DEMOLITION OF STRUCTURES DESTROYED OR DAMAGED
BY THE 2025 WILDFIRES

Purpose:

To streamline and expedite the rebuild process for structures that were destroyed or significantly

damaged by the wildfires in 2025. The Mayor's Emergency Executive Order No. 1, issued on

January 13, 2025, allows for demolishing fire damaged buildings without the need for permits.

Eligibility:

Eligible Structures are those structures that were destroyed or substantially damaged by the

Wildfires known as the Palisades, Hurst, Kenneth, Archer, and Sunset Fires that occurred in

January 2025.

Demolition of a structure, improvement, or facility substantially damaged or destroyed by the

Wildfires shall comply with all local, state, and federal regulations for the disposal of waste,

including any regulations set forth by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control or

the City's Sanitation Department.

A demolition permit is not required for the removal of the damaged building when all of the

following conditions are met:

1. The applicant notifies the Department of Building and Safety through the online portal

prior to the demolition.

2. The damaged building footprint or pad slope is not steeper than 1 vertical to 5 horizontal

(20% slope).

3. If foundations are removed, the excavated areas do not exceed 3 feet in depth and lateral

support of adjacent structures or public right of way is maintained.

A demolition permit is required for the removal of the damaged building, if the building footprint

or pad slope is steeper than 1 vertical to 5 horizontal (20% slope).

In all cases, deep foundations, piles, grade beams, stepped footings and retaining shall not be

removed, unless a permit has