2025 Los Angeles Wildfires
The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety is committed to helping our communities rebuild properties impacted by the January 2025 wildfires.
Mayor's Emergency Executive Orders
In response to the devastating 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires, Mayor Karen Bass has issued Emergency Executive Orders to provide a streamlined path for rebuilding.
Debris Removal
Resources, Right of Entry (ROE) forms and contact information about debris removal can be found on the Los Angeles County website.
Demolition of Destroyed or Fire Damaged Structures
To streamline and expedite the rebuild process for structures that were destroyed or significantly damaged by the wildfires in 2025. The Mayor's Emergency Executive Order No. 1, issued on January 13, 2025, allows for demolishing fire damaged buildings without the need for permits.
Temporary Structures Used for Housing
To assist homeowners in rebuilding after the 2025 wildfires and provide temporary housing, certain temporary structures are allowed to be used as housing while damaged homes are being repaired or rebuilt. For further information, please refer to the links below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Complete plans and construction documents will need to be submitted to the Department of Building and Safety (DBS) for review. The plans can be submitted electronically on the DBS Electronic Plan Review Portal (ePlanLA). Alternately, plans can also be submitted in person via walk-in service at the West LA Office or by appointment at any of the DBS’s office locations. The Department highly recommends online submittal, a dedicated team will be assigned to expeditiously review all permits related to the 2025 wildfire repair and rebuild.
In addition to complete plans and calculations, you may need the Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) and building permits. Information on how to get plans for your house are available under the question titled “Does the Department have copies of the plan for my house or building?”
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Reusing of the existing slab and foundation are allowed provided a licensed California engineer or architect has evaluated the foundation system and determines that it is in good condition. Documentation including observation and testing of the system will need to be provided to the Department for review and approval. In certain geological areas, further soils/geotechnical investigation may be required to evaluate the reuse of the foundation system.
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Mayor Bass’ Emergency Executive Order No. 1 authorizes that a project may be repaired or reconstructed with the same nonconforming use, yards, height, number of stories, lot area, floor area, residential floor area, residential density, loading space, parking or off-site signs as the original building, provided that the rebuilt or restored structures or facilities do not exceed 110% of the square footage, height, and bulk existing immediately prior to the Wildfires.
The project will need to comply with the current Building Codes.
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The Department does not recommend any contractors. Prior to hiring a contractor, we recommend you to review their licensing information and proof of insurance. The California State Department of Consumer Affairs maintains an online tool to Check a Contractor License.
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The Department does not recommend any architects or engineers. Prior to hiring an architect or engineer, we recommend that you review their licensing information. For licensing information about architects, please visit the California Architects Board. For licensing information about engineers, please visit the California State Department of Consumer Affairs.
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Yes. To assist homeowners in rebuilding after the 2025 wildfires and provide temporary living arrangements, under the Mayor's Emergency Executive Order No. 1, the placement of such structures on the property is allowed for up to three years, or while an active building permit is applicable to said property, whichever is longer. For more information, please see Temporary Housing For Fire Damaged Properties Information Bulletin.
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LADBS Records Section has as-built plans (blueprints) for Single Family Dwellings, Duplexes, Apartments, and most Commercial buildings, permitted and built after 1977.
For more information, refer to the last page of the research request form.
You may look up the Certificate of Occupancy online at our Online Building Records or the Department of Building and Safety Records Section will help obtain the Certificate of Occupancy.
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All records related to Building and Safety transactions (construction permits, mechanical permits, Certificates of Occupancy, grading reports, Zoning Rebuild Letters, a reference to the digital location of plans/blue prints, etc.) can be found in LADBS’ Internet Document Information System (IDIS) at ladbsdoc.lacity.org/. There is a link to a “Records Tutorial” at the bottom of the main search page which provides instructions for searching records.
You may also request and obtain copies of these documents by emailing the completed research request form to Records.LADBS@lacity.org, or in person by scheduling an appointment at our following locations:
- Downtown LA - Metro Office: 201 N Figueroa St, 1st Flr, Room 110, or
- Van Nuys Office: 6262 Van Nuys Blvd 2nd Flr, Room 251
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Please inquire with the Department of City Planning for requirements and approvals relating to the Coastal Zone.
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