Los Angeles issues emergency order, housing and relief guidance as Palisades wildfires drive evacuations

Mayor Karen Bass issued an emergency executive order to speed recovery and rebuilding in neighborhoods hit by the recent Palisades wildfires and to coordinate debris removal, permitting and temporary housing resources with county, state and federal partners.

The order directs the Department of Building and Safety to expedite temporary certificates of occupancy; city officials said that step will immediately make about 1,400 housing units available across Los Angeles. The city’s housing department is providing emergency information for renters: if a rental unit is destroyed, the lease no longer applies, tenants do not owe future rent, landlords should prorate and return rent paid for the remainder of January and return security deposits, and displaced renters are protected from discrimination when seeking motels, hotels or emergency shelters. The housing department is handling appointments and inquiries Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., and…