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Orange County Under State of Emergency – Including Anti-Price Gouging
On May 23, 2026, Governor Newsom issued a State of Emergency proclamation for Orange County in response to the Garden Grove chemical incident. LINK
Following the proclamation, Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert reminding businesses that California’s Anti Price-Gouging law (Penal Code Section 396) is in effect in the affected area. LINK
In addition, Governor Newsom secured Presidential Emergency Declaration LINK
UPDATE: Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) confirmed that the risk of a massive explosion from the damaged methyl methacrylate (MMA) tank has been mitigated — an important milestone in stabilizing the incident. Emergency officials warn that significant public health and environmental risks remain, and evacuation orders continue to be in place. In addition, the State of Emergency and Anti-Price Gouging statute will remain in place for a minimum of 30 days.
Key Information for CSSA Members
- The Attorney General’s consumer alert references enforcement of California’s anti-price-gouging law during the emergency period
- “Storage services” are among the categories referenced under the statute
- The restrictions are generally triggered when a state or local emergency is declared
- The emergency proclamation does not directly regulate self-storage operations or modify lien-sale procedures
- However, California Penal Code Section 396 does prohibit price increases of more than 10%
- Typically, discounted or move-in pricing is not considered as baseline for the 10% price increase – that is usually based on normal (street) rates
- There is no defined definition about what your normal (or street) rate is – that needs to be determined by each facility
- THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR OWN ATTORNEY when determining your individual normal (or street) rate
- For most covered goods and services, the statutory restrictions apply for 30 days following the declaration unless extended
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