California Governor Waives Coastal Permitting Rules to Accelerate Wildfire Recovery

Coastline homes damaged and destroyed by the Palisades Fire, and some spared, are seen from the water, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, in Malibu, Calif. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
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MALIBU, CA — California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order Monday suspending key coastal development regulations to fast-track rebuilding efforts for thousands of residents displaced by the catastrophic Palisades and Eaton wildfires, which have killed at least 27 people and incinerated entire neighborhoods since igniting earlier this month.

The order temporarily bypasses permitting requirements under the California Coastal Act and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), streamlining reconstruction for over 38,000 acres of fire-ravaged land spanning coastal Malibu to inland communities. Newsom also barred the California Coastal Commission from enforcing rules that could delay recovery, declaring the state would "not let over-regulation stand in the way" of rebuilding Los Angeles-area communities.

"These fires have upended lives and livelihoods," Newsom said. "We’re cutting red tape to help families get back on their feet as quickly as possible."

Federal Aid, Housing Extensions Activated
The move comes as the Biden administration greenlit federal debris removal assistance, with FEMA tasked to execute a bulk cleanup plan within five days. Meanwhile, Newsom’s order extends temporary housing protections, allowing displaced residents to stay in hotels or short-term rentals beyond 30 days without triggering tenant laws until March 8.

The twin wildfires, fueled by extreme Santa Ana winds and historic drought conditions, have caused an estimated 250billionineconomiclosses—potentiallysurpassingHurricaneKatrinaasthecostliestU.S.disaster.Insuranceanalystsprojectclaimscouldreach20 billion, Reuters reported.

Rebuilding Challenges Ahead
While the order eases permitting, experts warn the path to recovery remains fraught. "Rebuilding homes is the easy part," said Tom Grable of Tri Pointe Homes. "Restoring burned lots to buildable conditions will be the real hurdle."

AccuWeather’s Jonathan Porter added: "Many families may never financially recover. The emotional and economic toll will linger for years."

New Threats Emerge After Rain
A weekend storm brought minimal relief but heightened risks of mudslides in fire-scarred zones, prompting school closures and a shutdown of the 5 Freeway Monday. Meteorologists compared the danger to Montecito’s deadly 2018 debris flows, which killed 23 after heavy rains hit burn areas.

As containment of the fires nears 100%, state and local officials urge residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert. "These burn scars are ticking time bombs," warned NWS meteorologist Joe Sirard.

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