"YIMBY Law, a San Francisco-based organization, alleges that Newsom's executive order over the summer allowing cities to suspend SB 9 is a constitutional overreach and violates the California Emergency Services Act, which states that emergency powers can only be used to mitigate ongoing disasters, not potential ones. It's the latest chapter in the fight over how much density should be allowed in the rebuilding of fire-stricken communities such as Altadena and Pacific Palisades."
"Proponents of , a 2021 state law that allows homeowners to split single-family lots into as many as four properties, claim it's a valuable tool to address the housing crisis by adding density. They also claim it's a resource for fire victims hoping to sell their properties, since land that can be subdivided is more valuable than a single-family lot."
"Critics claim that the density afforded by SB 9 would destroy the character of single-family neighborhoods, while also slowing down evacuations in fire-prone areas by packing in more homes and residents. Newsom sided with the critics in July, signing an executive order allowing L.A.-area governments to suspend SB 9. Many took him up on the offer immediately, including Mayor Bass, as well as officials in Pasadena, Malibu and L.A. County. All are named in the lawsuit along with Gov. Newsom."
YIMBY Law filed suit against Governor Newsom and several local officials over an executive order allowing L.A.-area governments to suspend SB 9 after January fires. The suit alleges the executive order is a constitutional overreach and violates the California Emergency Services Act by using emergency powers to guard against potential, rather than ongoing, disasters. SB 9 allows homeowners to split single-family lots into up to four properties, increasing land value and providing options for fire victims to sell or subdivide. Proponents cite housing supply and recovery benefits. Critics warn added density could erode neighborhood character and hamper evacuations. Several cities and L.A. County immediately suspended SB 9.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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