Challenges of Rebuilding in L.A. County: State Housing Laws vs. Advocates’ Views

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County Supervisors in L.A. County, Kathryn Barger, and Lindsey Horvath have proposed a motion with 41 steps to accelerate the recovery process in areas affected by recent wildfires, sparking controversy among housing advocates. The motion includes a request to Governor Gavin Newsom for a temporary waiver of crucial state housing laws, such as Senate Bill 330 and the Density Bonus Law, to facilitate the creation of affordable housing.

Amy Bodek, head of the county planning department, expressed concerns that these state laws could impede the recovery process by prioritizing density over the needs of homeowners seeking to rebuild their properties. She emphasized the importance of providing the community with the opportunity to return without facing immediate displacement, leading to the call for a five-year waiver for unincorporated areas like Altadena and regions impacted by the Palisades fire.

At a recent Board of Supervisors meeting, housing advocates raised objections to the county’s waiver proposal, arguing that it would eliminate essential restrictions designed to address the affordable housing crisis in the region. Nolan Gray, senior director of legislation and research for California YIMBY, highlighted the positive impact of existing laws in promoting the construction of thousands of affordable units statewide, suggesting that the proposed waiver would not serve the community’s best interests.

Chris Elmendorf, a law professor at UC Davis specializing in California housing law, criticized the county’s broad request for a waiver in vaguely defined “fire impacted communities,” questioning whether the focus should be on expediting housing construction in those areas to facilitate a swift return for residents.

Despite the pushback from housing advocates, Barger and Bodek reiterated the county’s commitment to housing initiatives and rebuilding efforts. Bodek acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the governor’s response to the waiver request but viewed the proposal as a starting point for discussions with the state. This discussion unfolded within a larger context of preparing for a surge in permit applications for rebuilding in fire-damaged areas.

The county’s planning department anticipates a substantial influx of permit applications, with projections of up to 8,000 applications from homeowners affected by the Eaton fire and 600 from the Palisades fire. Bodek emphasized the strain this volume of applications would place on existing departmental resources, stressing the need for additional staffing to manage the workload effectively.

Mark Pestrella, head of the county public works department, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the monumental task of repairing utilities in fire-affected regions. He highlighted the necessity of establishing a specialized public works department to meet the rebuilding needs of communities like Altadena effectively.

The financial implications of these rebuilding efforts are significant, with estimates suggesting costs in the billions for the county. County officials are hopeful that federal funding will help offset these expenses, particularly in light of recent developments at the White House. A federal order freezing trillions in grants and loans was swiftly blocked by a federal judge, prompting concerns about the potential impact on county resources.

Fesia Davenport, the county’s chief executive, expressed apprehension about the uncertainty surrounding federal funding and emphasized the importance of understanding the implications for the county’s financial outlook. As discussions continue around the waiver request and rebuilding efforts, the county faces a complex balancing act between expediting recovery and addressing the long-term housing needs of affected communities.

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