The Governor's Executive Order and Mayor's Revised Emergency Executive Order #1 authorize that primary and accessory structures can be rebuilt that are in substantially the same location as, and do not exceed 110% of the footprint and height of, the primary and accessory structures that existed immediately before the Wildfires. This is often referred to as a "like-for-like" rebuild. Please see below regarding "like-for-like".

The project will need to comply with the current Building Codes.

Relocating an existing detached garage and incorporating it to be part of the main dwelling as an attached garage is allowed and considered as an Eligible Project. The attached garage will not count towards the 110% footprint expansion provided the garage area is limited to a maximum of 400 square feet, and is one story in height.

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.

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

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. 

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.

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.

Please inquire with the Department of City Planning for requirements and approvals relating to the Coastal Zone.

To get a copy of the plans (blueprints) for your fire damaged or destroyed property, please submit a completed Affidavit for Duplication of Plans to the Department via email at Records.LADBS@lacity.org or in person at the LA One-Stop Rebuilding Center, the Figueroa Plaza Office, or the Van Nuys Office. The Department will require proof of ownership (Deed) and a valid driver's license prior to releasing the plans.

In some instances, the Department may not be able to provide the plans the same day due to required research.

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 L.A. One-Stop Rebuilding Center (West LA) or by appointment at any of the DBS’s office locations. The Department highly recommends online submittal of applications. For both in-person and online repair or rebuild applications, 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?”