County Officials Outline Rebuilding Support and Permit Process at Altadena Community Meeting

With more than 300 rebuilding applications already submitted following the devastating Eaton Fire, Los Angeles County officials on Monday reassured Altadena residents that resources are in place to streamline the recovery and rebuilding process.

Amy Bodak, Director of Regional Planning, and Kira Barnett, Assistant Deputy Director with the Department of Public Works, co-chaired a special task force presentation during a community meeting on Monday.

The pair emphasized that County agencies are committed to supporting residents at every stage of the rebuilding journey.

The County has developed a single streamlined permit application process.

Under that process, all of the required documents can be submitted at once. Each of the permitting departments will review the documents.

The Department of Regional Planning will conduct a zoning review of the application first, and zoning will ultimately confirm what can be built on the property.

Once property owners receive clearance and have full building plans, applications continue to the next step of the process, which is reviewed by the necessary permitting departments to verify how the structure will be built.

All departments are committed to expediting reviews. Rebuild projects will be reviewed in two weeks for initial submittals and one week for any additional required reviews.

“If you and your designer have complete building plans upon submittal, you’re welcome to request simultaneous reviews,” said Barnett.

“We know that more homeowners are beginning to turn their minds to the rebuilding process,” Bodak said. “Each of you are at your own stage of decision making, and we are here to support you — whenever you’re ready.”

Bodak acknowledged the emotional and financial toll the fire has taken and stressed the importance of individualized support. She encouraged residents to take advantage of one-on-one consultation appointments available through the County’s Altadena One-Stop Permit Center.

“We know none of you wanted to be in this situation,” she said. “If we can try to reduce some of those conflicts and make it as simple as possible for you, we are going to do that.”

The One-Stop Permit Center offers a range of services including consultations, walk-in hours, and plan submission support. Barnett provided an overview of the center’s location, available services, and upcoming group workshops designed to help residents explore rebuilding options and prepare for plan submission.

“Whether you’re just beginning to consider rebuilding or ready to submit your plans, we’re here to help you navigate the process,” Barnett added.

The officials stressed that County staff will work with homeowners on their own timelines, helping them address questions about insurance, financing, and design planning. The upcoming workshops and consultations aim to make what can be an overwhelming experience more accessible and efficient.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger has publicly supported efforts to expedite the rebuilding process in fire-affected areas, pledging that residents will not be left to navigate the aftermath alone.

The Altadena One-Stop Permit Center remains open for walk-in assistance and scheduled appointments. More workshops and rebuilding sessions are expected to take place in the coming weeks as part of the County’s long-term recovery plan.

For additional information or to schedule an appointment, residents are encouraged to contact the Department of Regional Planning or visit the County’s rebuilding resource website.