After the recent California wildfire devastation caused by fires including the Thomas Fire, the Camp Fire, and the Woolsey Fire, lawmakers are considering regulations that would limit developers’ abilities to build housing developments in high-risk areas.

California Wildfire Legislation

Approximately 7 percent of California’s population lives in areas that are deemed to be high-risk for wildfire activity. More than 3 million Californians are at risk of being affected by these dangerous natural disasters.

The state Senate committee recently voted 8-3 to advance new legislation regarding the construction of new housing developments in these areas. Under this legislation, developers who wish to build new housing developments in California wildfire high-risk areas must increase fire protection and preparations for future residents.

Additionally, local governments would also be required to make changes to existing structures that make them stronger and less likely to burn. Many structures were destroyed in recent California wildfires. The bill would require them to reduce development pressure in high risk areas, modify local planning requirements to reduce risks, and strategically plan for fixing existing structures at risk from wildfires. The state has already put forth new legislation to address future fires.

Although the California Building Industry Association opposes the new regulations and claims that they will result in fewer homes being built in a state that is already struggling with affordable housing, many state senators believe that the legislation is necessary. According to Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson of Santa Barbara, “We must do more to make our homes more fire-resistant and improve land use decisions in regions that are a high fire risk, and we can do that without compromising on California’s need for more housing.”

Following the Senate’s vote, the bill will now go to the Senate Appropriations Committee. If the legislation passes, the state fire marshal would have until 2023 to develop new risk reduction standards, as well as updating the state’s fire danger maps. Local governments would have until 2025 to meet the requirements of the bill. The legislators are attempting to respond to the quick spread of damage from previous California wildfires. 

California Wildfire Damage and Costs

California’s wildfire costs have been steadily rising for the past several decades. In the 1980s, California’s annual wildfire costs were approximately $61 million. Beginning in 2010, these costs have averaged $450 million a year.

In addition to the cost of the fires, they also cause devastation to California’s natural vegetation, as well as displacing residents and destroying homes and other structures. 2018 was the most destructive wildfire season in California history. Over 8,000 fires ignited in the state and burned almost 2 million acres of land. These fires caused over $3.5 billion worth of damage. Thousands of homes and other structures were destroyed by these fires, and many residents suffered injuries or death due to the wildfires.

California residents who have been affected by California wildfires and have suffered injuries, property damage, or landscaping damage may be able to join one of several class action lawsuits regarding these fires. Hiring a qualified attorney may allow victims of the fires to pursue compensation for their losses.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.