Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
LA mayor announces first permits for Pacific Palisades rebuild and issues emergency order
A brush fire burns near homes in Pacific Palisades on January 7
(
David Swanson
/
AFP
)
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.
Support for LAist comes from
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.
Support for LAist comes from
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.
Support for LAist comes from
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.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Heavy rain is expected to fall in the L.A. area between tonight and Thursday. So take your poncho if you're headed to Dodger Stadium. -
First aspiring spectators must register online, then later in 2026 there will be a series of drawings.
-
It's thanks to Tropical Storm Mario, so also be ready for heat and humidity, and possibly thunder and lightning.
-
This measure on the Nov. 4, 2025, California ballot is part of a larger battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives next year.
-
L.A. County investigators have launched a probe into allegations about Va Lecia Adams Kellum and people she hired at the L.A. Homeless Services Authority.
-
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass suspended a state law allowing duplexes, calling more housing unsafe. But in Altadena, L.A. County leaders say these projects could be key for rebuilding.
![A Black woman sits at a dais with a flag in the background. A name placard in front of her reads: Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kell[um].](https://scpr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5425437/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6298x3897+0+0/resize/640x396!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fscpr-brightspot.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F00%2Febed9a7a4fbd9e5ba12997e51d59%2Fgettyimages-1258669633.jpg)
Best of LAist