los angeles/altadena/pasadena fires 2025

We are living through one of the biggest disasters Los Angeles has ever experienced. As long as the fires persist, the loss and suffering will only get worse. Even while it might seem premature to consider rebuilding, we must act swiftly to safeguard our future and our capacity to do so.

We have worked in the Pasadena and Altadena area for over 15 years and are invested in the community with many clients and friends affected by the fire.  We are committed to rebuild our communities together as we stand strong and able to assist in this process.

Here are some suggestions on how to go about the next phases through the rebuilding process.

Ask your agent to arrange for an adjuster from your insurance company to evaluate your property right away. Call every day. Be the first in line. Transfer your settlement funds to your bank account as soon as possible to avoid difficulties.
 

Rebuilding expenses will most likely rise because to the predicted jump in demand. Early rewards may not cover inflated prices, but at least you will have money in the bank. I will provide updates on this topic in the following days.  

It's crucial to keep in mind that the situation in Los Angeles County has not been settled because there are many things going on at the moment. Although we can relax if we are not directly in the path of the fire, embers, fire, and smoke spread quickly, evacuation orders can come quickly, and there is frequently little time to respond.  

Depending on how severe the damage or fumes are, removing smoke damage is crucial. It's important to keep in mind that when a fire spreads throughout a community, it destroys not only vegetation but also houses, vehicles, businesses, and other dangerous items. Airborne contaminants include lead, asbestos, dioxins from burned plastics, and heavy metals from automobiles or electric vehicles (EVs) like copper, lithium, nickel, and cobalt. This is not intended to frighten you, but rather to urge you to take reasonable safety measures when you get home.   

The City of Los Angeles Pasadena and County of Los Angeles has issued orders to bring relief to those rebuilding after the fires:

The cities and County of Los Angeles is dedicating a department solely focused on rebuilding, permitting, and construction. This applies to anyone affected by the disaster who wants to rebuild within 110% of their original footprint. For example, if you had a 1,000-square-foot home, you would be allowed to use this expedited process for a home up to 1,100 square feet.

• No separate demolition permit required: As long as your demolition is part of the permit submission, you will not need a separate demo permit. This likely means homeowners can allow FEMA to clear the lot of major debris and hazardous materials without being burdened with additional permitting.
• Rebuilding non-conforming structures: You can rebuild any section of a non-conforming structure (e.g., if your house was built in a setback or otherwise non-compliant with today’s codes). However, the house must be substantially in the same location.
• No change of use allowed: For example, you cannot convert a house into a gym.
• No change in unit density: This includes ADUs.
• All-electric requirements waived: The requirements for all-electric houses are temporarily waived.
• Expedited review timeline:
  
  • The Department of Building and Safety must respond with comments on plans within three weeks of submission.
  • Other departments must respond within five weeks.
  • This is significant because many overlay planning zones, specific plans, and historic districts can otherwise delay permits for years.
• Relief from environmental regulations: The Governor has issued an executive order providing relief from CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) and CCC (California Coastal Commission) regulations, which typically apply to commercial projects.
• Extended permit timelines:
  Up to seven years to obtain a permit for rebuilding.
  • Three years to complete construction once permits are issued.
• Temporary housing: Property owners can have one RV or similar temporary shelter on-site during permitting and construction.
• Temporary storage: Property owners can have a temporary storage shed on-site for up to three years.
• Similar orders are expected from other LA County municipalities in the coming days.
• There will be no exemptions from seismic, hillside, or fire ordinances.
• Hire a local firm: The codes and zoning ordinances in Los Angeles County are complex. Hiring a local firm with a proven track record in the area can help ensure a stress-free and successful project.

The recent wildfires have prompted municipalities in our area to shift current staff to disaster relief roles. Departments such as Building, Planning, Fire, Public Works, and Utilities are reallocating personnel to critical disaster response efforts. This includes:

• Field inspectors being reassigned to red-tagging and assessing structures.
• Utility workers focusing on reducing further risks and restoring power.

While these responses are necessary, they are compounded by existing cutbacks in city staffing in some communities and an inability to replace staff in others. Significant bottlenecks are likely ahead.

We are committed to:

• Moving current projects forward.
• Assisting with permit applications in plan check.
• Supporting those affected by the disaster, whether assessing smoke damage, rebuilding, or designing replacement homes.

Although cities are expediting disaster relief, the limited staff available means normal business processes will likely face delays. It’s a challenging time, but we appreciate your understanding as we navigate this unique situation together.