Self-Certification Pilot Program Launched to Speed Rebuilding in Unincorporated Areas
Los Angeles County is rolling out a Building Plan Self-Certification Pilot Program designed to streamline plan review and help homeowners rebuild faster following the Eaton and Palisades Fires.
Under the new pilot program, California licensed architects and engineers can self-certify that their building plans comply with the Los Angeles County Building Code, eliminating the need for a full plan check review. Architects and engineers interested in participating in the program must register at recovery.lacounty.gov/rebuilding/self-certification.
In the coming weeks, a list of professionals registered to self-certify will be available at recovery.lacounty.gov/rebuilding. Only architects and engineers who register in advance will be able to self-certify plans.
Eligible projects include the replacement of single-family homes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and appurtenant structures that were damaged by the Eaton or Palisades Fire and are located in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.
To ensure accountability, a minimum of 20% of self-certified plans will be subject to random audits. All required approvals from other L.A. County departments – including Regional Planning, Public Health, and Fire – must still be obtained prior to the issuance of a building permit.
L.A. County Public Works will continue to offer traditional plan checks and other rebuilding tools, including preapproved standard plans that have already been reviewed for code compliance.
For more information on the Self-Certification Pilot Program, eligibility requirements, or to find a registered professional, visit recovery.lacounty.gov/rebuilding/self-certification/.
Rebuilding Guide Now Online
 To help residents navigate the complex rebuilding process after a wildfire, Los Angeles County has created this guide to help identify the steps necessary for rebuilding on your property.
The guide will take residents step-by-step through the rebuilding process.
Free Soil Testing for Homes Downwind of Eaton Fire Burn Area
In response to an April 15, 2025 motion by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the Department of Public Health has a new FREE soil lead testing program for residents living downwind of the Eaton Fire burn area.
For more information, including instructions on how to participate, please visit: ph.lacounty.gov/eaton-soil-testing
Debris Removal Milestone Surpassed
More than 5,000 properties across the Eaton and Palisades burn areas have been cleared of ash and fire debris and received final sign off.
Final sign off indicates that debris removal is completed, hazardous trees have been removed, hydromulch and erosion control is in place, and the Right of Entry has been returned to Los Angeles County.
An additional 2,500 properties have been cleared of debris across the fire areas and are in the process of receiving final sign off. More than 2 million tons of debris have been removed.
In addition to residential properties, FEMA has mission assigned U.S. Amry Corps of Engineers (USACE) to clear a number of properties in the Special Inclusion program, to include some places of worship, private schools, owner-occupied multifamily homes, non-profit organizations, parks, and community centers.
USACE is conducting Phase 2 Private Property Debris Removal under direction of FEMA in coordination with CAL OES and the County of Los Angeles. More than 200 USACE personnel are currently deployed in the area to support the largest fire debris removal mission in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers history.
For more information and updates on the wildfire debris removal effort, please visit recovery.lacounty.gov.
TOMORROW - Virtual Webinar: Wildfire Debris Cleanup for Commercial Property Owners
Join the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity, LA City Mayor's Office, City of Pasadena, City of Malibu, and other local and state partners for a virtual webinar to help commercial property owners impacted by the recent wildfires learn more about the debris removal process and upcoming deadlines.
📅 TOMORROW, Thursday, May 22, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
✅ ZOOM RSVP - Click here.
 Owners of Properties with Fire Debris Who Didn't Opt-In to Government Debris Removal Program Need a Fire Debris Removal Permit by June 1
Private property owners who have opted out of the government-sponsored debris removal program, or did not opt-in to that program, must hire an approved, specialized contractor to complete the work in full compliance with all applicable requirements, regulations and safety standards.
📅 Important Debris Removal Deadlines
🟢 June 1, 2025 - Fire Debris Removal Permit
All property owners who opted out or did not submit a Right of Entry (ROE) form must obtain a Fire Debris Removal (FDR) permit and hire a licensed contractor by June 1.
If a permit is not obtained by this date, the property may be declared a Public Nuisance.
🟢 June 30, 2025 - Complete Debris Removal
Fire debris must be removed by June 30, 2025. If cleanup is not completed by this date, the property may be declared a Public Nuisance.
If a property owner fails to meet the above deadlines, the County may take steps to remove fire ash and debris from the property; the cost of this debris removal will be charged to the property owner. If not paid, the cost may be recovered through a lien on the property.
Property owners can receive an Eaton and Palisades Fire Debris Removal permit via the County’s EPIC-LA system. This permit allows home and business owners—and their authorized private contractors—to manage their own debris removal efforts while ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal safety and environmental standards. For more details, click here.
For more information, visit this web page or call the Debris Removal Hotline at 888-479-7328.
Appeal Process
An appeal process is in place for the properties that are subject to abatement. Details on how to submit an appeal will be included in the formal notices sent to property owners.
Both residential and commercial property owners must submit an appeal form if they wish to contest the Summary Abatement Notice and Order. Property owners have seven calendar days from the date the notice was posted, mailed, or published to submit their appeal. Late appeals will not be accepted.
Once an appeal is submitted, the Director of Public Works has seven calendar days to issue a response. The Director’s decision is final.
Ways to Submit an Appeal:
Property owners can submit their appeal forms in the following ways:
Online Submission:
Click here to submit your appeal digitally: Appeal of Summary Abatement
Email Submission:
Download and complete this PDF version of the appeal form, then email it to:
[email protected]
Mail Submission:
Mail the completed appeal form to:
Los Angeles County Public Works
Building and Safety Division
Attn: Summary Abatement Appeal
900 S. Fremont Ave, Alhambra, CA 91803
In-Person Drop-Off:
Visit one of the following One-Stop Centers to drop off your appeal form:
Altadena One-Stop Permit Center
464 W. Woodbury Rd., Suite 210
Altadena, CA 91001
Calabasas One-Stop Center
26600 Agoura Rd., Suite 110
Calabasas, CA 91302
For additional information or assistance, please call our helpline at (888) 479-7328.
For Property Owners Who Have Opted In
If you have opted in to the government debris removal program, and have questions or need assistance, help is available:
📝 recovery.lacounty.gov
📞 (844) 347-3332 - Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
🏢 Disaster Recovery Centers are open Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Saturdays. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
📧 [email protected] | [email protected]
Did You Know...?
If you have concerns over how private contractors are hauling debris, you can file formal complaints on The Works app or through the Opt-Out Fire Debris Removal Permits Hotline:1-888-479-7328. The hotline is open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
You can follow the County-wide debris removal progress via the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Phase 2 Debris Removal Public Viewer.
Recorded Rebuilding Together Virtual Workshops Can Be Reviewed by Clicking Below
April 26, 2025 Workshop on how to solicit, select, and work with a design professional.
May 3, 3035 Workshop on how preapproved plans and streamlined permitting processes can help homeowners rebuild more efficiently, safely, and affordably – while preserving the historic character of our neighborhoods and meeting modern codes.
Rebuilding Permit Centers: Get Help with Rebuilding
Rebuilding Permit Centers are open for guidance through the rebuilding process for residents affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires. These permit centers connect you with the departments responsible for rebuilding in your area.
LA County One-Stop Permit Center
464 West Woodbury Road, Suite 210, Altadena, CA 91001
Walk-In Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Rebuild Consultation Appointments Available:
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 12 Noon.
SCE Planner Appointments Available:
Monday and Wednesday: 8 a.m. - Noon.
Click here for more information.
LA County One-Stop Permit Center
26600 Agoura Road, #110, Calabasas, CA 91302
Walk-In Hours:
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Rebuild Consultation Appointments Available:
Monday and Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – Noon.
SCE Appointments Available:
Monday and Wednesday: 8 a.m. - Noon.
Click here for more information.
City of LA - One Stop Permit Center
1828 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
Open Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Click here for more information.
City of Malibu Rebuild Center
23805 Stuart Ranch Road, Suite 240, Malibu, CA 90265
Open Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Click here for more information.
City of Pasadena Planning Recovery Virtual Consultations
Appointments are available Monday through Thursday here
Questions: Email or visit the Pasadena Permit Center
The County of Los Angeles has an introductory resource guide for planning, designing, and constructing healthy, fire resilient, and efficient buildings and properties. The resource guide is for property owners—and design and building professionals supporting property owners—faced with post-fire rebuilding. The resource guide also supports those considering retrofitting existing structures and/or building new structures regardless of fire impacts.
The guide includes currently available incentives & rebates, and links to other trusted information with fact sheets and checklists for property owners.
Click here to explore the guide.
Altadena Community Meetings
Mondays, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Online, hosted by Supervisor Kathryn Barger.
Free Blood Testing for Lead
The Department of Public Health is offering free blood lead testing for those concerned about exposure to lead from the recent wildfires.
- Residents can visit their medical provider
- Dial 1-800-524-5323 to request a free appointment through Quest Labs
- Visit one of the community events listed here where Public Health is offering free blood lead testing
For more information on blood testing, click here.
For more post-fire information from County of Los Angeles Public Health, click here.
Free Medical and Mental Health Clinic in Pasadena
Mondays and Wednesdays, from Noon to 5 p.m.
In person, hosted by the Eaton Health Village, in partnership with the Department of Mental Health
For free medical and mental health care, including medical consultations, medical refills, mental health services and case management, vision care, and dental care.
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Location: Pasadena Seventh-Day Adventist Church (1280 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104)
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More information: 951-595-7032 or click here
2025 L.A. Region Small Business Forum: Advancing Resiliency and Strength
RSVP NOW for the 2025 LA Region Small Business Forums.
The Forums will provide small businesses with valuable resources, expert guidance, and on-site services—all under one roof. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity, County and City agencies, business-serving organizations and partners, and small business peers.
📅 Dates & Locations:
Wednesday, May 28 | Pasadena Convention Center
300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101
Wednesday, June 4 | The Lot at Formosa
1041 N. Formosa Ave. West Hollywood, CA 90046
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Exclusive giveaways:
➡️ Enter a drawing for a Microsoft Surface Pro
➡️ Connect with Square and receive point-of-sale support through the LA Wildfire Relief Hardware Program
✅ RSVP now: bit.ly/LASmallBusinessForum
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