The Palisades and Eaton fires devastated hundreds of commercial and multifamily properties in Los Angeles County earlier this year, leaving behind a trail of destruction across beloved neighborhoods like Altadena and Pacific Palisades. For business and property owners, the aftermath brings not just emotional grief, but a logistical and financial challenge: how to remove debris and rebuild without adequate federal support.

At Letter Four, our Design-Build team understands how overwhelming this process can be. We’re here to guide property owners—from small business landlords to local shop owners—through every phase of recovery, from cleanup to permitting and construction.

What’s the Issue? Commercial Properties Left Out of Federal Cleanup Efforts

According to Bisnow’s coverage, FEMA’s debris removal programs traditionally prioritize residential homes, leaving commercial building owners, cafés, stores, bars, and even mixed-use buildings, responsible for clearing their own sites. This policy, while long-standing, caught many off guard.

In Altadena alone, the Eaton Fire destroyed or damaged over 150 commercial and nearly 100 multifamily properties. The Palisades Fire caused similar damage on the west side. Business owners are now learning that removing fire debris could cost upwards of $70,000 to $80,000 per site—often not fully covered by insurance.

What If You Missed the Right-of-Entry Deadline?

Here’s what you can do next:

• Contact LA County Public Works: Even after the deadline, commercial property owners are encouraged to contact local officials to explain their situation. Depending on circumstances, you may still be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for assistance. Learn more at recovery.lacounty.gov.
• Apply for an SBA Disaster Loan: The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes. These can be used for debris removal, rebuilding, equipment replacement, and working capital.
• Seek Support from the California IBank: The California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) offers loan guarantees for small businesses impacted by disasters, helping you secure working capital and repair funds.
• Review Insurance Provisions Carefully: Some policies cover debris removal as a separate line item, but limits may be capped. If you’re unsure, consult with a public adjuster who can advocate on your behalf to maximize coverage.
• Consider Environmental Cleanup Grants: If your property is suspected to be contaminated (due to burnt chemicals, batteries, paint, etc.), you may qualify for environmental cleanup grants. Programs such as California’s Brownfields Program may be applicable for mixed-use or commercial sites.
• Utilize Property Tax Relief: You can apply for property tax relief through the LA County Assessor if your property suffered at least $10,000 in damage. Details and the application form are available at assessor.lacounty.gov.
• Explore Private Grants and Nonprofits: Organizations such as the California Community Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund offer financial support to both residents and businesses recovering from wildfires.

Letter Four’s Design-Build Approach to Fire Recovery

Letter Four is not your average architecture firm or General Contractor, we’re a full-service Design-Build company based in Los Angeles. That means we handle every part of your rebuilding process in-house, streamlining communication and timelines while keeping budgets on track.

Here’s what sets us apart in fire rebuilds:

• Site Evaluation & Cost Transparency: We don’t guess—we evaluate your site conditions, zoning restrictions, and cleanup needs thoroughly before providing pricing or schedules.
• Streamlined Rebuilds with Turnkey Design-Build Services: Our Design-Build team delivers a fully integrated approach that accelerates timelines and minimizes disruption. By managing design, permitting, and construction under one roof, we eliminate costly handoffs and ensure your commercial project stays on track. Whether you're rebuilding a storefront, office space, or multifamily building, our process is tailored to get your business back up and running efficiently—with no compromise on quality or customization.
• Permit Navigation: From planning approvals to utility coordination, we handle it all.
• Personalized Design: Whether you're rebuilding a corner café or a mixed-use complex, we’ll bring your brand and vision to life with thoughtful, efficient design.
• Construction Oversight: Unlike firms that stop at permit sets, we stay with you through construction, managing timelines and budgets to deliver high-quality results. 

At Letter Four we’re All Design. All Build. All The Time. And we’re here for you through every step of our 4-step process.

What’s at Stake: The Local Economy and Community

The heart of Altadena and Pacific Palisades lies not just in homes, but in the brick-and-mortar businesses that create community. Every day that debris remains is a day lost for economic recovery.

As Matt Schodorf, owner of the beloved Café de Leche, shared with Bisnow, “We just want to be a part of the fabric of rebuilding.” We couldn’t agree more.

Ready to Rebuild? Let’s Talk.

Whether you're a building owner with a fire-damaged property, a tenant looking to return to your space, or a business owner seeking to rebuild better—we’re here to help. Schedule a call with our team today and take the first step toward bringing your business back.