SB 9 Paused in Pacific Palisades Fire Zone Following Mayor’s Order
Mayor Karen Bass has temporarily halted new SB 9 housing developments in Pacific Palisades. This decision follows a wildfire that caused dangerous evacuation conditions in the area earlier this year. The move is part of a broader emergency response backed by California Governor Gavin Newsom. His statewide order gave cities the authority to suspend SB 9 in fire-prone areas. In Los Angeles, Mayor Bass used that power to protect hillside communities like the Palisades.
Evacuations During the Fire Prompted the Policy Shift
The January wildfire exposed major flaws in the area’s emergency infrastructure. Thousands of residents found themselves stuck on narrow, winding roads with no clear exit. In many cases, traffic stalled completely. Some drivers even left their vehicles to escape on foot. Emergency crews struggled to reach homes due to the traffic and lack of space. In her executive order, Mayor Bass said increasing housing density without safety planning would only make these issues worse.
🔥 Why the Pause on SB 9?
Mayor Bass responded to wildfire evacuation chaos in Pacific Palisades by halting SB 9 projects in high-risk zones.
🏘️ What Is SB 9?
SB 9 allows homeowners to split lots and build up to 4 units. It's meant to solve housing shortages—except in historic or fire-prone areas.
🚨 The Fire Trigger
In January, residents were trapped in traffic with no exit. Some fled on foot. Emergency crews struggled to reach homes.
⛔ Current Status
All SB 9 applications in affected fire zones are paused. No new construction can proceed until safety reviews are complete.
🧭 What Happens Next?
The city will assess evacuation routes, traffic plans, and fire prep before allowing more density in these areas.
💬 JDJ Consulting’s Advice
If you plan to build in hillside areas, review zoning and fire regulations. JDJ Consulting helps you stay ahead of changes.
Have a project in a fire zone?
Talk to JDJ Consulting Group Today
What Is SB 9 and Why Was It Targeted?
Senate Bill 9 was designed to help solve California’s housing crisis. It allows homeowners to split single-family lots and build more units—up to four per lot. While the law encourages density, it includes exceptions for historic districts and areas at high fire risk. Developers have been applying for SB 9 permits in the Palisades despite these risks. Mayor Bass’s order makes it clear that safety must come first in fire-prone zones.
How Will This Affect Local Housing and Development?
This pause on SB 9 affects anyone planning to build additional homes under the law in Pacific Palisades. Applications are frozen for now, and no new construction can proceed in the affected fire zones. Housing advocates worry this may slow down construction in areas with high demand. However, many local residents support the mayor’s decision. They say emergency access and safety should be the top priorities.
What Happens Next?
The city will study traffic flow, evacuation routes, and fire preparedness before making further decisions. Mayor Bass emphasized that this is not a permanent ban on development. But it does signal a shift in how Los Angeles balances safety and housing growth. More reviews and studies are expected before any new SB 9 projects are approved in high-risk areas. The pause gives the city time to improve safety planning and ensure future developments are responsible.
JDJ Consulting Group’s Take on SB 9 Paused in Pacific Palisades Fire Zone
At JDJ Consulting Group, we believe investors and homeowners should stay informed. If you’re planning to buy, sell, or build in hillside areas like the Palisades, now is the time to review zoning rules and fire zone regulations. We help clients navigate policy shifts like these while staying aligned with long-term investment goals. As LA’s real estate landscape evolves, our team is ready to guide you every step of the way.
Call our team at (818) 233-0750 to get the best land use consultation in the Pacific Palisades fire zone.
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