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os Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has issued an executive order to speed up rebuilding efforts in areas affected by the recent wildfires. The order, Executive Order 1, requires city departments to complete project reviews within 30 days and waives discretionary hearings under zoning rules for property owners who don't increase their homes or businesses by more than 10%. This applies mainly to victims of the Palisades fire.

    The order also establishes task forces for debris removal, mudslide mitigation, and temporary occupancy approval for apartment developments nearing completion. Bass stated that the order aims to "clear away red tape and bureaucracy" to expedite rebuilding efforts with urgency, common sense, and compassion.

    This move follows Governor Gavin Newsom's executive order waiving state environmental regulations to speed up rebuilding in fire-devastated areas across Los Angeles County. Analysts have long criticized the city's lengthy building permit process as a major roadblock to home development.

    Real estate brokers had called for Bass and Newsom to address restrictive laws, regulations, and building codes hindering rebuilding efforts. Azeen Khanmalek, executive director of Abundant Housing LA, praised Bass' order but urged Los Angeles to do more to fast-track new housing developments in affected areas, citing the city's pre-existing housing crunch and thousands of displaced households.