What the Lineage warehouse rebuilding permits actually mean

This story first appeared on The LA Local.

Permit applications have been filed to repair and rebuild the Lineage cold-storage warehouse in Boyle Heights after the city of Los Angeles ordered the property owner to repair and remove all fire-damaged portions.

Two applications were submitted to the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety days before a July 29 compliance deadline outlined in the city’s code enforcement order. The order, addressed to property owner Chill Build Los Angeles, requires ownership to “obtain all required permits prior to reconstructing the damaged portions of the building.” Failure to comply with the order would mean the property owner could face additional financial penalties and possible misdemeanor penalties under the Los Angeles Municipal Code.

LADBS confirmed staff previously met with Lineage and Chill Build representatives to discuss the city’s enforcement order, including “permitting requirements to rebuild.” 

One application, filed Monday, seeks to “repair and rebuild fire-damaged portions of the building to original, pre-fire condition” with no change to the building’s “footprint, square footage, height, use, or occupancy.” A second application was filed Tuesday and seeks to “repair the fire damaged electrical installation.”

Both applications were filed by Tina Prater of T&B Planning, which provides consulting services on land use planning and environmental compliance. Prater did not respond to a request for comment.

The permit filings also come as Mayor Bass has taken a firmer stance against rebuilding the warehouse. 

In an interview with Boyle Heights Beat on July 9, Bass said she wanted to hear from the community before weighing in on whether the warehouse should be rebuilt. But on Monday, she said in a video posted on social media, that “Lineage shouldn’t even think about coming back and rebuilding the warehouse.”

In a statement on Tuesday, Bass said the company should focus on cleaning up the site before pursuing construction. 

“This corporation has devastated Boyle Heights and East L.A. I can’t believe they would even think about starting the rebuilding process while they haven’t cleaned up the mess they’ve created. That is what Lineage should be solely focused on,” Bass said.

“It’s a slap in the face to the families that are forced to live with the consequences of an irresponsible corporation’s actions every single day.”

Here is what we know so far:

Does filing a permit mean Lineage can start rebuilding?

No. Filing a permit application begins the city’s review process. City staff will review them to determine what approvals are needed before work on the building can begin. Under the Los Angeles permitting process, some projects can move through the city’s Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) if they meet zoning and building requirements. Others may require additional review from City Planning before permits can be issued. 

The applications for the warehouse describe repairing fire-damaged portions of the building “to original, pre-fire condition,” and an electrical system with “like-for-like” replacements, indicating no changes to the building’s size or use. This suggests the applications may follow the city’s standard permit review process, though LADBS has not said whether additional approvals will be required. 

Who decides whether the permits are approved?

The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, the city agency responsible for reviewing building plans, issuing permits and enforcing building codes, oversees the permitting process for properties subject to code enforcement orders. 

According to an LADBS information bulletin, owners cannot begin repair work that requires permits until those permits are obtained. Applicants must also obtain zoning information from the Los Angeles Department of City Planning, the agency responsible for determining whether projects comply with the city’s zoning and land-use rules.  

Where does Mayor Bass stand on the rebuild?

In her statement, Bass said her office was in the process “of revising our Executive Order to reflect these rebuilding concerns because this situation has become so egregious.”

In a July 9 interview with Boyle Heights Beat, Bass could not answer whether rebuilding the warehouse should be allowed.

She said she wanted to spend more time talking to residents before coming to a decision. Bass also urged residents to hold her accountable as she oversaw cleanup efforts and looked for ways the city can provide economic relief.