Implementation Guidelines for Executive Order No.1 (EO1)

EO1 “Return and Rebuild”, issued on January 13, 2025 and revised on March 18, 2025, expedites the rebuilding of homes damaged or destroyed in the wildfires by requiring City Departments to review complete applications within 30 days and issue permit clearances within 5 days, waiving certain environmental and hearing requirements, and allowing temporary housing during construction. In particular, this order facilitates and streamlines the rebuilding of "like-for-like" projects within 110% of the original home’s footprint and height, and extends eligibility to primary residences, accessory structures, and ADUs. EO1 also established the One-Stop Rebuilding Center - ensuring a faster and coordinated rebuild process.

EO4 “Temporary School and Child Care Facility Use”, establishes an expedited framework for schools and child care facilities impacted by the wildfires by allowing short term (180 day) temporary use permits issued regardless of zoning, and a streamlined ministerial process for long-term temporary use authorizations valid for up to three years (with extensions), all without hearings or appeals. EO4 requires building permits for any physical improvements. EO4 ensures that displaced students and families can resume education and receive childcare quickly.

EO8, builds on EO1, by extending expedited rebuilding pathways to single-family homeowners in fire-impacted coastal areas. EO8 allows “non like-for-like”, single family residential projects that comply with zoning to bypass local Coastal Act and CEQA reviews, while still requiring streamlined environmental protections. The order revises and enhances EO1’s framework by explicitly including accessory structures and necessary infrastructure, reinforcing rules like height limits, unit replacement, and bluff setbacks. EO8 broadens rebuilding eligibility, accelerates recovery in coastal zones, and maintains safety and environmental safeguards.