The fires that swept Los Angeles in early 2025 brought unprecedented destruction to the city. Since January 7, multiple fires, carried by hurricane-force winds through drought-stricken territory, have merged into an unstoppable firestorm. Streets and neighborhoods that once pulsed with life turned to ashes. The numbers have reached truly alarming levels
- 80,000 people forced to evacuate
- 25,000 acres burned
- Over 5,000 buildings damaged or destroyed
The scope of this disaster demanded an unprecedented response from both state and local governments. Following Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-4-25, which declared a state of emergency and mobilized state resources to assist affected areas Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass took decisive action by issuing Emergency Executive Order No. 1, aptly titled “Return and Rebuild” for rapid rebuilding after fires.
This decisive measure aims to eliminate bureaucratic delays, ensuring victims can begin reconstructing their lives quickly.
What Does Emergency Order No.1 Brings To Los Angeles Fire Victims
Environmental Recovery
The city established a comprehensive cleaning system through the five Bureaus of the Board of Public Works. The program is headed by a special Debris Manager, appointed by the mayor, who coordinates all cleanup activities. The program must meet strict environmental standards, including regulations on hazardous materials, the protection of groundwater and air, and the safety of workers.
Special attention is given to preventing secondary disasters. A new Slough Hazards Working Group monitors the risks of floods and landslides in the affected areas. This group actively cooperates with government services on risk assessment and implementation of preventive measures to protect infrastructure.
Faster Permits and Approvals
Los Angeles has finally cut through the bureaucratic delays. Instead of endless waiting for permits, there are now firm deadlines. All city departments must complete their review of building permits for fire recovery projects within 30 days.
Gone are the days of running from counter to counter – all departments now review documentation simultaneously. While the process previously could drag on for months because each department waited for others to finish their part, they now work in parallel to meet the 30-day deadline.
Perhaps most importantly – inspections are no longer a nightmare. The Department of Building and Safety must come to your site within two business days of your request. No more uncertain waiting for an inspector to find time.
But one thing remains crucial – your application must be complete and compliant. If any document is missing or something doesn’t meet regulations, the entire expedited process can grind to a halt. That’s why it’s essential to double-check all documentation before submission.
A few key reminders:
- 30 days for all permit reviews
- 2 business days for inspections
- All departments work simultaneously
- Applications must be complete to start the clock
Think of it this way: The city has created an express lane for fire victims. But like any express lane, you need to have everything in order to use it.
LA’s New Disaster Recovery Permitting Center
Los Angeles has opened a special recovery center right in the burn zones, bringing every department you need under one roof. No more running from building to building downtown. They’ve gathered city, county, state, and federal agencies – including FEMA and the Small Business Administration – all in one place.
Who will work together in the recovery center seven days a week?
- Department of City Planning
- Guides zoning compliance and land-use approvals to ensure rebuilding aligns with city plans.
- Department of Building and Safety
- Handles building permit reviews and inspections to ensure safe and compliant construction.
- Department of Recreation and Parks
- Ensures restoration efforts respect and integrate community green spaces.
- Department of Transportation
- Reviews and coordinates transportation-related issues for impacted properties.
- Department of Water and Power
- Facilitates reconnections and upgrades for essential utilities like water and electricity.
- Bureau of Contract Administration
- Oversees contract compliance for city-funded reconstruction projects.
- Bureau of Street Lighting
- Assists with restoring and improving lighting infrastructure in affected neighborhoods.
- Bureau of Engineering
- Provides expertise on structural safety, drainage, and other engineering challenges during rebuilding.
- Bureau of Sanitation
- Manages waste removal and ensures proper disposal of hazardous materials from fire-damaged properties.
- Bureau of Street Services (Urban Forestry Division)
- Focuses on replanting and maintaining urban greenery affected by the fires.
- Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD)
- Offers guidance on fire safety standards for new and rebuilt structures.
- Los Angeles Housing Department
- Supports multi-family residential rebuilding efforts and temporary housing solutions.
Introducing the New Category of ‘Eligible Projects’
Under Emergency Executive Order No. 1, “Eligible Projects” refer to efforts to repair, restore, demolish, or rebuild structures significantly damaged or destroyed by the wildfires. These projects must meet specific criteria to qualify for streamlined rebuilding benefits:
- Same Location: The structure must be rebuilt in the same spot as it existed before the wildfires.
- Size Limits: The new structure cannot exceed 110% of the original’s floor area, height, or bulk.
- Same Use: The project must maintain the same purpose as before, with no changes from residential to commercial or similar use upgrades.
- Timeline Compliance: Permits must be obtained within seven years, and construction completed within three years after permit approval (extensions may be granted).
What are the new rules for eligible projects?
- Applicants must submit documentation proving the project qualifies under the executive order’s Eligible Project definition.
- All projects must adhere to the current Los Angeles Building Codes, unless explicitly exempted.
- Eligible Projects are exempt from all City discretionary review processes, including specific plans like the Pacific Palisades Village guidelines.
- Transport routes for Eligible Projects are approved automatically, with safety recommendations from Transportation and Public Works due in 15 days.
- Eligible Projects in coastal zones do not require a Coastal Development Permit, and rebuilding housing is not considered “Demolition” or “New Construction” under the Mello Act.
- Requirements of Ordinance No. 187,714 on all-electric buildings do not apply to Eligible Projects, but owners may opt in voluntarily.
Regarding the Eligible Projects the Department of Building will propose which permit reviews licensed architects can self-certify for Eligible Projects involving single-family home reconstruction within 15 days.
Demolition Permits and Historic Properties
Demolition permits are not required for fire-damaged structures, but a notification must be submitted to the Department of Building and Safety online, and all waste disposal regulations must be followed.
Historic properties will be inspected within 10 days of safe access, with specific restoration guidelines provided.
New Temporary Housing Solutions
On properties with fire-damaged or destroyed structures, the following are allowed for up to three years or the duration of a building permit, whichever is longer:
- Recreational vehicles
- Tiny homes
- Modular structures
- Mobile homes
Storage units or sheds are also permitted for up to three years.
New Deadlines To Remember
Critical deadlines to remember:
- 7 years: Window to obtain building permits
- 3 years: Time to complete construction after getting permits
- 2 business days: Inspection response time
- 5 business days: Clearance and utility release processing
- 30 days: Permit review completion guarantee
- 15 Days: Self-certification proposal and haul route recommendations.
- 10 Days: Historic property inspections and TCO guidelines issued.
- 7 Days: State and federal relief needs reported.
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