Malibu and Pasadena Settle Lawsuit, Allowing Duplex Projects to Proceed in Fire Zones
The cities of Malibu and Pasadena have agreed to settle a lawsuit that challenged their suspension of Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) in high fire risk zones. This settlement comes after a legal battle initiated by housing advocates, including YIMBY Law, who argued that local jurisdictions did not have the authority to block state legislation. SB 9, enacted in 2021, permits single-family homeowners to build duplexes and split their lots, potentially creating up to four units where a single-family home once stood. The law was suspended in certain areas following the 2025 fires, as local officials and residents expressed concerns about increased density affecting evacuation routes and neighborhood character. The settlement requires Malibu and Pasadena to repeal local ordinances blocking SB 9 projects by the end of September and to process any pending applications. 
