Like-For-Like Rebuild
Updated May 9, 2025
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
LA County is expediting permitting timelines for specific types of rebuild projects, including “Like-for-Like” rebuilds, to speed up disaster recovery efforts. Like-for-like rebuilds have quicker permitting review and approval times than more complex projects, so fire survivors can rebuild as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Like-for-like rebuilds are projects with structures of the same size, in the same location, and for the same purpose as the previous structures that were damaged or destroyed by the fire. Like-for-like rebuilds can have structures that are smaller, or have a different floor plan, than the previous structures.
Like-for-like rebuilds may be approved with slight modifications to the previous structure’s plans. In the Palisades Fire affected area, a like-for-like replacement structure can have modifications that do not increase the floor area, size, height, or building footprint by more than 10%. In the Eaton Fire affected area, a like-for-like replacement structure can have modifications that do not increase the floor area, size, height, or building footprint by more than 10% or 200 square feet, whichever is greater.
Like-for-like structures do not need to comply with current Zoning Code requirements. However, they will need to comply with current Building, Fire, and Health and Safety Code requirements.
Replacement structures that are not like-for-like are subject to current Zoning Code requirements. For example, non-like-for-like rebuilds in Altadena are subject to the Altadena Community Standards District (CSD). Please note that some Zoning Code requirements may be modified for fire rebuilds. For example, Altadena CSD front yard setback requirements do not apply. The minimum required front yard setback for all non-like-for-like rebuilds is 20 feet. Please check with your assigned land use planner for the most up-to-date information.
The steps detailed below are for residents in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, including Altadena and communities of the Santa Monica Mountains.
- Residents of the City of Los Angeles should go to: https://recovery.lacity.gov/
- Pasadena residents should go to: https://www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/recovery-virtual-consultations/
- Residents of Malibu should go to: https://maliburebuilds.org
- Sierra Madre residents should go to: https://www.sierramadreca.gov/
Step 1: Site Clearance and Plan Submission—All Underway and Available Now
IMPORTANT: Residents do not have to wait for the completion of Phase 1 and Phase 2 debris removal to submit an application for a rebuild. The steps outlined below can happen concurrently.
Site Clearance
- Phase 1: Household Hazardous Debris Removal —The U.S. EPA has initiated the removal of hazardous materials. The EPA must provide clearance before moving to Phase 2.
- Phase 2: Fire Debris Removal – Property owners can opt in for free cleanup by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or opt out and pay a specialized, approved contractor to remove the remaining fire debris. To complete your Right of Entry form and opt-in or out of the government-run debris removal program, please visit https://recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal/roe. The deadline to submit your completed opt-in/opt-out form is April 15, 2025.
Submit Plans
- Rebuild applications may be submitted online or in person at any of our field offices.
- Online: https://bit.ly/RebuildEPIC
- In person: https://bit.ly/DRPRebuildApp
- LA County will accept applications for rebuilds when a property owner is ready to submit. However, Phases 1 and 2 must be completed before permits are issued.
Step 2: Permits
Your application will be internally routed for review with LA County Planning, Building and Safety, Fire, and Public Health. Site clearance under Step 1 must be completed before the issuance of building permits.
Step 3: Construction and Inspections
Schedule inspections with LA County Building and Safety at specific milestones to continue construction.
Step 4: Move In
Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from LA County Building and Safety.