But isn't this a false dichotomy? I don't think anyone is arguing the shortage of homes in the valley is due to earthquake or fire proofing. You can build earth

But isn't this a false dichotomy? I don't think anyone is arguing the shortage of homes in the valley is due to earthquake or fire proofing. You can build earthquake resistant skyscrapers and SF is full of skyscrapers, but places like Mountain View seem to top out at 3 floors. The regulations in question seem to be more about keeping things low rise for aesthetics sake (assuming you agree that the bay area is pretty as is, which I don't).