AB 2705: The Wildfire Land Use Planning Act
Affordable Climate and Fire Resilient Homes in Master Planned Communities
The California Building Industry Association is sponsoring AB 2705, legislation to protect California’s ability to meet the urgent need for more homes by preserving the development of fire-safe and climate resilient master planned communities.
The Wildfire Land Use Planning Act introduced by Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-65) and principal co-author, Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, seeks to address California’s housing shortage and climate change concerns by creating high standards for homebuilding in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
“More homes that middle class families can afford are urgently needed to address California’s severe housing crisis,” said Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva. “Development of carefully planned fire-safe and climate resilient communities is an important strategy to meet our state’s housing needs and climate goals.”
“Homeownership remains a cornerstone to building generational wealth, but inequities in homeownership persist,” said Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh. “We need more homes that are energy efficient, fire-resilient and affordable so middle-income families, including younger Californians, can enjoy the benefits of homeownership while being cognizant of a changing landscape as it relates to very high fire hazard severity zones.”
Master-planned communities built to modern standards offer a tremendous opportunity to provide critically needed climate resilient and fire-safe housing.
“Given the severity of our current housing crisis, and evidence that fire-safe and energy efficient building standards work, development of thoughtful master planned communities is a key strategy for meeting California’s housing needs,” said CBIA President and CEO Dan Dunmoyer. “We appreciate the leadership of Assemblymember Quirk-Silva and Senator Ochoa Bogh in addressing California’s housing and climate crises.”