16,200 structures, including homes, small businesses, and religious institutions.
The California Coastal Commission did not respond to Epoch Times’ request for comment at the time of publication.