A structure destroyed by fire in Altadena (Photo – W.K.)
In a decision aimed at speeding up recovery for wildfire survivors, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a motion to launch a Pilot Self-Certification Program for residential rebuilds.
By News Desk
Introduced by Board Chair Kathryn Barger and Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, the program is designed to streamline the permitting process, helping fire-affected families get back into their homes more quickly.
The new initiative will allow licensed professionals to self-certify that their residential rebuild plans comply with building codes, eliminating lengthy approval delays while ensuring that safety standards are upheld. This innovative approach is expected to drastically reduce the time it takes to begin reconstruction, a critical step in the aftermath of the devastating January 2025 wildfires.
“Our residents can’t afford to wait months or even years to begin rebuilding their homes,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “This pilot program is about empowering qualified professionals, cutting red tape, and putting families on a faster track to recovery—without compromising safety. It’s also about adapting to the scale of disaster we’ve experienced and implementing smart, proven solutions to meet this moment.”
The fires that ravaged Los Angeles County, including the Eaton and Palisades Fires, destroyed or severely damaged more than 16,000 structures, leaving thousands of families displaced. The approved program will initially focus on unincorporated areas of the county that were impacted by the fires, providing a faster and more efficient way for homeowners to begin the rebuilding process.
The program will be implemented by the County’s Department of Public Works (DPW), which has been tasked with designing and launching the pilot initiative immediately. A report on its effectiveness will be submitted to the Board of Supervisors within 120 days, with the potential for it to become a permanent solution for all unincorporated areas of the county.
In addition to the self-certification program, the Supervisors’ motion directs the County’s Chief Executive Officer to explore the possibility of waiving certain permitting fees. With cost-saving efficiencies introduced by the self-certification process and AI-driven approval software, which has already been deployed, officials believe that such a waiver would provide crucial financial relief for fire survivors.
“As families face the daunting task of rebuilding, every dollar counts,” Barger remarked. “Waiving certain permit fees is a practical and compassionate step we can take to ease the financial burden on fire survivors. Thanks to new efficiencies—including AI-assisted plan check tools—we have an opportunity to streamline the process and pass cost savings directly to the people who need them most.”
The motion reflects a larger effort to adapt to the massive scale of destruction caused by the wildfires, while keeping safety and accountability at the forefront. Supervisors Barger and Horvath emphasized the importance of acting with urgency and innovation to support the recovery process for affected communities.
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