Gov. Gavin Newsom signs new executive order to help Los Angeles rebuild faster

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a new executive order aimed at helping Los Angeles rebuild after recent firestorms have devastated entire communities and killed at least 16 people.

Newsom's new order will suspend permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act and the California Coastal Act that will allow victims to rebuild their homes and businesses faster.

The recent wildfires have damaged over 10,000 structures including entire buildings and homes as well as garages, sheds and even automobile vehicles, according to Cal Fire.

"When the fires are extinguished, victims who have lost their homes and businesses must be able to rebuild quickly and without roadblocks. The executive order I signed today will help cut permitting delays, an important first step in allowing our communities to recover faster and stronger," Newsom said.

In his order, Newsom also called on state agencies to identify additional permitting requirements and provisions of the Building Code that can safely be "suspended or streamlined" to accelerate the rebuilding process.

To prevent price gouging on building materials, construction and storage services, Newsom extended protections until Jan. 7, 2026, in Los Angeles County. 

Last week, Newsom declared a state of emergency which was approved by the Federal Emergency Management Assistant Grant. The declaration will allow for "local, state, and tribal agencies responding to the fire to apply for 75 percent reimbursement of their eligible fire suppression costs," Newsom's release said.