Pro-housing group sues over governor's SB 9 fire-zone suspension
YIMBY says Governor's emergency orders allowing Malibu to limit lot splits and ADUs in the fire area are unconstitutional.
A group that wants more housing in California has filed suit against the governor over his emergency orders for Malibu and the Palisades after last year's fire.
The governor has allowed local governments like the City of Malibu the discretion to limit or suspend certain parts of SB 9, the law that allows lot splits, auxiliary development units, and other increases in housing density.
SB 9 allows property owners in single-family neighborhoods to split lots and build up to two homes and two Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on what was previously a single parcel. The aim was to increase the amount and affordability of housing.
Members of YIMBY, a pro-housing density group, say SB 9 is essential to add urgently needed housing. But opponents say increased density in fire risk areas like Malibu is dangerous.
They have filed suit, claiming that the governor's suspension of SB 9 in the Malibu fire area was an unconstitutional overreach.
The Malibu city council will discuss the lawsuit in this afternoon's secret session.