RCRC has lent its support to Senate Bill 182, authored by Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara). SB 182 establishes wildfire reduction standards and planning requirements for new housing developments in Very High Fire Risk Areas (VHFRA) of the state.
Specifically, SB 182 prohibits local governments from approving permits for housing developments unless the project is in compliance with the wildfire risk reduction standards as outlined in the bill. SB 182 also requires increased wildfire risk mitigation planning by local governments through updated local safety and land use elements of that jurisdiction’s general plan. Additionally, in order to reduce development pressures in the VHFRA through the Regional Housing Needs Allocation process, SB 182 requires a lower proportion of state housing allocation to jurisdictions that meet specified conditions.
RCRC’s support letter can be accessed here. SB 182 passed out of the Assembly Local Government Committee and awaits consideration in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. For more information, Tracy Rhine, RCRC Legislative Advocate, can be reached at (916) 447-4806 or trhine@rcrcnet.org.