Los Angeles has granted the first permits to rebuild homes in Pacific Palisades, marking a significant step forward in the recovery process after January’s wildfire. The city approved permits for three homes, with 72 property owners submitting applications for rebuilding in the city, and 98 more in unincorporated areas after the fires that devastated Pacific Palisades and surrounding regions.

The three approved projects include one for repairing a damaged home and two for full rebuilds, according to the Department of Building and Safety. This approval represents a pivotal moment for residents and marks progress following the January fire, which destroyed or severely damaged over 6,000 homes in Pacific Palisades.

“We want this to be happening on your lot, too,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass during a Friday news conference in the Palisades.

Bass, along with L.A. County officials, has committed to accelerating the rebuilding process by streamlining permitting procedures for property owners affected by the fire. The Eaton Fire, which ignited the same day as the Palisades Fire, displaced around 6,900 households in Altadena and nearby communities. In an effort to help residents, the city and county have launched one-stop permitting centers for fire victims and waived various zoning reviews for those rebuilding homes similar in size to their previous ones.

The first approved permit was for repairs to a split-level home near Rustic Canyon, which included fixing a fire-damaged primary bedroom, bathroom, and garage. Structural engineer Paul Lobana, who is working on the project, expressed satisfaction with the process, saying, “The process worked excellently. The city was very courteous.”

Construction work on the repairs has already begun, with Lobana overseeing the project. Gary Lionelli, a property owner in the Palisades whose home was destroyed by the fire, has already submitted plans to rebuild his house using the same blueprints as before.

“We’re not going to do anything that would delay us,” said Lionelli, a film composer. He hopes to start construction once the debris on his property is cleared, aiming to avoid delays and compete for labor and materials before the anticipated rush of rebuilds begins.

Lionelli shared that his previous home rebuild took over three years and was marred by multiple delays. While pleased with the quick approval this time around, he admits that going through the process again is a daunting task. “To wrap my head around building this house again after we just did it, is not something I want to do,” he said. “The first time I was very hands-on. This time it’s going to be, ‘Wake me up when it’s over.’”

As of last week, 72 rebuilding applications had been submitted to the city, and 135 additional property owners submitted plans to L.A. County for rebuilding in the unincorporated areas. County officials are waiting until debris clearing is complete before approving plans, according to Celeste Hampton, a spokesperson for the L.A. County Department of Public Works.

The state and local governments are still working on rebuilding regulations, considering potential changes to building codes that may require fire-resistant materials in future homes. Mayor Bass recently updated an executive order to streamline permitting for accessory dwelling units and further expedite reviews for homes opting to rebuild with all-electric systems and appliances.

“Wildfires aren’t going away,” said Mayor Bass. “And climate-fueled disasters aren’t going away, either.”

Kurt Krueger, the architect handling Lionelli’s rebuild, advises clients not to wait on submitting applications, although he acknowledged the risks associated with the current lack of clarity in rebuilding regulations. “It makes it hard for homeowners because they want to get going but don’t want to make the wrong decision,” said Krueger.

Bass emphasized the urgency for property owners to clear debris from their lots, warning that residents who don’t participate in the federal government’s free debris removal service could face liens on their properties. Property owners have 10 days to fill out the required form on L.A. County’s website.

The rebuilding process is essential for both personal and community recovery in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires. Local authorities are working hard to ensure that the rebuilding process is not only faster but also more resilient, with stricter building codes potentially in place to reduce future wildfire damage. The loss of homes has impacted many families, and the speed at which permits are processed is critical for both psychological and practical recovery. However, residents must navigate the challenges of an unclear regulatory environment while racing against time to secure resources and avoid delays.

For homeowners in the affected areas, staying informed about the latest policies and ensuring proper paperwork is submitted on time is key to a smooth rebuilding experience. As the city and county continue to collaborate to address these challenges, it’s clear that rebuilding Pacific Palisades—and other wildfire-affected regions—will take time and sustained effort.

Originally reported by Liam Dillon and Dakota Smith in Los Angels Times.