Anyone can initiate a request to Public Records. It may include a wide variety of documents and materials (including print, photographic, and electronic formats) that were created or obtained by the LADBS.
The California State Legislature adopted the Public Records Act in 1968. It is designed to give the public access to information in the possession of public agencies. The Act also provides that public records shall be open for inspection during regular office hours of the agency. The public can inspect or receive a copy of any record unless the record is exempted from disclosure under the act.
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Yes, the current Energy Code applies.
However, if the rebuild project is using plans that were approved by the Department to comply with the 2019 Title 24, California Building Standards Code which include the Building and Residential Codes, or later versions per the Governor’s Directive No. N-20-25, then current Energy Code is not required.
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The building footprint expansion and shape can be modified provided it is within 110% of the existing building footprint and is substantially in the same location.
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Under the Mayor's Emergency Executive Order 7, the collection of fees associated with permits are currently suspended.
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Linkage Fee will not apply for the replacement of the existing house resulting in the net increase of 1500 sqft or less of floor area from the prior home that existed on the property. School District fees will not apply if the replacement house is built with the same square footage. If the rebuild includes an addition, the school fee will apply if the addition is more than 500 sqft.
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Prevailing setbacks apply to areas with developed lots (where some homes burned down, and with some homes still standing) of varying front yard setbacks. See Information Bulletin P/ZC 2023-015 on how to calculate prevailing setbacks.
For blocks on the same side of a street where there are no developed lots (homes completely burned down), prevailing setback does not apply and the front yard shall be per the zoning code according to the lot's zone.
For blocks on the same side of a street where some homes were damaged or destroyed and others were not, prevailing setback standards will apply.
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LADBS would use available records to establish what was on a site prior to the wildfire. New building plans would then need to be prepared and submitted to the Department for review. See Plan Submittal Checklist.
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If the foundation was removed, LADBS would use available records to establish where the footprint of the foundation was originally. Please see question above regarding what records LADBS will use to establish what was on a site prior to the wildfire.
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A slope band analysis is not required if rebuilding as a like-for-like +10% project. Otherwise, projects within a designated hillside area will require a slope band analysis.
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Under the Governor's Executive Order N-29-25 issued on July 7, 2025, solar pv systems are not required.
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A project may be rebuilt with the same nonconforming use, yards, height, number of stories, lot area, foot print, floor area, residential floor area, residential density, or parking as the structure that existed or had a valid permit immediately before the Wildfire. Provisions in LAMC 12.23 may be used as applicable.
The new structure cannot exceed 110% of the footprint or height of the existing structure immediately before the Wildfire. Any part of the repaired or replacement structure that extends beyond the existing building footprint must comply with the required yards and setbacks according to current LAMC.
Acceptable records shall include building permits, Certificate of Occupancy, County Assessor, and Coastal Commission, whichever is larger. On a case by case basis, the Department may consider other photographic sources such as Google Maps and LiDAR.
A "like-for-like" project must be in substantially the same location as the structure(s) that existed or had a valid permit immediately before the fire. Please see below regarding "substantially same location".
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