Permits

Two Phase Debris Removal Process
A recent update on the two-phase debris removal process, site access and additional items discussed in the recent Zoom meetings:
Pacific Palisades Community Zoom Meeting
Town Hall on Debris Removal
LA Recovers Press Conference

Stage 1 is being performed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  You can track the progress of the clean up by lot here.  There is no cost to property owners for this work, and the work is mandatory.

Stage 2 requires property owners to complete an opt-in or opt-out form.  Links to these forms can be found here.  

Opting in: Most home owners should opt-in to the government’s managed debris removal.  Deadline for submittal is March 31,2025.  FEMA through the army corps of engineers is organizing the removal of asbestos, trees, ash & soil, burned debris, structures, vehicles and will install erosion control.  They will potentially remove foundations if you opt in for this subject to the complexity of the work.  There is no cost for the opt-in debris removal but FEMA is requiring the insurance rider information for the property and may collect from your insurance. 

Opting out: We would only recommend opting out of the government process in specific circumstances.  For example, in the case where you were already in construction and your contractor / demolition contractor has the proper clearances to do so, you may want to consider opting out for schedule reasons or to control the clean-up process. The property owner bears the cost of opting out but may be covered by their insurance. Click here to see if your property is exempt from a demolition permit.

Expedited Permitting Process & Approvals
Real Estate Records Request
City of Los Angeles Executive Order No. 1: Return & Rebuild 
State of CA Executive Order N-4-25

• Suspend CEQA review and California Coastal Act permitting for reconstruction of properties substantially damaged or destroyed in recent Southern California wildfires.

• Direct state agencies to identify additional permitting requirements, including provisions of the Building Code, that can safely be suspended or streamlined to accelerate rebuilding and make it more affordable.

• Extend protections against price gouging on building materials, storage services, construction, and other essential goods and services to January 7, 2026, in Los Angeles County.

• Commit to working with the Legislature to identify statutory changes that can help expedite rebuilding while enhancing wildfire resilience and safety.

• Reconstruction must be no more than 110 percent of the size of the buildings that were damaged or destroyed.

• Projects will be exempted from public hearings relating to compliance with the Pacific Palisades Village Specific Plan and Design Review Board, and haul routes will be approved ministerially rather than through the traditional discretionary process.

• The order also exempts projects from the requirements of Coastal development permits and recently-adopted all-electric building code provisions.

• Owners will not be required to obtain demolition permits for structures destroyed by the fire, as long as notification with documentation is given to the Department of Building and Safety. The Department of Building and Safety has also been instructed to report back within 15 days on permit reviews which could be conducted via self-certification by a licensed architect for reconstruction projects involving single-family homes within the burn area.

Environmental Compliance

• Conduct required environmental reviews (e.g., wildfire risk mitigation, soil erosion control)

  California Wildfire Mitigation Program

• Work with agencies to comply with water, vegetation, and wildlife restoration requirements.

• Apply for utility reconnections (water, electricity, gas).

• Verify underground utility safety before excavation.