Governor executive order on rebuilding

Gavin Newsom gave signed orders on rebuilding damaged properties and sites.

This Executive Order is designed to help people whose homes were damaged or destroyed by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties rebuild and recover more quickly. Here are the key ways it benefits homeowners:

Streamlined Rebuilding and Permitting: The Order directs state agencies to speed up the permitting process and remove regulatory barriers so that affected homeowners can start rebuilding as soon as possible.

Price Gouging Protections: The Order enforces restrictions on price gouging—particularly for building materials, temporary housing, and related services—so that homeowners aren’t taken advantage of during the rebuilding process.

Property Tax Relief: If your home is substantially damaged or destroyed, the Order facilitates the transfer of its base year property tax value to a replacement property, allowing you to rebuild or buy a new home without facing a full property tax reassessment.

Encouragement of Resilient Rebuilds: The Order highlights the importance of rebuilding homes in a way that is more resistant to future fires, such as adding defensible space and strengthening structures against wind and wildfire risks.

I highly promote using Resilient design for the reconstruction, using proven and existing code, such as VHFHZ and Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) requirements and Type II (Noncombustible) or III construction (Noncombustible Exterior Walls + Combustible Interior).

Studio North is committed to provide pro-bono services to families affected by the Eaton fire: evaluation of existing damaged homes and site; guidance on next steps (permits and design); and referrals to licensed experienced professional (engineers, contractors and architects).

https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/EO-N-4-25-Rebuilding-Final-signed.pdf