Altadena Devastation Spurs L.A. County to Launch Self-Certification Program for Post-Fire Rebuilding

In response to the widespread destruction from January’s Eaton Fire, which devastated large swaths of Altadena and surrounding communities, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a new pilot program aimed at accelerating residential rebuilding.

The Self-Certification Program, introduced by Board Chair Kathryn Barger and Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, will allow licensed professionals to certify that home construction plans meet County building codes—bypassing the traditionally lengthy plan check process.

The move is intended to fast-track reconstruction in fire-scarred neighborhoods like Altadena, where residents continue to grapple with the loss of homes and community infrastructure.

“Our residents can’t afford to wait months or even years to begin rebuilding their homes,” said Barger in a statement. “This pilot program is about empowering qualified professionals, cutting red tape, and putting families on a faster track to recovery—without compromising safety.”

The Eaton Fire alone left a trail of destruction in Altadena, damaging or destroying more than 9,000 structures.

The program, which takes immediate effect in affected unincorporated communities like Altadena, directs the Department of Public Works to implement the pilot and report back within 120 days on its performance and potential for permanent adoption.

In a further effort to reduce the financial strain on fire survivors, the Board also directed the County’s Chief Executive Officer to report within 30 days on the feasibility of waiving permit fees, leveraging cost-saving tools such as AI-powered plan review systems already in use.

“As families face the daunting task of rebuilding, every dollar counts,” Barger added. “Waiving certain permit fees is a practical and compassionate step we can take to ease the financial burden on fire survivors.”

For Altadena residents still navigating the aftermath of the fire—many of whom are living in temporary housing—the County’s move offers a critical lifeline. Local officials and community groups have welcomed the expedited timeline, emphasizing the need for both structural and emotional recovery in a town still reeling from the scale of the disaster.