Thursday, July 31, 2025

Supervisor Barger Applauds Newsom’s Executive Order Restoring Local Authority in Fire-Prone Zones

Kathryn Barger (Photo courtesy Kathryn Barger website)

Supervisor Kathryn Barger on Wednesday commended Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order that strengthens local control over land use decisions in California’s high fire severity zones, calling it a critical step toward balancing housing expansion with public safety. 

“I appreciate Governor Newsom’s executive order today, which restores local control over important land use matters, like SB 9, in high fire severity zones,” Barger said in a statement. 

Senate Bill 9, along with other state housing legislation, allows property owners to split lots and build additional units on parcels zoned for single-family homes. While the law aims to increase housing density statewide, Barger cautioned against its rapid implementation in fire-prone areas. 

“SB 9, like other state housing legislation, was intended to support thoughtful, phased-in development—not immediate implementation in the wake of a major disaster,” she said. “Empowering local jurisdictions to make reasonable decisions about development patterns in wildfire-prone areas is a smart and necessary step.”

Barger highlighted that adequate infrastructure and fire mitigation measures must precede any efforts to increase housing density in these high-risk regions. 

“Before any lot splitting or additional housing is considered in these high-risk zones, we must ensure proper infrastructure and fire safety measures are in place,” she said. 

She also reaffirmed her commitment to protecting community identity and residents in her district, including Altadena. 

“My top priority remains protecting Altadena’s unique community character and preventing the displacement of my constituents,” Barger said. 

At the same time, she voiced support for housing flexibility outside high fire severity zones, particularly for homeowners seeking to maintain or improve their living situations. 

“I recognize the value of allowing property owners outside of high fire severity zones to build additional units—whether to generate supplemental income, support recovery efforts, or preserve multi-generational living arrangements that have long existed in our communities,” she said. 

“This kind of flexibility is essential for helping residents stay rooted while also contributing to our region’s broader housing needs,” Barger added. 

“I remain committed to advancing balanced housing solutions—ones that responsibly expand access to housing while protecting public safety and preserving the integrity of our neighborhoods.”