The wealthy enclave of Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles was devastated by wildfires in January, destroying or damaging around 7,000 homes. However, as of March, only four permits have been approved for residents to begin rebuilding their properties. Three permits were for repairs to damaged homes, and two were for full rebuilds. Mayor Karen Bass has hailed these approvals as a milestone in the city’s recovery, but there has been criticism over the slow permitting process, with Councilmember Traci Park expressing concern that only four permits had been issued more than two months after the fires.
State Rep. Joe Patterson, a Republican serving as the vice chair of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, has suggested that the Los Angeles planning and building departments should be put into receivership due to the inefficiency in issuing permits. He believes that if taxpayer dollars are being given to the region for recovery, there should be an equal responsibility to efficiently use those funds. Patterson also noted that some money given to Los Angeles was specifically designated to cover permitting costs. He argued that if the city continues to be inefficient with taxpayer dollars, power to issue permits should be taken away from them, allowing the free market to aid in the rebuilding process.
The permitting process for rebuilding in Pacific Palisades involves two phases. The first phase includes identifying and disposing of hazardous waste like asbestos and lead, while the second phase involves clearing ash and contaminated soil. Of the four permits issued, one involved a split-level home near Rustic Canyon, where the owner submitted blueprints for repairs to the primary bedroom, bathroom, and garage that were damaged in the fire. There has also been criticism regarding Mayor Bass’s decision to hire private consulting firm Hagerty Consulting for a $10 million fee to oversee the recovery effort, as the city is facing a $1 billion budget deficit.
Local leaders and residents have raised concerns about the slow permitting process, with Councilmember Monica Rodriguez criticizing the decision to hire an outside agency for a hefty fee instead of utilizing city departments that have experience in recovery efforts. The delays in issuing permits have been frustrating for residents eager to begin rebuilding their homes after the devastating wildfires. The city of Los Angeles has faced scrutiny over the management of recovery funds and the efficiency of the permitting process, prompting calls for a reevaluation of how resources are being allocated to aid in the rebuilding efforts in Pacific Palisades and other affected areas.
