Step 2: Prepare Plans
Hire Your Design Professionals
To begin the construction process, your proposed project will need to be accurately defined in detail by preparing design plans. These plans need to be prepared by a design professional. A California licensed architect or engineer may be required to prepare the design plans. For complex soil conditions, foundation/site work, or structural designs, detailed engineering may also be necessary to support the proposed design. It is your choice in determining who you hire to prepare your plans. Selecting a pre-approved plan is also an option. If your property is served by an Onsite Waste Treatment System (OWTS) you are required to have an evaluation of the onsite wastewater treatment system (septic system) conducted by a qualified contractor. This evaluation will determine if the system is in good working order and will confirm the number of bedrooms that the septic system can support. If you elect to build anything other than the original permitted structure, you may need to hire a qualified professional to conduct soil testing and design a new OWTS.
Below are some helpful resources:
Hire a Design Professional
To begin the construction process, your proposed project will need to be accurately defined in detail by preparing design plans. These plans need to be prepared by a design professional. A California licensed architect or engineer may be required to prepare the design plans. For complex soil conditions, foundation/site work, or structural designs, detailed engineering may also be necessary to support the proposed design. It is your choice in determining who you hire to prepare your plans. Selecting a pre-approved plan is also an option. If your property is served by an Onsite Waste Treatment System (OWTS) you are required to have an evaluation of the onsite wastewater treatment system (septic system) conducted by a qualified contractor. This evaluation will determine if the system is in good working order and will confirm the number of bedrooms that the septic system can support. If you elect to build anything other than the original permitted structure, you may need to hire a qualified professional to conduct soil testing and design a new OWTS.
Below are some helpful resources:
Prepare Plans
Once you have selected your design professional, the design and preparation of plans begins. Plans must comply with the current Los Angeles County Codes and Ordinances. Permitting staff can assist you and your design professional and answer questions as your plans are prepared. A streamlined permitting review process is offered to all fire rebuilds.
Consultation Appointments
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, Geotechnical and Materials Engineering Division 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.
Book Appointments
Walk-ins are also welcome at a One-Stop Permit Center in Altadena or Calabasas for assistance.
- Altadena One-Stop Center: 464 W. Woodbury Road, Suite 210, Altadena, CA 91001. 8 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.
- Calabasas One-Stop Center: 26600 Agoura Road, Suite 110, Calabasas, CA 91302. 7 am to 11 am Monday through Friday.