Wednesday, July 16, 2025

LA County Launches eCheck AI Pilot to Accelerate Fire Recovery for Altadena Residents

Homeowners whose single-family properties were damaged or destroyed by the Eaton Fire can now benefit from faster rebuilding approvals after Los Angeles County launched a free eCheck AI Pilot program online Tuesday.

The initiative, part of the County’s “Express Lane” recovery strategy, is available to residents in unincorporated Altadena whose homes are or were located in R-1 single-family residential zones.

The eCheck AI Pilot is an automated tool that uses artificial intelligence to review architectural plans for zoning compliance. Residents can participate as Early Adopters by signing up at start.archistar.ai/us/lacounty, entering their property address, and uploading architectural drawings in PDF format.

Participants may choose either a like-for-like or non-like-for-like rebuild project.

During the pilot phase, results may take up to 10 business days, though faster turnaround times are possible. Once complete, homeowners can download the AI-generated report and include it in their County Disaster Recovery Permit – Rebuild Project application.

The pilot complements additional Express Lane options, including choosing a like-for-like rebuild and using pre-approved plans, aimed at streamlining approval processes for eligible residents. By participating, homeowners also help train the AI model, contributing to long-term improvements in recovery efficiency.

The eCheck AI Pilot is one component of LA County Forward: Blueprint for Rebuilding, a forthcoming roadmap that outlines strategies to speed construction timelines, reduce rebuilding costs, and strengthen the regional workforce. The Blueprint emphasizes collaborative recovery efforts involving state and city agencies, community stakeholders, and private industry partners.

A short video overview of the Express Lane is available via the County’s Road to Recovery platform.