**Mayor Karen Bass Orders Swift Rebuilding Response After Devastating Fires**
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has taken decisive action in the wake of the recent fires that ravaged Pacific Palisades, issuing an executive order aimed at expediting the rebuilding process for homes and businesses destroyed in the disaster.
**Unprecedented Response to Unprecedented Disaster**
Executive Order 1, announced by Mayor Bass on Monday, mandates that city departments complete project reviews within 30 days of receiving a complete application. Additionally, the order waives discretionary hearings under zoning rules, streamlining the rebuilding efforts for property owners as long as they do not increase the size of their structures by more than 10%.
“This unprecedented natural disaster warrants an unprecedented response that will expedite the rebuilding of homes, businesses, and communities,” Mayor Bass stated in a press release. “This order eliminates red tape and bureaucracy, allowing us to focus on urgency, common sense, and compassion. Our priority is to get Angelenos back into their homes as quickly as possible.”
**Support from Governor Newsom and Analysts**
Governor Gavin Newsom also took action to assist in the rebuilding process by waiving regulations under state environmental laws in affected areas outside the city, including the Palisades and Altadena. Mayor Bass had previously expressed support for Governor Newsom’s decision and signaled her intention to implement similar measures at the city level.
Analysts have long identified the bureaucratic building permitting processes in Los Angeles as a significant obstacle to housing development, a challenge that Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom are now addressing head-on.
**Moving Forward with Rebuilding Efforts**
In addition to expediting permit processing, Mayor Bass’s executive order establishes task forces for debris removal, mudslide mitigation, and facilitating temporary occupancy approval for multifamily developments. These initiatives are crucial in ensuring that more housing units become available in the market swiftly.
Azeen Khanmalek, executive director of Abundant Housing LA, commended Mayor Bass’s order as a positive step in the rebuilding process. However, Khanmalek emphasized the need for Los Angeles to do more to accelerate new housing developments citywide, irrespective of whether it involves rebuilding or constructing new properties.
As the city of Los Angeles grapples with the aftermath of the devastating fires, Mayor Bass’s leadership and swift action are poised to make a significant impact on the community’s recovery efforts. Through collaborative efforts with state officials and streamlined rebuilding processes, Angelenos can look forward to rebuilding and restoring their homes and businesses sooner rather than later.
