Rebuilding After 2025 Wildfire: How We Secured Our First Fire Rebuild Permit in City of Los Angeles

In the aftermath of the devastating 2025 wildfires that swept through the Pacific Palisades and surrounding areas, many homeowners faced a new challenge: navigating the complex, multi-agency process of rebuilding their homes. At Hogan Design Build, we’re proud to share how we successfully obtained our first fire rebuild construction permit — a milestone that marked not only a victory for our team, but a lifeline for the homeowner starting over.

Here’s what it took to get there.

Step 1: Understanding the Fire Debris Removal Process (FDRP)

Before we could even begin designing or applying for a rebuild permit, fire debris removal was the first critical step. In LA County, all properties affected by the wildfire were required to complete the Fire Debris Removal Permit (FDRP) process before construction could begin.

🔍 Two Options for Homeowners:

• Opt-In to the county-led debris removal program (It is NOT free, homeowners insurance companies have to pay for this removal if properties are insured; only free for properties that are not insured)

• Opt-Out and hire private contractors to remove debris (faster, but with strict compliance)

Our client chose to opt-out, which meant Hogan Design Build had to:

• Coordinate with a certified asbestos and hazardous materials tester

• Obtain soil sampling and clearance testing from an approved environmental consultant

• Ensure transport and disposal to county-approved waste facilities

• Submit a complete FDRP Compliance Package to LA County for review and approval

This required close coordination between:

• Environmental consultants

• Hauling and disposal companies

• Fire department inspectors

• LA County Public Works

Timeline: 3–4 weeks from testing to final clearance

Key Tip: Get soil testing and hauling documents prepped early to avoid permit delays later.

Step 2: Designing for a Rebuild, Not a New Build

Fire rebuilds in LA are subject to unique provisions under the Los Angeles Building Code, which allows for some fast-tracking if you’re rebuilding a structure that existed before the disaster.

We helped our client:

• Document the original structure with our previous as-built plans, historic permit records, assessor data, and pre-fire images

• Verify non-conforming conditions that could be grandfathered in (e.g., setbacks, height)

• Create a like-for-like rebuild strategy that aligned with LADBS expectations while allowing for key upgrades (staying within 110%)

This strategy was critical in speeding up the planning phase and avoiding major entitlement reviews.

Step 3: Submitting for Rebuild Plan Check

Once the FDRP clearance was in hand and plans were finalized, we submitted to LADBS under the “expedited fire rebuild” process.

We ensured:

• All plans were digitally submitted with clean file naming

• Required forms (FDRP clearance, permit application, job valuation, energy compliance docs) were included

• Structural and Title 24 consultants signed off prior to submittal

• MEP and Fire Sprinkler Plans were also produced concurrently

🔧 LADBS Fire Rebuild Benefits:

• Priority plan check queues

• Fee waivers or reductions for affected properties

• Option to retain certain non-conforming features

Outcome: Permit issued in under 10 weeks — a major achievement post-disaster.

Lessons from the Field

✅ Start debris clearance early. Waiting on debris removal is the #1 delay for rebuilds. For opt-in homeowners, Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) may or may not remove the damaged foundations, which means a separate contractor has to be hired to perform that job.

✅ Document everything. Even pre-fire Google Street View or drone footage can help justify non-conforming conditions.

✅ Have a rebuild-savvy team. Navigating LADBS and LA County post-disaster takes experience, follow-through, and relationships.

A New Chapter for Our Clients — and Our Firm

This first fire rebuild permit wasn’t just a project milestone — it was a testament to resilience, both for our clients and our team. From coordinating environmental clearances to advocating with county officials, Hogan Design Build is committed to helping families rebuild with confidence, dignity, and design integrity.

Rebuilding After a Fire? Let’s Talk.

If you’re facing the uncertainty of post-wildfire construction, know that you don’t have to do it alone. Hogan Design Build brings licensed architectural expertise, rebuild permitting experience, and full-service construction management to every fire recovery project — in both California and North Carolina.

📞 Contact us today to schedule a rebuild consultation.