What information sources will the City use to determine what existed on my lot before the fire? What if there is different information in my old building permits compared to other sources such as the County Assessor?
Acceptable records shall include building permits, Certificate of Occupancy, County Assessor, and Coastal Commission. On a case by case basis, the Department may consider other photographic sources such as Google Maps and LiDAR.
What is the timeline for DBS to review a plan and issue a permit?
Under the Mayor’s Emergency Executive Order #1, DBS and other City departments will complete their initial reviews for building permits within 30 days. However, DBS has so far been able to complete the review within 10 days.
How will the foundation be established for the rebuild after it is removed?
If the foundation was removed, LADBS would use available records to establish where the footprint of the foundation was originally. Please see question above regarding what records LADBS will use to establish what was on a site prior to the wildfire.
How will LADBS review my project if I cannot find copies of my original building plans, including plans for my foundation?
LADBS would use available records to establish what was on a site prior to the wildfire. New building plans would then need to be prepared and submitted to the Department for review.
Can I build a new ADU as part of my rebuild project? Can the ADU be built before the main house?
Yes, a new ADU can be built as part of the rebuild and still qualify as a like-for-like +10% project per the Governor's Directive No. N-20-25, regardless of whether or not an ADU existed on the site prior to the Wildfire.
Complete plans and construction documents will need to be submitted to the Department of Building and Safety (DBS) for review. The plans can be submitted electronically on the DBS Electronic Plan Review Portal (ePlanLA).
Can I rebuild my house to the same size and configuration I had prior to the fire?
The Governor's Executive Order and Mayor's Revised Emergency Executive Order #1 authorize that primary and accessory structures can be rebuilt that are in substantially the same location as, and do not exceed 110% of the footprint and height of, the primary and accessory structures that existed i
Reusing of the existing slab and foundation are allowed provided a licensed California engineer or architect has evaluated the foundation system and determines that it is in good condition.
The Department does not recommend any contractors. Prior to hiring a contractor, we recommend you to review their licensing information and proof of insurance.
