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Land UsePlanning & DensityVHFHSZ
This California legislation adds Section 51182.5 to the Government Code, prohibiting new residential, commercial, retail, or industrial development in very high fire hazard severity zones or state responsibility areas unless counties and cities comply with state fire hazard planning guidance. The law includes exceptions for repairs, reconstruction of damaged structures, essential public services infrastructure, and fire prevention facilities.
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Public SafetyWracPlanning & DensityWildfire Prevention
The Pacific Palisades Community Council submitted suggested amendments to SB 55 to Senators Ben Allen and Henry Stern, proposing clarifications that would allow property owners in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone to rebuild or develop residential and commercially-zoned properties on a 1:1 basis while preserving single-family residential neighborhoods and preventing increased density. The council's recommendations address the rebuilding of legal structures, development of vacant properties, and construction of accessory dwelling units on parcels purchased prior to the legislation's effective date.
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Land UseWracPlanning & Density
Pacific Palisades Community Council submitted a letter opposing Senate Bill 290, which would remove local governments' ability to refuse development concessions or waivers based on adverse impacts to the physical environment. The council urged a vote against the bill unless amended to preserve local authority over environmental assessments.
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Land UseLegislationPlanning & Density
This document provides background information on WRAC's past positions regarding affordable housing legislation and presents two pending bills, SB 15 and SCA 2, as positive alternatives to density mandate bills that WRAC has opposed. SB 15 would provide incentive grants for cities to voluntarily rezone idle retail sites for workforce housing, while SCA 2 would repeal California's Article 34 constitutional amendment that discourages public housing development.
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Land UseMinutesMotionsWracPlanning & Density
The Pacific Palisades Community Council submitted comments on the scope of the Environmental Impact Report for the Citywide Housing Element 2021-2029 Update, expressing concerns about potential increased housing density in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and requesting that the EIR analyze impacts on emergency evacuation, wildfire risk, and scenic resources. The Council disagreed with several findings of less than significant impact in the Initial Study, particularly regarding hazards, wildfire, and aesthetics.
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Land UseEventsMinutesPlanning & Density
Councilmember Mike Bonin requests that a wildfire study be included in the Housing Element 2021-2029 and Safety Element Updates' Draft Environmental Impact Report, citing concerns about increased vulnerability to wildfires in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and the cumulative impacts of development in wildland urban interface areas. He emphasizes the need for CEQA analysis to address how development in hillside communities may exacerbate wildfire conditions and threaten residents through increased risks of debris flows, landslides, and flooding.
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Land UseMinutesMotionsWracPlanning & Density
The Pacific Palisades Community Council submitted comments on the Citywide Housing Element 2021-2029 Update EIR, expressing concerns about increased housing density in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, limited evacuation routes, potential impacts on scenic resources, and the lack of concurrent updates to local community plans. The council requested that the EIR analyze potential significant environmental impacts from a range of realistic rezoning possibilities that may be assigned to Pacific Palisades.
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Land UsePlanning & Density
Pacific Palisades Community Council submitted a letter on February 3, 2021 opposing Senate Bills 9 and 10, citing concerns about public safety in fire hazard zones, violations of local control and democratic principles, and failure to ensure affordable housing requirements. The council passed two motions detailing specific objections to each bill, including claims that they violate the California Coastal Act and Environmental Quality Act.
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Land UsePlanning & Density
Pacific Palisades Community Council submitted a letter on February 3, 2021 opposing Senate Bills 9 and 10, citing concerns about public safety in fire hazard zones, violations of local control and democratic principles, and failure to ensure affordable housing requirements. The council passed motions opposing both bills, arguing they lack exemptions for the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and bypass required environmental and coastal zone reviews.
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GovernanceWracPlanning & Density
The Pacific Palisades Community Council unanimously voted to oppose Senate Bill 9, which would allow ministerial approval of lot splits and dual residential units in single-family zones, and to support a Los Angeles City Council resolution opposing the bill. The council's opposition is based on concerns regarding violations of local control, the California Coastal Act, environmental review requirements, public safety in fire hazard zones, and failure to address affordable housing.