Los Angeles Wildfire Rebuilding Speeds Up After Emergency Orders | Karen Bass
Thousands of homes and buildings were destroyed in the recent wildfires across Los Angeles County. To help people rebuild quickly, the state and city issued special emergency orders. These orders remove slow permitting and review steps that normally delay construction.
Governor Newsom’s Statewide Emergency Order
On January 12, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Executive Order N-4-25. This order makes it easier for wildfire victims to rebuild their homes and businesses.
What the State Order Does
Stops environmental reviews under CEQA and the Coastal Act for fire-damaged properties.
Allows rebuilding as long as the new structure is in the same location and not more than 10% larger.
Speeds up the approval process for permits.
Extra Help from the State
Agencies must suggest more ways to reduce delays.
The goal is to issue all needed permits within 30 days.
Stops price gouging on materials and services until January 2026.
Lets people keep their original property tax value when they rebuild.
Some Unclear Parts
There are still questions. Can homeowners add an extra unit or make changes? What about damaged roads or water systems? Also, some recent court cases say wildfire risks must be reviewed, but this order skips that step. That may lead to legal issues later.
Wildfire Rebuilding in Los Angeles: What the Emergency Orders Do
Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-4-25
- CEQA and Coastal Act reviews suspended
- Rebuilding allowed up to 110% of original size
- 30-day permit goal with fast-track support
- Price gouging protections extended
- Tax base transfer allowed for fire victims
Mayor Bass’s Emergency Order No. 1
- One-stop permit center launched
- City review timelines cut to 30 days
- Debris removal task force activated
- Temporary housing units approved
- Demolition and coastal permits waived
These emergency actions aim to speed up recovery for over 12,000 fire-damaged properties across Los Angeles County.
Mayor Karen Bass Issues Local Emergency Order
On January 13, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass signed Emergency Order No. 1. Her order supports the state plan and focuses on local action.
What the Mayor’s Order Includes
Clears debris from fire areas before rain causes more problems.
Lets people rebuild their homes just as they were.
Speeds up permit reviews by all city departments.
Removes city-level review processes.
Opens a one-stop permit center to help residents.
Additional Steps
1,400 housing units already being built can now be used sooner.
Allows tiny homes, trailers, and mobile homes on the property for up to 3 years during rebuilding.
No need for demolition permits for destroyed buildings.
Skips Coastal Development Permits for approved rebuilds.
The city must finish permit reviews within 30 days after getting a complete application.
Who Qualifies for This Help
The project must:
Be in the same spot as the building that burned.
Be no more than 10% larger.
Keep the same use (like residential, not commercial).
Begin within 7 years of the order.
What’s Next?
These orders aim to help people rebuild their homes quickly and affordably. But challenges remain. Local zoning laws still apply, and roads, water, and electricity also need fixing.
Rising construction costs are also adding pressure to recovery efforts—Los Angeles construction costs have surged by 5.9%, making wildfire rebuilding even more challenging (read more).
Leaders say they will update and adjust the orders as needed. For now, these actions offer real hope to those affected by the wildfires.
Need Help?
The City has opened a Disaster Recovery Center. It’s open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at:
10850 Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90064
There, residents can get help with permits, housing, and recovery resources.
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