Now Open: One-Stop Permit Center in West LA Aims to Speed Up Fire Rebuilds

Los Angeles has taken a significant step toward helping homeowners rebuild after the recent Palisades Fire by opening a Fire Rebuild Permit Center in West Los Angeles. This new one-stop shop is designed to streamline the permitting process for those replacing lost structures, bringing together key city departments under one roof.

The center, located at 1828 Sawtelle Blvd, operates Monday–Friday from 10 AM to 8 PM and weekends from 10 AM to 4 PM. Representatives from various agencies—including LADBS, DWP, Public Works, SoCal Gas, City Planning, Street Services, Sanitation, Transportation, and Housing—will be on hand to help applicants navigate the complex permitting process.

How the New West LA Permit Center Works

A Centralized Process for Faster Rebuilds

City officials emphasize that all eligible rebuild applications will now be processed at the West LA Permit Center, regardless of where the original plans were submitted. The goal is to speed up approvals and reduce the red tape that often slows down reconstruction efforts.

Here’s how the process currently works (though it may evolve in the coming weeks):

  1. Initial Plan Review
    • Once an eligible and complete rebuild drawing set is submitted, WLA staff will have 30 days to complete the initial plan check review.
    • The applicant will then receive plan check comments and a list of additional department approvals needed before permits can be issued.
  2. Interdepartmental Approvals in Just 5 Days
    • Other city departments must respond within five days of receiving a clearance request.
    • Since department representatives will be physically present at the WLA Permit Center, applicants may be able to secure approvals on the same day rather than waiting for separate reviews.
  3. In-Person Plan-Check Meetings
    • Future plan-check meetings will be held in person at the permit center to expedite the approval process.

Key Requirements for an Eligible Fire Rebuild

If you’re planning to rebuild, here are the main requirements for your submittal package:

  • A full set of project plans (architectural, structural, and civil)
  • Structural plans must be within 5-10% of current building code or include justification
  • A complete permit history of the site
  • Additional documentation for areas of the previous building that lack a permit history
  • Grading and demo pre-inspections will be waived, unless the site has deep footings or retaining walls requiring inspection
  • Soils reports and approval letters up to 10 years old will be accepted—older reports will require updates
  • Plan-check fees will be based on city staff hours, while final permit fees will be determined by the value of the new structure
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What Counts as an ‘Eligible Rebuild’?

An eligible rebuild is defined as a new structure within 110% of the original home's floor area, height, and bulk. If your proposed rebuild exceeds 110%, it will go through the standard plan-check process, which will take significantly longer.

A crucial unresolved question is whether new basements count toward the 110% calculation. While the zoning code does not consider basements as residential floor area, they could be classified as added "bulk"—a question that remains unanswered.

Demolition Permit Requirements Have Changed

To further streamline the process, LADBS has announced which structures are exempt from the typical demolition permit requirement.

No Demo Permit Needed If:

  • The applicant notifies LADBS before demolition
  • The site’s slope is not steeper than 1:5 (20%)
  • If foundations are removed, excavation does not exceed 3 feet in depth and adjacent structures remain stable

A Demo Permit Will Be Required If:

  • The building footprint or pad exceeds a 20% slope
  • The site includes deep foundations, piles, grade beams, stepped footings, or retaining walls
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Temporary Housing on Your Property: What You Need to Know

For homeowners who need a place to live while rebuilding, LADBS now allows temporary housing—such as RVs, mobile homes, or manufactured homes—on-site during construction.

Steps to Get Temporary Housing Approved:

  1. Obtain Phase 2 clearance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, verifying the site is safe
  2. Secure utility permits for water, waste, and electrical connections from LADBS
    • A building permit is NOT required if all demolition conditions are met
  3. Set up the temporary housing and schedule inspections for utility connections

Rebuilding After a Fire? Letter Four Can Help

Losing your home is an incredibly difficult experience, but rebuilding doesn’t have to be. At Letter Four, we’re here to support you every step of the way with our seamless, stress-free process. As a true design-build firm, we bring together architecture, construction, and interior design under one roof — so you work with one team from start to finish, ensuring clear communication, efficiency, and a beautifully rebuilt home.

Let us handle the details so you can focus on creating a fresh start.

Check out our blog and Pacific Crest Consultants’ news page for the latest updates on the rebuilding process.

Ready to rebuild? Head over to our rebuild page to book a call to get started.

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