LOS ANGELES — Mayor Karen Bass on Friday, March 21, issued an executive order to expedite the rebuilding of homes and businesses in ways that better prepare for wildfires and other climate-fueled emergencies.
The order directs city departments to streamline permitting for homeowners who rebuild all-electric and more fire-resistant homes, promote the use of fire-resistant construction materials. It also directs city staff to advance methods to strengthen the resiliency of utilities and ensure power remains reliable during severe weather events.
“Getting residents home quickly and safely is my top priority — and we must rebuild with an eye toward the future,” Bass said in a statement.
“With today’s executive order, we are taking action to help residents harden their homes and businesses against wildfires, ensure our city’s infrastructure can better withstand future disasters, and protect communities for generations to come, all while ensuring the pace of rebuilding continues ahead of expectations,” she continued.
During a news conference in the Pacific Palisades, Bass said the order cleared the way for homeowners to begin rebuilding their homes.
According to the Los Angeles Times, three homeowners have taken advantage of the streamlining effort — with the first permit issued March 5. The action represented a milestone for Palisades residents, who are preparing to rebuild, according to the Times.
“We want this to be happening on your lot, too,” Bass said.
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and burned more than 23,000 acres, destroyed more than 6,800 structures and resulted in the deaths of 12 people.
Bass, alongside other L.A. regional leaders, hailed the record pace of utility restoration, hazardous waste cleanup and debris removal — much of which has been done much quicker compared to the 18 months it took after the devastating 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise.
The Times reported that as of last week, 72 property owners submitted rebuilding application to the city, and another 98 property owners submitted blueprints to L.A. County Department of Public Works in connection with the Eaton Fire, which burned down neighborhoods in the Altadena community, an unincorporated area in the county.
Celeste Hampton, a department spokesperson told the Times that the county is not approving plans until all debris clearing is complete on the property.
City and county officials are urging homeowners impacted by the Palisades Fire to sign up for the government-sponsored debris removal program. The Right of Entry form is available at bit.ly/4iKGvr2 and must be filed by March 31.
The USACE is leading the program, which is at no cost to eligible homeowners.
Homeowners who previously opted out are but have not yet begun their own debris removal can still enroll into the program.
USACE Col. Eric Swenson said officials need to “synchronize” efforts with private contractors, utilities and other stakeholders that need to use roads to rebuild the community.
“… Finding out how many folks are going to opt in and opt out, it’s critically important for us in order to accomplish our goals,” Swenson said referring to the federal debris cleanup program.