LA mayor announces first permits for Pacific Palisades rebuild and issues emergency order

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced Friday that the city has issued its first permits for Pacific Palisades residents looking to rebuild their homes, and that a new executive order will further expedite that effort.

Debris has been removed from around 400 properties destroyed or damaged in the Palisades Fire earlier this year, and as the city rebuilds, the mayor said the new order will also help residents harden their homes and businesses against wildfires.

“We are taking action to help residents harden their homes and businesses against wildfires, ensure our city’s infrastructure can better withstand future disasters, and protect communities for generations to come, all while ensuring the pace of rebuilding continues ahead of expectations,” Bass said in a statement.

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What’s in the order?

The executive order directs the Department of Building and Safety to provide recommendations within 60 days for a streamlined permit process for those who choose to go all electric in the construction of their homes or businesses. They’ll also have 90 days to draft suggestions to promote fire-resistant materials in construction to align with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s order that requires “an ember-resistant zone” for buildings and homes in high fire risk areas.

The Department of Water and Power has 30 days to update its incentives program for those who choose to go all electric for the rebuild.

The order also has Bass’ office working with the California insurance commissioner’s office to provide and explore insurance options for residents. And they will provide residents with pricing for building wildfire resistant homes.

What about rebuilding public infrastructure? 

Bass’ order directs the Department of Water and Power, Public Works and the Department of Transportation to explore ways to improve underground power lines in order to keep the power on during wildfires.

They’re also tasked with exploring solar power and backup batteries to keep the lights on during extreme weather or fire events. The departments have 90 days to report back.

Improvements to water supply 

LADWP will come back within 90 days on how to improve the department’s water supply in case of future fire events. The order requires the department to conduct an audit on the department’s current water distribution and storage. It’ll look into its ability to support aerial and other firefighting operations, including pump capacity.

Protection and prevention 

The Bureau of Engineering has 30 days to come up with a plan to protect hillsides from erosion. The order points to developing solutions like fire-smart landscaping to prevent rain runoff from causing landslides and floods.

The Emergency Management Department will audit the current wildfire preparedness and warning systems, and propose recommendations to improve evacuation routes and emergency notification systems. Other departments, such as City Planning, will also evaluate their policies regarding wildfire risk and extreme weather events.

The order tasks the city’s Fire Department with finding ways to promote their Community Emergency Response Team for residents in high fire risk areas.

What’s next 

The departments will present their recommendations to a committee established by the mayor’s office, including representatives from the Palisades community, business and academic leaders.

Bass said she has spoken with building and safety and planning officials about waiving fees. Some fees can’t legally be waived, she said. She said she is looking to change the law or reduce the fees.