Altadena Recovery Meeting Unveils AI Permitting, Infrastructure Plans

At a July 21 community meeting, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and regional agency leaders presented key updates on wildfire recovery efforts and introduced tools to fast-track rebuilding in Altadena.

Barger announced the opening of a USPS Village Post Office inside Webster’s Community Pharmacy, restoring convenient postal access to residents. She reiterated her opposition to any new taxes or homeowner costs, stating, “Unlike the Blue Ribbon Commission, my vision for recovery does not include new taxes or added cost to homeowners.”

Barger proposed establishing a dedicated recovery authority to consolidate permitting, inspections, and utility coordination—expanding on the Altadena One-Stop Permitting Center’s success.

A central feature of the meeting was the debut of eCheck, AI-assisted permitting software available at echeck.lacounty.gov.

Created by Archistar, the pilot program currently performs zoning compliance checks for single-family homes in R1 zones. So far, nine plans have been submitted, with one report returned and six under review.

Colonel Sonny Avichal of the U.S. Army Corps reported that 98 percent of opt-in parcels have been cleared of debris, and 95 percent of rights-of-entry have been returned. Cleanup at the Altadena Golf Course is ongoing, and Elliot School remains on track for debris removal completion by late September. Avichal’s deployment will conclude August 8.

Public Works officials highlighted enforcement measures for parcels that missed mandated cleanup deadlines. Parcels with work underway must finish by July 31, while the Army Corps will abate 18 remaining properties.

The County’s recovery dashboard lists 978 rebuild applications, with 93 permits issued—averaging 57 business days for approval.

Officials hope to further shorten processing times.

Sheriff representatives described a significant drop in home burglaries since December. Enforcement strategies include inspections of RVs and shipping containers, traffic operations, and shutting down cannabis dispensaries. Upcoming community events include a July 23 town hall, an August 23 fundraiser, and a January 4 charity 5K.

Metro reported ongoing detours for Lines 660 and 662, which remain truncated south of Woodbury. Metro Micro’s expanded zones now reach the Rose Bowl and Huntington Library. The LIFE transit subsidy program currently serves over 6,000 riders and may be extended through January 2026.

Residents asked questions on ADU permitting and infrastructure; officials provided address requirements and contacts for specific inquiries.

For updates, visit recovery.lacounty.gov/altadena.