Resilient Rebuilding

A guide to resilient and efficient rebuilding.

This Resilient Rebuild Resource Guide supports property owners and building professionals, particularly those affected by the recent wildfires, in creating efficient and healthy buildings that can withstand the test of time.

The guide offers trusted information and resources for planning, designing, and constructing high-performance buildings that are more resilient to fire risks. Even if your property was not fire-damaged, many of these strategies apply to any project focused on long-term resilience.

This guide will be reviewed and updated regularly as resources become available.

*Note: All designs must meet applicable local and state codes. Where multiple complaint options exist, you are encouraged to discuss with a licensed design and/or building professional.

Community members engaging with a recovery official at a debris removal site.

For Property Owners

Whether you are constructing a new building, rebuilding after a disaster, or renovating an existing structure, this guidance is a trusted resources that walks you through critical elements of planning, designing, and constructing a healthier, more resilient, and efficient building.

Resources for Rebuilding after the Los Angeles County Fires

As a guide, this website provides information on building design and certification standards, energy and water efficiency, electric heating and vehicles, solar energy, fire resistant construction, and incentives, discounts, and financing options to help you rebuild.

Most of these elements are determined during the design phase of the rebuild project. Adding these elements after a building is designed can increase costs and time, so it is best to plan for these elements early in the rebuilding process.

By making smart, resilient design decisions now, you’re not only protecting your property — you’re investing in long-term peace of mind.

How To Use This Website

Although this website was created for those affected by the Los Angeles County Fires, the information is useful for anyone looking to create more resilient and healthy buildings.

Following the building process, each section provides an overview of the topic and additional resources. While many of the resources focus on residential construction, it can be applied to any type of building to help better withstand wildfire risks.

Healthy Building

Explore how layout, material and appliance selections, and design contribute to a healthier, more livable space.

Resilient rebuilidng

Learn how to make a resilient building, protecting your home from future fire risks.

Rebates, discounts and incentives

Check out a list of financial supports such as rebates, discounts, and incentives for home efficiency and fire resilience.

Finding your team

Learn how to assemble your rebuild team. From architects to landscapers, coordinate early to help save on design and construction costs.

Materials and equipment

Review guidance on selecting fire-resistant materials and water efficient systems for long-term home resilience.

Landscaping and outdoor space

Find out which landscaping zone to consider when designing fire-resilient spaces.

Resources for professionals

As a professional involved in rebuilding, you can access guidance on:

Fire-resilient building strategies
Materials and construction techniques
Landscaping and site design that reduces fire risk
Incentive programs, rebates, and financing
Collaborative workflows for working with property owners and subcontractors

Resources for Design and Building Professionals

Key resources

Trusted agencies and organizations offer in-depth resources to help property owners and building professionals make informed decisions about creating resilient, efficient, and healthy buildings.

Browse the Latest Resources

Glossary of Key Terms

Key terminology

Chapter 7A – Standards and Building Code provisions related to building materials and construction techniques used to protect buildings from wildfires to protect life and property for a building located in a Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area and Fire Hazard Severity Zone by increasing its ability to resist the intrusion of flames or embers.

Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Designations by CAL FIRE that identify wildfire hazard risks. There are three levels of fire hazards: moderate, high, and very high. At the local level, building within a fire hazard severity zone will require compliance with additional code requirements, such as Chapter 7A.

Fire/Fuel Ladder – Vegetation that allows fires to climb up from the ground to structures or trees.

Firewise – Measures taken to minimize the risk of home ignition and damage from wildfires by taking action at the individual and community-wide level.

Home Hardening – The process of minimizing the risk of fires and flame spread by developing defensible space around a structure by clearing potential fuel for fires, utilizing fire-resistant materials, and sealing vulnerable areas that can allow members to enter.

Thermal Breaks – Material or structures that break the conduction of heat, preventing fires from easily spreading.

Thermal Bridges – Materials or structures that conduct heat, allowing fires to spread easily.

Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) – Where development meets and mixes with wildland areas. This area is specifically vulnerable to wildfire due to the mixture of human activity and flammable vegetation. WUI areas are designated by the state.