Los Angeles County Approves Fee Relief for Wildfire Survivors Rebuilding Homes

Shrubs on an empty lot and a sign (Photo – Melissa Michelson)

In a unanimous decision, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to defer and refund permitting and inspection fees for homeowners affected by the catastrophic Eaton and Palisades Fires, which devastated parts of the County in January 2025.

By News Desk

The motion, authored by Supervisor Kathryn Barger, is aimed at easing the financial burden on thousands of residents who lost their homes in the wildfires that destroyed more than 7,400 structures and displaced entire communities.

“Families who lost everything in these devastating wildfires deserve every opportunity to rebuild without being burdened by County fees,” said Supervisor Barger. “Today’s unanimous vote is a clear statement that our Board stands with these residents. This action gives them the relief they urgently need while we identify the sources of funding that will permanently eliminate these costs.”

Under the approved plan, the County will immediately defer permitting and inspection fees for eligible homeowners in unincorporated areas. Those who have already paid such fees for qualifying single-family home rebuilds will receive refunds. Eligibility requires that the property was owner-occupied prior to the fires.

With permit fees often exceeding $20,000, the relief comes at a critical time for fire survivors navigating insurance claims and seeking sufficient financial support. A report from the County’s Chief Executive Officer estimated that waiving all such fees related to the Eaton Fire alone could cost up to $120 million.

The motion also calls for a new fee study to be completed within 60 days, factoring in cost-saving technologies like the Archistar permitting software, as well as County initiatives like One Stop Centers and a Unified Permitting Authority.

To ensure long-term sustainability of the fee waivers, County departments have been directed to explore a variety of funding sources, including federal disaster aid, philanthropic partnerships, and possible budget reallocations.

“As you drive through Altadena, you still see the signs that read ‘Altadena Not For Sale,’” Barger added. “Today, this Board backed up that message with real action. By removing these fees, we’re giving wildfire survivors a better chance to stay in their communities, rebuild their homes, and hold on to hope for the future.”