The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, March 11, unanimously approved the adoption of the West San Gabriel Valley Area Plan, a long-range policy document that has gained new relevance since the Eaton fire.

In December, the board approved the plan after a public hearing. In less than a month, the Eaton fire had destroyed thousands of structures and left the region grappling with what rebuilding and recovery will look like.

The area plan covers Altadena and eight other unincorporated communities including East Pasadena-East San Gabriel, Kinneloa Mesa, La Crescenta-Montrose, San Pasqual, South El Monte Island, South Monrovia Islands, South San Gabriel and Whittier Narrows.

The plan will guide development in those communities and was part of the county’s process of updating its general plan. It is one of 11 area plans including in the general plan and the West San Gabriel Valley Area Plan updated the 1986 Altadena Community Plan.

Adoption comes after several community information meetings and public review process. The plan is meant to support walkability, connectivity, community vibrancy and help the county meet state’s housing requirements.

Post-Eaton fire community-led groups have been advocating for a grassroots-led approach to rebuilding and rethinking how to improve Altadena now that so much will have to be rebuilt.

According to the county, the plan and its new standards will not apply to those who rebuild in the same footprint, with the same use and same square footage and height as was previous established.

The plan was approved during the board’s consent calendar, meant for routine items that can all be approved by one motion.