Like-For-Like Rebuild
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: LA County is providing expedited permitting timelines for specific types of rebuild projects, including “Like-for-Like” rebuilds, to help support and speed up regional rebuilding efforts. Like-for-like rebuilds are defined as projects that intend to rebuild a house of the same size, in the same location and for the same purpose as the previous structure that was located on the property but has since been damaged or destroyed by wildfire. Like-for-like rebuilds offer quicker permitting review and approval times than more complex projects, so that folks that are just looking to rebuild the house that they lost can do so as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Like-for-like rebuilds may be approved with slight modifications to the previous structure’s plans, so long as they do not increase the floor area, size, height or building footprint by more than 10%. Rebuild projects that decrease in size or have an altered floor plan compared to the previous structure will also be considered like-for-like, so long as they have the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Like-for-like structures do not need to comply with current zoning and setback requirements, however, they will need to comply with current Building, Fire, and Health and Safety Code Requirements.
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://dbs.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 March 31, 2025.
- 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.
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
- Second, complete plan check review through LA County Building and Safety.
- Additional review related to septic systems, potable water, and fire safety is required by LA County Departments of Public Health and Fire.
Step 2: Permits
After building plans are approved, obtain building permits from LA County Building and Safety.
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.