Rebuilding in Altadena and Pacific Palisades
Here's how local governments are making it easier to get permits.
We're helping a family in Altadena rebuild after wildfire destroyed their home. The local government is making permitting easier.
If you’re rebuilding a home lost to wildfire in Altadena or the Palisades, the process just got dramatically easier. Both jurisdictions have eliminated all permit fees for fire rebuilds and consolidated what used to be two separate reviews—planning and building—into one streamlined submission and approval process.
One Application, One Process
Previously, homeowners had to navigate both the planning department and the building department independently, often doubling the time, paperwork, and stress involved in getting a rebuild approved. Now, that’s been replaced with a single coordinated review. That means one application and one clear path from submission to approval.
A 10-Day Review Window
The new process sets a target of just 10 business days for permit review and issuance. This accelerated timeline applies to qualifying rebuilds and is designed to help fire-affected homeowners get started quickly, without waiting months for a permit.
What Qualifies
The updated policies apply to a wide range of projects, including:
Like-for-like rebuilds — Reconstructing your home to its previous specifications.
Rebuilds with an added ADU — Homeowners can take the opportunity to add an accessory dwelling unit as part of the rebuild.
Up to a 10% increase in habitable area — A modest expansion is permitted, giving families a bit more space to rebuild better than before.
No Permit Fees
To further reduce the burden of rebuilding, both Altadena and the Palisades have waived all permit fees for fire rebuilds. That means homeowners save both time and money at the start of their recovery.
How to Get Started
If you’re rebuilding in one of these areas, your first step is to prepare your plans and submit your rebuild application through your local jurisdiction’s unified review system. New Avenue’s design and permitting experts can help ensure your submission meets all current requirements for expedited review.
Our team has designed, permitted, and built hundreds of custom homes, whole-house remodels, and ADUs across California, and we’re ready to help you navigate every step, from engineering and design to permit approval and construction.
Most of us complain about government, but the service and care we are seeing as entire neighborhoods recover and rebuild is truly impressive. From hazmat removal to expedited permitting, we appreciate the agencies that make it happen.
Rebuilding with Confidence
Recovering from wildfire damage is never easy, but streamlined permitting and waived fees make a difference. Whether you’re rebuilding your home as it was or taking the opportunity to add an ADU or expansion, this streamlined review process helps you rebuild faster, smarter, and more affordably.
New Avenue is here to help you navigate it all.
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule your free consultation call with New Avenue to discuss your rebuild plans or your ideas for a new custom home. We’ll help you design a home that’s beautiful, resilient, and ready for the next chapter.
