California Enacts New Regulations for Large Cold Storage Facilities Following Boyle Heights Fire
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill (AB) 817 and Senate Bill (SB) 716 into law, introducing new requirements and increased penalties for large cold storage facilities and other nonresidential structures. AB 817 mandates contingency-fund requirements for certain large cold storage facilities, initially applying to those within the Boyle Heights Community Plan boundaries in Los Angeles until July 1, 2028, after which it will expand statewide. SB 716 increases fines for violations of local ordinances in nonresidential structures of 20,000 square feet or more, particularly when these violations threaten public health and safety. Fines for qualifying violations that lead to a governor-declared state of emergency or federal disaster declaration can reach up to $50,000 per violation. These enhanced penalties are currently effective in Los Angeles County and will extend to other qualifying areas in California starting July 1, 2028. The legislation was prompted by a significant fire at a nearl...
