Frequently Asked Questions

The term “like-for-like” is defined by the Zoning Code. A like-for-like replacement structure must be the same size, in the same location, and for the same use as the previous structure. In the Palisades Fire affected area, a like-for-like replacement structure may be approved with 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 may be approved with modifications that do not increase the floor area, size, height, or building footprint by more than 10% or 200 square feet, whichever is greater.

If the above requirements are met, like-for-like replacement structures can have a different internal floor plan or be smaller than the damaged or destroyed structure.

Like-for-like replacement structures do not need to comply with current Zoning Code requirements. However, they need to comply with current Building Code, Fire Code, and Health and Safety Code requirements.

There is no definitive timeline for the rebuilding process. LA County Regional Planning generally requires applications for temporary housing and like-for-like rebuilds to be submitted within two years of the declaration of emergency being first declared. Extensions may be granted if additional time is necessary. However, once issued, a building permit will expire in 12 months if construction does not begin.

Please note that debris removal must be completed before a building permit can be issued.

The exact amount of time it will take to recover and rebuild from the wildfires is still unknown. We can’t provide a “one size fits all” estimate on when residents can expect to be back in their homes – many factors could extend the process, from weather, to availability of design consultants, materials and contractors.

To sign up for text/email updates regarding the County recovery process, please submit your contact information at: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/CALACOUNTY/subscriber/new?topic_id=CALACOUNTY_3684

For unincorporated LA County communities, One-Stop Permit Centers have been established for residents impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires. Walk-ins are welcome and consultation appointments can be scheduled at the Altadena and Calabasas One-Stop Permit Centers. LA County permitting agencies, including Fire Department, Regional Planning, Public Health and Public Works Building and Safety, are available by appointment at the One-Stop Permit Centers to guide owners and their representatives through the rebuild process and answer any questions they may have. Homeowners will be provided packets with information specific to their property, including permit records, assessor records and property attributes. In addition, Southern California Edison (SCE) Planners and Billing Service Representatives are available by appointment to assist the customers in their service areas.

LA County has committed to providing expedited services for fire rebuilds. However, the duration of the permitting process will vary based on the project’s complexity. Certain types of projects will be able to move forward on accelerated timelines, such as like-for-like rebuild projects or preapproved plans. More complex projects may require additional review and approvals but will still be expedited.

Regional Planning will conduct their initial review of like-for-like rebuild projects within 10 business days and will also conduct rechecks within 5 business days. If the rebuild project does not meet Regional Planning’s like-for-like standards, review periods will depend on the complexity and scope of each project. Please note that like-for-like replacement structures do not need to comply with current Zoning Code requirements, but they will need to comply with current Building Code, Fire Code, and Health and Safety Code requirements.

Once full building plans are submitted, all other permitting departments will review initial submittals within 10 business days and rechecks within 5 business days. Over the counter or virtual appointments for rechecks may be facilitated, provided the design professional is available to attend the appointment as well.

Yes, in most cases additional agency approvals will be required prior to issuance of a building permit. The applicability of review and approval of required agencies is unique to each site and will be determined by a building plan check engineer at the time of plan submittal.

One requirement is to obtain a water agency Will-Serve letter stating that the water agency has the capacity to provide water service to the planned project. Further information on Will-Serve letters is available in fact sheets for the Eaton and Palisades affected areas.

LA County staff needs only one application with architectural plans (i.e., site plans, floor plans, and elevations) and property ownership information to start their review. After staff determines whether your proposal qualifies as a like-for-like rebuild project, identifies additional application requirements, and finalizes the project scope, they may require additional materials to complete the zoning review.

After staff issues the zoning clearance, if you would like to move forward with the building permit process, staff will need structural plans, structural calculations by a licensed architect or engineer (if not prescriptive construction), and energy plans. You will be notified when these plans need to be submitted, but you will not need to submit another application.

For more information on LA County’s requirements, please refer to the Eaton and Palisades Fire Rebuild Minimum Residential Submittal Requirements at https://dpw.lacounty.gov/bsd/lib/fp/Building/Residential/Fire%20Rebuild%20Minimum%20Submittal%20Requirements.pdf

Public Health requirements for rebuilding can be found at http://ph.lacounty.gov/eh/safety/returning-home-after-fire.htm

A debris removal permit is required only if you do not opt-in to the government-assisted debris removal program. For homeowners who opt-out of the government-assisted program, approval from Public Works is required for the debris removal work. More information is available by calling LA County Public Works Fire Debris Hotline at 844-347-3332 or at recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal.

If you would like to attempt to reuse your foundation, you will need to retain an engineering consultant to evaluate the foundation and determine whether or not it can be reused for the rebuild. If the existing structure’s foundation is deemed to have suffered minimal fire damage by a design professional (licensed civil engineer, structural engineer or architect), it may be used in the new proposed construction as long as it meets current building code requirements. Such determination shall be based upon thorough testing and forensic analysis. The engineer must complete the following form: Reuse of Existing Foundation Systems in a Fire Damaged Structure (Rev 02-2025)

The design professional must verify that all under-slab utility systems (such as drain, waste, vent, water, mechanical, electrical, etc.) are suitable for continued use. Electrical conduits may remain, but all under-slab electrical conductors must be replaced.

Applicants who choose to demolish the slab/foundation system will need to provide a compaction report to address re-compaction of the lot after slab removal, if soil was disturbed to a depth greater than 12 inches. A licensed geotechnical or civil engineer must prepare the compaction report.

A separate demolition permit will not be required for those who opt-in to the government’s debris removal program: the opt-in process already includes the demolition verification. A debris removal permit will be required for those that opt-out and the description will need to indicate that the existing foundation will remain. Note that if the foundation is not removed during the debris removal process and not suitable to remain, a separate demolition permit will then be required to remove the foundation.

Yes, the existing foundation may be utilized as long as it meets all building code requirements; including slope setback requirements. However, reduced slope setbacks may be recommended by a soils engineer and may be approved subject to the building official’s review.

Not necessarily, if your foundation is a conventional raised or slab on grade with continuous footings that are designed to meet specified minimum standards, you will not need a soils report. Soils reports are still required for foundations with caissons or deep piles, for geotechnical hazards, basement walls and certain other criteria. In addition, Public Works Geotechnical and Materials Engineering approval may be required prior to rebuilding a home where a geologic hazard is present.

The need for a grading permit will be determined by how much soil is removed, if below grade/basement walls are backfilled, and the site condition.

Be aware that damaged oak trees cannot be removed because oak trees may resprout within a two-year monitoring period. However, if an oak tree is deemed a hazard by the County Forester, it may be removed with a valid Oak Tree Permit Exemption.

Like-for-like rebuild projects do not need to comply with current Zoning Code requirements, including the Oak Tree Ordinance. However, no oak trees can be removed, and if the structure that was damaged or destroyed encroached into the protected zone of any oak tree, the like-for-like replacement structure cannot encroach further into the protected zone.

If the rebuild project does not meet Regional Planning’s like-for-like standards, it will need to comply with current Zoning Code requirements, including the Oak Tree Ordinance. If you have oak trees on your property, please contact Regional Planning for more information regarding the Oak Tree Ordinance and Oak Tree Permits.

On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the LA County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Supervisor Barger’s motion to waive and refund fees for qualifying property owners rebuilding single-family homes in unincorporated Los Angeles County following the Eaton and Palisades wildfires. To qualify, the property owner must have both owned and lived in the property being rebuilt prior to January 7, 2025. To learn more, click here.

Please also refer to the following chart, which breaks down which fees are eligible for a waiver and which fees are not:

For property owners who do not meet the criteria for a permit fee waiver and refund, the estimated fee costs are as follows:

Regional Planning’s fee is $1,429 for like-for-like rebuild projects and $1,623 for not-like-for-like rebuild projects that do not require a public hearing. Fees for not-like-for-like rebuild projects that require a public hearing will depend on the project’s scope.

Building and Safety’s building plan check and permit fee varies depending on the size and cost of the construction. For a 3,000-square-foot home, the current fee is approximately $22,000. For a 1,500-square-foot home, the current fee is approximately $12,000.

Fire Department fees include a $565 building plan review fee and a $565 fire sprinkler plan review fee. The fuel modification plan review fee is $735 for homes smaller than 2,500 square feet and $845 for homes larger than 2,500 square feet. Inspection fees will be $390 for the building inspection and $390 for the fire sprinkler inspection.

Public Health plan check fees for Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems vary depending on the type of rebuild (i.e., like-for-like or not-like-for-like), and whether the approved original plan is available. The current fee for a like-for-like rebuild project is $447 if the approved original plan is available and $527 if the approved original plan is not available.  The current fee for a not-like-for-like rebuild project is $1528 if it has a Conventional Onsite Wastewater Treatment System and $1986 if it has a Non-Conventional Onsite Wastewater Treatment System.

School fees are required only if your proposed new construction adds 500 sq ft or more of habitable space from the existing permitted square footage. To confirm, please contact your applicable school district. You may use the Service Locator tool to determine the school district: dpw.lacounty.gov/general/servicelocator/.

No, library fees are not required for reconstruction of one individual single-family residence.

Reconstruction of one individual single-family residence is not subject to Sanitation District fees.  Fees will apply if your home was previously on a septic system or cesspool and you connect the new home to sewer when you rebuild.

Yes, plans can be submitted at this time. However, construction work cannot begin until debris removal has been completed. You can submit your plans electronically through the County’s EPIC-LA online permit system or by visiting your local field office.  For more information on LA County’s requirements, please refer to the Eaton and Palisades Fire Rebuild Minimum Residential Submittal Requirements at https://dpw.lacounty.gov/bsd/lib/fp/Building/Residential/Fire%20Rebuild%20Minimum%20Submittal%20Requirements.pdf.

Like-for-like rebuild projects do not need to comply with current Zoning Code requirements, but they need to comply with current Building Code, Fire Code, and Health and Safety Code requirements.

If the rebuild project does not meet Regional Planning’s like-for-like standards, all new construction, remodeling, and repairs will need to comply with current Zoning Code requirements, in addition to current Building Code, Fire Code, and Health and Safety Code requirements.

Please note that some Zoning Code requirements may be modified for rebuild projects. For example, Altadena Community Standards District front yard setback requirements do not apply. The minimum required front yard setback for all rebuild projects is 20 feet. Please check with your assigned land use planner for the most up-to-date information.

In the Eaton Fire affected area, the following provisions are suspended for “like-for-like” single-family residential rebuild projects and duplex residential rebuild projects:

• Installation of electric vehicle-ready infrastructure.
• Cool roof requirement.
• Graywater-ready plumbing system.
• Low impact development requirements for buildings built prior to 2009.

• It depends on the date a complete application is submitted to Building & Safety (i.e.  when they submit a complete building plan-set to Building & Safety).
• If that set is submitted on or after 01/01/2026, then it is subject to the 2026 LACBC.
• Note: Governor Newsom issued executive order N-29-25 which allows fire rebuild projects to use the 2023 building codes into this new year.

No, the date depends on when they submit a complete application to Building & Safety, as some applicants receive planning approval and don’t come to Building & Safety immediately.

Neither. The date depends on when they submit a complete application to Building & Safety.

In the Eaton Fire Area only: Like-for-like fire rebuilds are exempt from review under the current LA County LID guidelines if they meet the following criteria:

1. Residence constructed prior to 2009
2. Residences constructed after 2009 if the building remains on the same footprint, and the total proposed impervious surface area (including walkways, driveway, and pool) does not exceed 50% of the impervious surface area that existed prior to the fire.

Pre-Existing BMPs must be reinstalled, and current LID covenant will remain valid. Note that should the pre-existing BMPs be amended, a new LID covenant will be required to be recorded and previous recorded covenant rescinded.

LID requirements are not waived in the Palisades area.

There are two options regarding cross-lot drainage:

1. Any impact to an adjacent property would either need to be mitigated onsite or an offsite drainage acceptance covenant would need to be signed by the adjacent property owner and recorded.
2. If the pre and post construction’s onsite drainage net effect at the property line is deemed by the architect or engineer of record to be negligible, the findings would be reviewed and if accepted, the architect or engineer would need to place a statement on the plans declaring their findings for permanent record.

If permits for a new home or an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) were recently issued during the 2020 or 2023 code cycle, the same permits for the new home or ADU can be issued again without plan review.

LA County will review all available information, including but not limited to previous land use and zoning approvals, building permit records, Coastal Commission records, County Assessor’s Office records and photographs, to determine the square footage.

Typically, LA County does not keep residential building plans on file. However, files may be available if a residential building passed final inspection within the last 90 days, if it was part of a developer-built subdivision, or if residential building plans were submitted electronically through EPIC-LA.

Yes. Homeowners may be able to use a pre-approved standard plan for their rebuild project. These plans comply with the applicable Zoning Code and Building Code requirements.  Some plans are only for the Palisades Fire affected area and other plans are only for the Eaton Fire affected area.

If a homeowner wants to use a pre-approved standard plan, they will need to contract with the design professional that created the plan.  The homeowner will also need to submit an application, complete a site plan, and provide additional site-specific details.  LA County staff will review the application to complete the permitting process.

For more information, please visit https://planning.lacounty.gov/disaster-recovery/pre-approved-standard-plans/.

Residents rebuilding their homes are no longer required to install rooftop solar panels or battery storage systems. Residents can choose to install solar or battery storage systems if they wish, but they are not required to do so. However, homes must still be solar-ready, which means homes must be built with the wiring and space needed for solar in the future.

Rebuilds will need to comply with current code requirements, which includes the installation of fire sprinklers.

The current code requires a new building to be electric ready, but you are still able to install gas appliances.

Yes. South Coast Air Quality Management District has waived the previous requirement that fire chimneys be gas burning, so wood-burning chimneys are now allowed for all fire rebuild projects.

Yes. Accessory structures—such as fences and retaining walls—that are necessary to prevent damage to temporary housing or like-for-like replacements, or to prevent further damage to the lot or to remaining structures, are permitted. Accessory structures must comply with all applicable standards of Title 22, including Altadena Community Standards District(CSD) standards for Fences, Walls, and Landscaping in the Eaton Fire area.

Prior to start of construction, most rebuilds will require a corner record survey to identify the property boundaries. It’s the owner’s responsibility to hire a private surveyor to mark their property lines.

Like-for-like replacement structures can have the same setbacks as the legally established damaged or destroyed structure. They do not need to comply with current setback requirements. If the rebuild project does not meet Regional Planning’s like-for-like standards, the new structures will need to comply with current setback requirements. A property owner can request modifications to the current setback requirements, but these requests require a public hearing and approval is not guaranteed. Please contact Regional Planning for more information about requesting modifications to the current setback requirements.

LA County will rely on historic preservation experts to inform our decisions on this topic. If historically significant portions of the historic structure remain, and there are original plans available, it is possible to rebuild the structure in an historically appropriate manner. Please contact the Los Angeles Conservancy for additional advice.

Yes. These rebuild projects are considered like-for-like replacements and will receive an expedited plan check. For the Eaton Fire area only, you may increase the floor area by up to 200 SF or 10%, whichever is greater.  Although like-for-like replacement structures do not need to comply with current Zoning Code requirements, they will need to comply with current Building Code, Fire Code, and Health and Safety Code requirements.

Yes. If you had an addition to your home approved by Regional Planning that was in progress, you can rebuild the house with the approved addition as a like-for-like rebuild. A five-year extension will be granted for any unused Planning entitlements in fire impacted areas. A three-year extension will be granted for any unused Coastal Development Permits on properties impacted by the Palisades Fire.

A “Yellow” tag typically indicates that your property has been assessed and deemed safe for limited access, but certain areas are restricted due to safety concerns. Restricted areas may include parts of the property that are structurally compromised (e.g., living room, garage, etc.) and areas with unstable structures. Access is permitted only to retrieve essential contents (e.g., important documents, medications, clothing and personal items needed for immediate use).

A “Red” tag indicates that your property has been assessed and deemed uninhabitable due to severe damage or safety hazards resulting from the wildfire. The house or accessory structures, if red tagged, shall not be entered or occupied.

Properties may be red tagged if they have damaged pool or spa enclosures that had previously acted as pool barriers. Here’s why:

1. Safety Concerns: Pool or spa enclosures are critical for safety, especially in residential areas with children or pets. If these barriers are compromised, there is an increased risk of accidental drowning or injury.
2. Building Code Compliance: Properties must comply with local building codes and regulations regarding pool safety. If the enclosure is damaged to the extent that it no longer meets safety standards, the property may be red tagged until the issue is resolved.
3. Hazardous Conditions: A destroyed or damaged pool enclosure can create hazardous conditions on the property, such as unsecured access to the pool area, which can lead to liability issues for the property owner.

If a property has been red tagged for this reason, it is essential for the owner to contact the appropriate building department for their area to understand the specific requirements for repairing or replacing the enclosure and to ensure compliance with safety regulations before the tag can be lifted.

Yes, the local Building and Safety District Office contact information is provided on the yellow or red tags placed on your property. Residents in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, please contact your local Building and Safety District Office for any inquiries. You can also schedule group or one-on-one appointments for in-person expert help at the One-Stop Permit Centers. All other residents must contact the building or planning department overseeing their specific community (i.e. City of Los Angeles, City of Pasadena, City of Malibu, City of Sierra Madre).

Contractors may commence work with the appropriate permits if the home was not affected by the fire, however if Phase 2 debris removal is required for the particular parcel, then once Phase 1 hazardous waste has been completed and depending on whether the property owner chooses to opt-in or opt-out of the government debris removal program and the appropriate debris removal has taken place, then the contractor can resume the work.

Temporary housing is allowed. Temporary housing units may include recreational vehicles, manufactured homes, or mobilehomes. The temporary housing unit must have a water connection for drinking, a sanitary waste disposal system and an electrical connection.  Click here to apply for a Temporary Housing Permit.

Temporary housing approvals expire two years after the beginning of the emergency declaration. Temporary housing units must be removed from the property within 24 hours after the approval expires. However, the Director of Regional Planning can grant up to three one-year extensions of the expiration date if additional time is necessary. Otherwise, temporary housing units must be removed from the property within 30 days after the County issues a Certificate of Occupancy for the replacement.

If there is a pre-existing ADU on a property, it can be temporarily occupied by a household while they wait for a replacement primary dwelling unit to be built on the same property, although it is not a temporary structure and will not need to be removed from the property at a future time. However, Phase 1 hazardous materials removal must occur on the entire property before the household can move into the pre-existing ADU.

Manufactured housing or mobilehome registration is overseen by the State of California Housing and Community Development (HCD). LA County issues permits and inspects units being placed on private property, but not within a mobilehome park. If the property is located within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, LA County requests documentation that the unit being placed meets the fire-resistant construction requirements prior to issuing a permit. The units come with an insignia/label affixed to the unit so inspectors can identify properly approved units. For permanent use, they must be installed on a foundation system consisting of a continuous concrete footing. In addition to the footing and anchorage of the unit, LA County staff inspects the utility connections for code compliance.

In addition, HCD oversees the factory-built housing program in the state of California. Factory-Built Housing is a residential building, dwelling unit, individual dwelling room, or combination of rooms, or building components, assembly, or system manufactured so that all concealed parts or processes of manufacturing cannot be inspected before installation. Similar to manufactured housing and mobilehomes, factory-built housing is approved by HCD and affixed with an insignia that LA County verifies during installation. The permitting process described above is applicable to factory-built housing as well.

Yes. A new, “standalone” ADU can be built on a property and occupied by a household until the primary dwelling unit is rebuilt on the same property. A household may temporarily occupy a “standalone” ADU until January 7, 2030. The ADU will not be considered a temporary structure and will not need to be removed from the property at a future time. LA County staff will require an application and permits for the new ADU, which will be expedited. The new ADU will need to comply with current Zoning Code and State law requirements as well as current Building Code, Fire Code, and Health and Safety Code requirements.

Please see the Rebuilding page on recovery.lacounty.gov. Additional informational guides can be found on Public Health’s website at  lacounty.gov/eh/safety/returning-home-after-fire.htm.

A Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) is a geographical area identified by the state as a “Fire Hazard Severity Zone” in accordance with the Public Resources Code Sections 4201 through 4204 and Government Code Sections 51175 through 51189, or other areas designated by the Los Angeles County Fire Department to be at a significant risk from wildfires.

Fire Hazard Severity Zones are geographical areas designated by the California Public Resources Codes and classified as Very High, High or Moderate in State Responsibility Areas or as Local Responsibility Areas in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The California Code of Regulations entitles the maps of these geographical areas as “Maps of the Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the State Responsibility Area of California.”

This chapter applies to building materials, systems, and/or assemblies used in the exterior design and construction of new buildings, and to additions, alterations, or repairs made to existing buildings, erected, constructed, or moved within a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Area. The purpose of this chapter is to establish minimum standards for the protection of life and property by increasing the ability of a building located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone within State Responsibility Areas or any WUI Fire Area to resist the intrusion of flames or burning embers projected by a vegetation fire and contributes to a systematic reduction in conflagration losses.

Chapter 7A applies to any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area of the State Responsibility Area or Local Responsibility Area.

To view this Section of the Residential Code, go to https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/CARC2022P3/chapter-3-building-planning#CARC2022P3_Pt03_Ch03_SecR337.

To view Los Angeles County amendments to this section, go to https://library.municode.com/ca/los_angeles_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT30RECO_CH3BUPL_R337MACOMEEXWIEX.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office creates the fire zone maps that trigger the application of Chapter 7A requirements. When the maps are updated, they will be enforced per the implementation date. Public Works encourages the use of Chapter 7A requirements in areas not within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone, but application of the requirements will be voluntary at the owner’s discretion.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office creates the Fire Zone Maps which triggers application of Chapter 7A requirements. If the maps are updated, they will be enforced per the implementation date. Public Works encourages the use of Chapter 7A requirements in areas not within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone, but application of the requirements will be voluntary at the owner’s discretion.

Any alternate materials proposed will be reviewed by our Research Section with an expedited review timeline.

If your structure is located within the Fire Hazard Severity Zone, there are requirements for the size of exposed lumber used to construct decks, patios, carports, and trellises.

You may keep your existing septic system if it is in good working order, and you are rebuilding your property with the same number of units and bedrooms for which the septic system was originally approved. If you intend to add a bedroom, pool, an Accessory Dwelling Unit, or other change that will increase wastewater flow, you will be required to upgrade your septic system to meet current standards.

If the proposed building is within 200 linear feet of a sewer main without crossing a neighbor’s property, the Department of Public Health is unable to issue a permit for the construction or repair of a septic system. You may rebuild your property on your existing septic system but any change to the property that would increase wastewater flow or any need to repair the septic system would require a connection to the sewer main.

An exemption to connecting to the sewer main can be provided by the Department of Public Works if your property is unable to connect to the sewer. For example, if the sewer line is on a street located above your property making a connection impractical.

The circumstances for residents who want to switch from septic/cesspool to municipal sewer will depend on the specific location of your property and whether a municipal sewer line is already constructed in the street in front of your house.  For additional information on this topic, we invite you to email AltadenaSewer@pw.lacounty.gov.  We will be glad to review the specifics of your property and help guide you through what it would take to convert from septic/cesspool to municipal sewer, along with an estimated timeframe for this potential change.

Homeowners are responsible for the cost of a lateral connection to underground utilities, including sewer, gas, water, and power within the public right of way.

The County does not have a plan to extend sewer service to all Altadena homeowners. There is an existing process to get sewer service to homes that didn’t previously have it, called the County Improvement District (CID) program. This is a community driven program, whereby the County fronts the cost to construct new sewer lines, and residents pay them back through assessments on their property taxes spread out over time.  We also requested funding from State and Federal government agencies for this but have not received any information yet if that will come through.

Public Works has received dozens of inquiries about this, and is currently meeting with various neighborhoods throughout Altadena to explain the process.  So far, one community has taken the first step to create a new CID by submitting signed petitions.  Residents can email AltadenaSewer@pw.lacounty.gov if they are interested in learning more about how the CID program works.

There is not a plan to extend County sewer to neighborhoods at this time aside from through the community driven CID program.

Funding collected by Public Works for sewer service must go towards operation and maintenance of the existing sewer lines, and cannot be spent on upgrading septic systems or expanding the sewer network. To date, we have not been able to identify another funding source that can support expansion of the County’s sewer system or provide subsidies for septic system upgrades.

Public Works is committed to expediting design and construction for neighborhoods that want to proceed with sewer expansion through the CID program. Public Works is ready to start the process of developing a scope of work and construction estimate as soon as petitions demonstrating resident support are received. The details of how long it will take to complete the work will depend on the specific area and how complex the system needs to be. Our rough estimate is that it could range from 1-2 years.

Properties, located beyond 200 linear feet of a public sewer, with an existing septic system, verified by a qualified licensed contractor and determined to be in good working condition may use the existing septic system if the property is:

Rebuilding Like-For-Like:

• Same number of bedrooms or bedroom equivalents (a possibility of floor plan modification of up to 10%)
• Fully accommodated by the existing septic system
• All setback requirements are met

Rebuilding as a New construction:

• Equivalent structure with original floor plan, using existing septic system, sized correctly for the number of bedrooms or bedroom equivalents
• Proper distance between the septic system and structures (house, retaining walls, pools, decks, and other features) must meet system components standards

Rebuilding with New/Modified floor plan:

• Proposing additional bedrooms or bedroom equivalents will require Public Health permits for a compatible septic system.

Properties, located within 200 linear feet of a public sewer line (Sewer Pipes cannot cross a neighboring property line when connecting to the public sewer), a sewer connection may be required if:

• a qualified licensed contractor determines an existing septic system is NOT in good working condition,
• a modification is proposed (e.g. additional bedroom or bedroom equivalents, increasing the building’s footprint by more than 10%, adding a pool, etc.)

Properties on cesspools:

• Cesspools are regulated by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board. For more information, contact the Waste Discharge Requirements Program at DWQ-WDR@Waterboards.ca.gov or visit: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/owts/
• The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (LARWQCB) will permit the continued use of existing cesspools during Like-For-Like fire rebuild. This requires that the cesspool remains functional and that homeowners do not increase wastewater flow by adding bedrooms or bedroom equivalents, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), or any other additions that may increase the wastewater flow from the replacement structures.
• If a property owner wishes to rebuild with additional bedrooms or other additions that increase wastewater flow, it is required to upgrade the cesspool to a septic system when properties are located beyond 200 linear feet of public sewer or connect to a public sewer when properties are located within 200 linear feet of a public sewer. Approvals must be obtained from appropriate regulatory agencies.

For properties within 200 feet of an existing public sewer, Public Works can determine if property is able to connect to the public sewer or if that is infeasible from a technical standpoint. If PW determines that the nearest connection cannot service the property, the property owner may obtain a waiver from PW to continue the use of an existing septic system by emailing AltadenaSewer@pw.lacounty.gov, provided it has been evaluated by a qualified licensed contractor and determined to be in good working condition. If a connection to the public sewer is not possible, and the existing septic system is not in good working condition, a Public Health permit for a new or modified septic system will be required.  For more information, please contact LA County Public Health at (626) 430-5380.

There is not certainty that municipal sewer will be available unless the neighborhood goes through the process to create a CID.

The Public Health Department (PHD) EH does not regulate the abandonment of septic or cesspool systems. If a homeowner plans to decommission an existing system following a sewer connection, they need to contact LA County to obtain a sewer permit to abandon an existing septic tank and connect to the sewer line and comply with their specific requirements for proper abandonment.

A Tap and Saddle Fee ($154) would be charged for connection to Consolidated Sewer Maintenance District to connect the lateral if there is no stub-out.

The County will support and coordinate homeowners in the creation of local sewer districts.  Public Works recognizes that many fire victims are displaced and has been meeting virtually with several neighborhoods to explain the process and organize local homeowners who want to proceed.  If any residents are interested in learning more, they can reach out to AltadenaSewer@pw.lacounty.gov.

Yes, Public Health Department management ensures that all permitting inspectors, both in-office and in the field, are promptly and uniformly informed of the most recent changes regarding septic, cesspool, and sewer systems. Public Works is keeping staff at the Altadena One Stop Center apprised of the latest information regarding this topic. These processes ensure consistent implementation and compliance across all relevant departments.

Incorporating greywater systems into new construction can significantly reduce the demand on septic systems. This is especially beneficial when homeowners add an ADU or increase the home’s square footage, situations that often trigger the need for a septic system upgrade. However, while greywater systems offer clear environmental and infrastructure benefits, it’s important to note that the current Local Agency Management Program (LAMP) does not provide specific policies or regulations for approving greywater systems in the context of new ADUs or expanded development.

We anticipate there will be a combination of above and below ground utilities.  Power utilities are prioritizing undergrounding utilities in High Fire Risk Areas.

The undergrounding of both power and telecommunications lines will be done using a joint trench approach.

While most of the work to underground utilities takes place within the public right of way, there will be cases where utilities will need to install equipment on private property. To facilitate this work, homeowners will need to execute an easement, which gives utilities permission to carry out the work.

Failure to execute all required easements will prevent utilities from installing the infrastructure needed to underground overhead lines.

Swimming pools and spas are required to be surrounded by a 5ft. high fence or barrier. The home and/or garage may be part of the pool barrier, and in the case where either the fence or the home was destroyed, temporary fencing must be installed. A chain link fence shall be 11 gauge with openings not more than 1 ¾” measured horizontally. A permit is not required to install a temporary fence.

If someone opts-in to the government run debris-removal program, the U.S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will remove fire debris from the pool if the pool is within the ash footprint. USACE may use the contaminated water to wet down debris during the removal process. They will not refill or remove the pool.

Chlorination requirements, mosquitos breeding prevention and other swimming pool topics can be found at ph.lacounty.gov/eh/safety/returning-home-after-fire.htm.

While draining a pool is not recommended, if damage to the pool requires it to be drained, residents in the unincorporated area may drain their pools to the sewer. To discharge into the sanitary sewer, LA County requires a three-inch P-trap legally installed with a sewer permit. A pool P-trap is piping that sticks up vertically from the ground and is typically installed near the pool equipment. This only applies to freshwater pools (no saltwater pools) connected to public sewer. Opening manholes and draining directly to manholes is not allowed. Property owners should remove any floating debris by skimming and should filter the pool water prior to draining to reduce the discharge of solids and debris into the sewer system. In addition, there shall be no drainage of pools to the sewer during or within 24 hours after active rainfall. If the pool does not have a P-trap, or the P-trap was damaged by the fire, owners will need to hire a private water hauler to drain the pool.

If the property is on a septic system and is not connected to the sewer, homeowners will need to hire a private water hauler to drain their pool.

For guidance, please refer to this guide: ph.lacounty.gov/eh/docs/safety/septic-systems-assessment-following-fire-en.pdf on the Environmental Health website. Please contact LA County Public Health at (626) 430-5380 if you have additional questions.

Yes. Please contact LA County Public Health at (626) 430-5380 for further information.

To prevent the collapse of the septic tank, drain field and seepage pits, it is recommended that you identify their locations using stakes and caution tape to prevent heavy equipment from driving over those areas.

The buyer is not eligible for temporary housing on the site, which requires evidence that the buyer has lived at the site within the past twelve months.

Expedited permitting will be available to everyone within two years of the beginning of the emergency declaration. It does not matter if the property has changed hands. More specifically, applications for like-for-like rebuild projects must be submitted to Regional Planning within two years after the beginning of the emergency declaration. However, the Director of Regional Planning can grant up to three one-year extensions of the application submittal deadline if additional time is necessary.  If a rebuild project does not meet Regional Planning’s like-for-like standards, the application can be submitted at any time.

If the buyer does not utilize the previous home’s building footprint for the fastest path towards rebuilding, they will be required to comply with the new Community Standards District regulations for setbacks, among other requirements.