Altadena aerial view (Photo – L.A. County)
In a unanimous decision on Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to establish a Unified Permitting Authority at the Altadena One-Stop Recovery Permitting Center. The motion, authored by Supervisor Kathryn Barger and co-authored by Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, is aimed at accelerating the rebuilding process for residents affected by the catastrophic Eaton Fire, which destroyed nearly 7,000 homes in the unincorporated Altadena community.
By News Desk
Supervisor Barger, who authored the motion, expressed frustration over the slow pace of recovery efforts so far. “I’ve been keeping a close eye on the County’s One Stop Permitting Shop, and to be candid—I’m not satisfied with the pace,” said Barger. “No rebuild permits have been issued in Altadena and that’s unacceptable. Today’s motion will cut through the red tape to get my Altadena constituents back on track to rebuilding faster. We don’t have time to waste.”
The newly created Unified Permitting Authority will have the power to make final decisions on permits across various departments, resolve regulatory conflicts in real time, and eliminate delays that have hindered the recovery process. Key county departments, including Regional Planning, Public Works, Fire, and Public Health, will designate senior-level liaisons to the One-Stop Center to ensure a more efficient and collaborative process. Additionally, the motion mandates increased performance monitoring to guarantee accountability in the rebuilding efforts.
Supervisor Horvath emphasized the importance of making the rebuilding process both rapid and accessible for all residents. “Helping our communities recover swiftly and effectively from this year’s devastating fires is Los Angeles County’s highest priority,” said Horvath. “We must ensure the rebuilding process is not only fast and efficient but also equitable and accessible for every resident. The Calabasas One-Stop Permitting Center, created in the wake of the Woolsey Fire, stands as a proven model of what’s possible when we prioritize people over red tape. I’m committed to enhancing this approach and bringing the same level of responsive support to our neighbors in Altadena.”
The Altadena One-Stop Recovery Permitting Center is located at 464 West Woodbury Road, Suite 210, Altadena, CA 91001. Walk-in consultations are welcome, and appointments can be scheduled online at recovery.lacounty.gov.
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