Newsom Empowers LA Local Governments to Limit Housing Development in High Fire-Risk Zones

Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order granting local governments in Los Angeles and surrounding fire-affected areas enhanced control over housing developments under Senate Bill 9 (SB 9), which allows lot splits and duplex constructions on single-family lots. This order, effective until August 6, 2025, suspends parts of SB 9 in very high fire hazard severity zones such as the Palisades, Eaton, Altadena, Sunset Mesa, and Malibu, allowing local authorities to impose stricter standards and a seven-day pause on new SB 9 applications. The decision responds to community concerns about overcrowding, safety, and evacuation difficulties experienced during recent wildfires, with residents and officials warning that increased density could hinder emergency egress. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a complementary executive order banning SB 9 applications in the Palisades Fire zone, emphasizing the risk of evacuation bottlenecks and strained infrastructure. Newsom highlighted that the law was not designed for post-fire rebuilding of entire communities and stressed the importance of local discretion to ensure safe and responsive recovery efforts. The executive order remains in effect as long as the state of emergency continues and follows updated fire severity maps that expanded high-risk zones, further justifying the need for tailored housing regulations in these vulnerable areas.