Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Los Angeles County Supervisors Approve Permit Fee Relief for Wildfire Survivors

STAFF REPORT

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion Tuesday to defer and refund permitting and inspection fees for homeowners affected by the Eaton and Palisades Fires.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s motion provides immediate financial relief to residents whose properties were destroyed in fires that struck in January.

Eligible homeowners rebuilding single-family homes will have permitting and inspection fees immediately deferred. The county will also issue refunds to those who have already paid fees for qualifying rebuild projects.

To qualify, homeowners must have owned and resided in the property prior to the fires. County permit fees can exceed $20,000, presenting a significant financial barrier for survivors already struggling with insurance claims and rebuilding efforts.

A report estimated that waiving rebuilding and inspection fees for the Eaton Fire alone could cost up to $120 million.

“Families who lost everything in these devastating wildfires deserve every opportunity to rebuild without being burdened by County fees,” Barger said. The supervisor added that the board’s unanimous vote demonstrates support for local residents.

The motion directs county departments to complete an updated fee study within 60 days, exploring potential cost savings from new technologies like Archistar permitting software and One Stop Centers.

County officials will also explore long-term funding strategies, including budget reallocations, federal disaster assistance, and philanthropic partnerships to make permanent fee waivers financially sustainable.

“As you drive through Altadena, you see the signs that read ‘Altadena Not For Sale,'” Barger said. “Today, this Board backed up that message with real action.”

Barger represents the Supervisorial Fifth District, which includes Altadena and Pasadena.