Newsom Tells Coastal Panel to Stop Contradicting His Orders on Rebuilding

Beachfront homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, Calif., on Jan. 16. Mario Tama/Getty Images

In a dust-up with the state Coastal Commission, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order Jan. 27 reiterating that he has suspended permitting requirements under the California Coastal Act to hasten recovery from fires that ravaged Los Angeles and Ventura counties beginning Jan. 7.

Newsom also directed coastal regulators to stop issuing guidance or enforcing requirements inconsistent with the executive orders he handed down on Jan. 12 and 16.

The governor issued the latest order after the commission published guidance that suggested rebuilds are subject to Coastal Act exemption provisions and procedures. The governor called the guidance “legally erroneous” and alleged it “threatened to create confusion and delay.”

“As the state helps the Los Angeles area rebuild and recover, we will continue to remove barriers and red tape that stand in the way,” he said in a statement.

The Coastal Commission plans and regulates the use of land and water in the state’s coastal zone, a 1.5 million-acre area stretching more than 1,000 miles.

Earlier Orders

In the Jan. 12 order, Newsom suspended permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and California Coastal Act to allow homeowners whose houses were destroyed to rebuild faster.

In his Jan. 16 order, Newsom streamlined the construction and occupancy of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on affected properties, including extending CEQA and Coastal Act exemptions, with the aim of generating more temporary housing. It also suspended fees for mobile home parks for the next three years, directed the governor’s Emergency Services Office to make fairgrounds available to displaced people, and allowed temporary trailers on property being rebuilt.

The Jan. 16 order also waived rules that could prevent hotels, motels, and other short-term rentals from offering shelter to the displaced for more than 30 days. Normally, anyone staying at a hotel, motel, or short-term rental must check out every 30 days to be considered a short-term occupant rather than a tenant. The order suspends the rule until March 8.

The order also extended price gouging prohibitions on short-term stays.

The City of Los Angeles Planning Department acknowledged the executive orders.

“City Planning is streamlining review of eligible rebuilding projects, including suspension of the Coastal Act and California Environmental Quality Act,” the agency wrote.

Newsom declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles and Ventura counties on Jan. 7 amid wind-driven fires that ultimately burned nearly 47,900 acres and destroyed or damaged about 16,100 structures, including homes, small businesses, and places of worship.

The California Coastal Commission didn’t reply to The Epoch Times’ request for comment by publication time.