Council Eases Rebuilding Rules for Eaton Fire Victims

The Pasadena City Council approved a temporary ordinance Monday night that will streamline the rebuilding process for homeowners who lost homes or whose properties suffered major damage during the January Eaton Fire. The new measure allows property owners to rebuild with up to 10% additional square footage without triggering lengthy permit processes that would normally be required.

“We need to do the right thing for our residents,” Mayor Victor Gordo said during the meeting.

The ordinance, which applies to the 185 structures destroyed in the fire, including 117 single-family homes, 12 multifamily units, and 3 ADUs, will help address what officials described as “a current and immediate threat to public health, safety, or welfare” caused by the displacement of residents.

By suspending certain zoning requirements, the City aims to eliminate barriers that might delay rebuilding efforts.

Planning and Community Development Director Jennifer Paige explained that the ordinance allows homeowners additional flexibility beyond the executive orders issued by Governor Newsom earlier this year.

“This order suspended sequel for the rebuilding of structures that were destroyed, provided that these structures do not exceed the previous footprint by more than 10%,” Paige said. “For us, we’re proposing that rebuild structures may exceed the previous footprint or overall gross floor area by 10%, whichever is greater.”

In addition to the square footage allowance, the measure permits rebuilding in a different location on the property, as long as the structure either meets current setback requirements or maintains existing nonconforming setbacks.

Property owners who wish to build beyond the 10% expansion can still do so through normal permitting processes.

The ordinance also includes a 12-month extension for all zoning and subdivision entitlements and building permits citywide, recognizing that the disaster will create increased demand for construction resources.

Several Councilmembers expressed concerns about soil testing following the fire cleanup. Councilmember Tyron Hampton noted that the Army Corps of Engineers plans to remove only the top six inches of soil without conducting confirmation testing for contaminants at deeper levels.

“But now that we know, I believe that we have to do better,” Hampton said, referring to data from the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, where “37% of the 12,500 properties tested positive for contaminants below six inches.”

City staff indicated they are continuing to advocate with state and federal officials for deeper soil testing.

The fire primarily impacted four areas of the city: the NAFA community, Dundee Heights, Victory Rows, and Upper Hastings Ranch, affecting properties in both Council District 1 and District 4. According to city staff, homes in these neighborhoods ranged from 1,360 to 5,500 square feet, with the majority being single-story structures.

To assist affected residents, the City has implemented expedited services, including virtual consultations, dedicated planners to assist with rebuild and permitting questions, expedited plan check review, and next-day building inspections.

The City is also exploring a standard plans program for single-family dwellings.

State executive orders are providing additional support, allowing detached accessory dwelling units to be constructed prior to the main dwelling and permitting recreational RVs, mobile homes, and modular structures to be used as temporary housing while rebuilding.

Several Councilmembers said that this ordinance is just the first step in the recovery process, with plans to address fee waivers and other barriers to rebuilding in future meetings.

Following discussion, the Council directed the City Attorney to prepare the interim uncodified ordinance.