Fast-Track Rebuilding Updates

LA Fires: Fast-Track Rebuilding Updates

MAYOR BASS ISSUES SWEEPING EXECUTIVE ORDER TO CLEAR WAY FOR ANGELENOS TO REBUILD THEIR HOMES FAST

Source: Mayor's Office

HERE’S ALL THE ACTIONS GOVERNOR NEWSOM HAS TAKEN IN RESPONSE TO THE FIRES

Source: Gov.CA

1. Overarching Directives

• Who’s in Charge?

• Directives about rebuilding have been issued by both the governor and the mayor.

• Depending on where you live—City of Los Angeles or Los Angeles County—these orders may affect you differently. For instance, Altadena typically falls under county oversight, whereas the Palisades is governed by the city.

• At this time, specific county-level rules haven’t been announced, but most people anticipate them to resemble the city’s approach.

2. Clean-Up and Debris Removal

• Task Force Involvement

• Multiple teams will oversee clearing sites that have been damaged, including tearing out debris, foundations, and retaining walls.

• Before allowing them to proceed, it’s wise to consult a professional who can assess the structural integrity of any existing elements.

• Why It Matters

• If undamaged walls or foundations are salvageable, you may be able to save a considerable amount of time and money on the rebuild.

3. Initial Plan Review (Fast Track)

• 30-Day Goal

• Under these directives, building officials promise to complete an initial check of your design within 30 days.

• Keep in mind this is just the first in a series of reviews and does not apply to other agencies or secondary approvals.

• Practical Timeline

• Realistically, the total time for securing a construction permit could still be 16 weeks or longer, due to department backlogs and workflow issues.

4. Criteria for Project Eligibility

• “Same Footprint” Rule

• Expedited plan reviews apply if you rebuild on the original spot and do not exceed 110% of the structure’s original size, height, or overall mass.

• Points of Confusion

• It remains unclear whether attached or freestanding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) fall within this requirement. Similarly, whether a new basement counts toward the 110% limit has yet to be determined.

• Timeframe Limitation

• This policy is only in effect for seven years from the date it was enacted.

5. Rebuilding Non-Conforming Elements

• Grandfathered Features

• Older homes may have design aspects—like narrower setbacks or taller-than-currently-allowed heights—that no longer meet today’s code.

• If your rebuild stays within the 110% rule, these older, non-conforming elements can be restored as they were.

6. Discretionary Review Exemptions

• Waiver of Certain Procedures

• Projects that meet the eligibility criteria can skip the usual discretionary reviews required in special planning zones or areas with unique architectural guidelines.

• However, reviews falling outside typical planning and building procedures (such as some neighborhood design panels) might still apply and need separate consideration.

Ref;      Mayor Karen Bass Website

Governor Gavin Newsom Website

WEATHER LOS ANGELES