In a significant move following the devastation caused by the January fire in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced a ban on duplex projects in the area.
This decision came shortly after Governor Gavin Newsom issued an order that permits local governments to suspend a state housing density law in regions affected by wildfires.
The law in question, known as Senate Bill 9 (SB 9), previously allowed homeowners to build duplexes and split their lots, potentially increasing housing density substantially on single-family zoned land.
Currently, approximately 72% of residential land in Los Angeles is designated for single-family homes.
Mayor Bass stated, “SB 9 was not originally intended to be used in the rebuilding of a community that was decimated by the worst natural disaster L.A. has ever seen.”
Expressing gratitude towards Governor Newsom for his executive order, Bass confirmed it grants local authorities the discretion to suspend SB 9 in high fire-hazard areas such as Pacific Palisades, Sunset Mesa, Malibu, and eastern foothills of Altadena.
This executive action is a direct response to concerns raised by local officials and community members about the appropriateness of SB 9 amidst recovery efforts.
In a statement, Newsom highlighted the need for local adaptability in disaster recovery, stating that not all laws are suitable for the reconstruction of communities devastated in such a short span.
The urgency for this ban arose as residents of Pacific Palisades, alongside local city councilmember Traci Park, urged the cancellation of SB 9’s application in their neighborhood.
Concerns were voiced regarding the potential increase in population density, which might complicate evacuation processes during emergencies.
Residents also cited that multi-family constructions could disrupt the “quiet, low-density” character that defines their community.
Despite the relatively small number of applications received for SB 9—only seven since January amidst about 400 rebuilding applications—homeowner groups have expressed their discontent on social media.
They argue that such developments could enable “opportunistic developers” to create unsafe, dense housing in the narrow, winding streets of the neighborhood.
Spencer Pratt, a reality TV personality whose family lost their home in the fire, became an outspoken opponent of the state’s response.
In a TikTok video, Pratt warned, “On one single-family lot, there could be up to eight to 12 new cars on a street that fire trucks couldn’t even fit on.”
He urged the public to message Newsom, Bass, and Senator Ben Allen to halt SB 9 in the Palisades immediately.
Supporters of SB 9 had envisioned the law providing displaced renters with additional options to return to the costly neighborhood, but the law stipulates that only those homeowners who plan to occupy the properties for at least three years can take advantage of lot splitting.
The ongoing dialogue reflects broader tensions between housing regulations and community needs in the aftermath of significant calamities, demonstrating the complexities inherent in urban planning and disaster recovery.
image source from：laist
