Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued an executive order on Monday to accelerate the rebuilding efforts following the devastating Los Angeles County wildfires. The fires have scorched over 60 square miles across the region.
In response to this unprecedented natural disaster, Mayor Bass emphasized the need for an extraordinary response to expedite the reconstruction of homes, businesses, and communities. The executive order entails several key measures:
- A task force will be established to clear debris from affected areas and address the risk of potential storms.
- Streamlining the process for rebuilding homes, a one-stop-shop will be set up to promptly issue permits in all impacted regions. City departments are directed to expedite building permit reviews and inspections, bypass state environmental discretionary reviews, allow for rebuilding 'like for like,' and waive City discretionary review processes.
- City departments are mandated to fast-track permits for the reconstruction of houses in impacted zones, provided they comply with planning regulations. Building permit reviews must be completed within 30 days of receiving a complete application. The rebuilt houses must mirror their original size and cannot exceed a 10% increase.
- The City of Los Angeles will offer 1,400 housing units to those who lost their homes in the wildfires. Additionally, the Department of Building and Safety will expedite temporary certificates of occupancy for these units.
This executive order aims to facilitate a swift and efficient recovery process for the affected communities, ensuring that residents can rebuild their lives and properties in a timely manner.
