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Fire chief tells council LAFD will engage more closely on single‑stair ordinance and budget priorities
Summary
At a council session, Chief Villanueva promised continued collaboration with councilmembers on fire‑safety matters, including an ordinance on single‑stair buildings; the council sent some ordinance language back to committee for further work.
The Los Angeles Fire Department chief, identified in the transcript as Chief Villanueva, told the City Council on Sept. 16 that the department will continue to collaborate with councilmembers on fire‑safety policy and budget priorities, including an ordinance addressing single‑stair residential buildings.
Councilmember Lazarian (transcript spelling) asked the chief how the department would be more active in advising the council on policies that “save lives,” noting that a proposed single‑stair ordinance — modeled in part on Seattle’s policy, according to speakers — could directly affect firefighters and evacuation patterns.
Chief Villanueva replied that LAFD would remain engaged with council offices, that he has met individually with councilmembers and that the department plans to increase collaboration during the upcoming budget season. “Mi prioridad como LAFD es proveer el mejor servicio al público. Voy a seguir colaborando con cada 1 de ustedes,” Villanueva said.
Council action recorded in the meeting: The transcript shows that the ordinance and related item were referred back to committee for further review rather than being adopted as presented. Speakers and public commenters offered arguments both for and against the proposed changes; proponents said single‑stair allowances can reduce building costs and increase housing supply, while the fire‑department concern is about evacuation and operational input.
Why it matters: The ordinance could change building‑code requirements and affect how high‑density housing is designed and evacuated. The department’s role in reviewing the measure is central to balancing housing goals and firefighter safety.
What was not decided: The council did not adopt final ordinance language or a vote on a regulation at the Sept. 16 session; further drafting and committee review were directed.
Next steps: The LAFD indicated it will continue advising the council, and the ordinance will return to committee for additional analysis and possible revision.
