California's attorney general threatened legal action against jurisdictions that don't address fire risks in new development
California Attn. Gen. Rob Bonta put developers and public officials in San Diego on notice Monday over building in fire-prone parts of the county.
Stressing the increasing danger of climate change-fueled blazes, the state attorney general released a list ofthat must be addressed before local leaders approve housing in order to avoid a legal challenge from the state. Specifically, he pointed to a project’s density, location, access to water, impact on evacuation routes and whether housing would be built with fire-resistant materials.Local governments should prioritize infill developments in urbanized areas over sprawling designs that cover rural landscapes, Bonta said. Leaders should avoid approving projects along steep slopes and rugged terrain, while ensuring that new projects have adequate highways and roads to get residents to safety during an emergency.
“This guidance is the next step in our long fight to adapt to the climate crisis, and I encourage local governments to take it to heart, not only to prevent potential litigation from my office or others and save taxpayer dollars, but because this guidance has the potential to literally save lives,” Bonta said a press event Monday at San Diego’s Mission Trails Regional Park.
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