Surfrider stands with Los Angeles and all of those impacted by the devastating 2025 wildfires. We are grieving alongside you over the loss of our friends’ and families’ homes, beloved businesses, and treasured outdoor spaces that we lost in the Hurst, Lidia, Woodley, Kenneth, Eaton, and Palisades Fires.
Executive Orders Impacting the Coastal Zone
While multiple fires burned across Los Angeles County in early January, the Palisades Fire was the only fire within the Coastal Zone, bringing along with it unprecedented challenges and concerns. The California Coastal Commission is the state agency that regulates development in the Coastal Zone. This Commission carries out the requirements of the California Coastal Act, which provides certain exemptions to allow for rapid rebuilding of properties damaged in a natural disaster, such as a fire.
Additionally, after declaring a State of Emergency on January 7, 2025 due to the fires, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Orders to facilitate rapid recovery of fire-impacted areas by minimizing bureaucratic red tape, including:
- Executive Order N-2-25 was issued on January 8, 2025, which suspended environmental rules and regulations in an effort to expedite the debris cleanup process.
- Executive Order N-4-25 was issued on January 12, 2025, to suspend the California Environmental Quality Act and Coastal Act permitting requirements for damaged structures.
- Executive Order N-9-25 was also issued to suspend Coastal Act permit requirements as they apply to the building of new accessory dwelling structures.
- Executive Order N-14-25 was issued on January 27, 2025, to further reiterate that the Coastal Commission’s permitting authority is suspended with respect to cleanup and rebuilding after the fires.
What Does This Mean?
The Governor’s executive actions remove state permitting requirements for those who choose to rebuild. Coastal Commission staff have likewise affirmed the Coastal Act will not impede those who wish to rebuild their homes expeditiously. These orders do not allow property owners to disregard legally required coastal access easements, and these orders do not impact Coastal Act policies outside of the scope of the properties impacted by the disaster.
While it’s clear the Coastal Commission will not stand in the way of those who wish to rebuild after the fires, property owners may still be required to obtain permits, including building permits, from local government agencies such as Los Angeles County or the City of Malibu.
Surfrider has always paid close attention to development along California’s beloved coastline and will continue to do so as plans for rebuilding become known. We – and our incredible grassroots network – have always advocated for the protection of our ocean, waves, and beaches for all people to federal, state, and local governments when they consider approving new projects by the shoreline. We must ensure that coastal access remains affordable and welcoming for everyone.