Following recent firestorms that destroyed communities and claimed at least 16 lives, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new executive order to aid in the reconstruction of Los Angeles.
In order to expedite the process of rebuilding homes and businesses, Newsom’s new order will suspend the California Environmental Quality Act’s and the California Coastal Act’s permitting and review processes.
“Victims who have lost their homes and businesses must be able to rebuild swiftly and without obstacles after the fires are put out. An essential first step in enabling our communities to recover more quickly and robustly is reducing permitting delays, which is what the executive order I signed today will help achieve,” Newsom stated. Additionally, I’ve directed our state agencies to find more ways to expedite the process of recovery and reconstruction.”
In order to speed up the reconstruction process, Newsom’s directive urged state agencies to determine if other Building Code rules and permitting processes may be “suspended or streamlined” in a safe manner.
Newsom expanded protections in Los Angeles County until January 7, 2026, to stop price gouging on construction, building materials, and storage services.