More than a year after the Eaton Fire tore through northeast Pasadena, city planners told the Planning Commission this week that debris removal is complete, rebuilding is underway, and dozens of families have begun the long process of returning home.
During a detailed update Wednesday night, Pasadena planning staff reported the January fire destroyed 185 structures, including 117 single-family homes, 12 multifamily buildings and 59 accessory structures, primarily in Upper Hastings Ranch, Victory Rose, Dundee Heights and nearby neighborhoods.
In the immediate aftermath, city inspectors issued 133 red tags on unsafe buildings, along with yellow and green placards on structures with limited or no visible damage.
Officials said access to burn areas was initially restricted, prompting the City to launch an interactive online map allowing residents to look up their property, view inspection photos and connect with assigned city staff.
To help displaced residents navigate recovery, the Planning Department created an “assigned planners” and “community connectors” program, pairing each red-tagged property with staff to guide owners through debris removal, rebuilding rules and aid resources.
Debris cleanup was conducted in two phases. Federal contractors removed hazardous waste beginning Jan. 27, followed by full debris clearance overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
City officials said 125 property owners opted into the government-run program, which finished in June, while the remaining sites completed cleanup privately by August.
Planning staff also described a sweeping emergency response that included expedited permits, virtual consultations, a dedicated recovery counter at the permit center, and a series of public webinars covering debris removal, rebuilding rules, contractor selection and fire-prevention planning.
Temporary use permits were issued to relocate schools and community services displaced from Altadena, establish evacuation shelters and food distribution sites, and allow residents to live in RVs while rebuilding.
To accelerate reconstruction, the City Council adopted a rebuild ordinance granting flexibility beyond the governor’s emergency order, including allowing modest expansions, alternative building placement on lots, automatic permit extensions and sweeping fee waivers. Officials said rebuilding fees that normally total about $50,000 per home were reduced to roughly $2,000.
The City also assembled a dedicated rebuild review team, promising rapid plan checks. As of this month, staff reported 81 rebuilding applications filed, 24 building permits issued and eight more ready for issuance.
Planning officials highlighted one family that rebuilt and moved back in within the same year, calling it an early sign the recovery framework is working.
Commissioners praised the City’s response, calling the “concierge-style” recovery approach critical in helping residents navigate a traumatic and complex rebuilding process.
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