Quick answer
In the City of Los Angeles, permits are issued by LADBS under the 2025 California codes with city amendments. Homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire can be rebuilt as like-for-like projects up to 110% of the previous footprint and height in substantially the same location, with planning reviews streamlined and plan review expedited. Unincorporated areas such as Altadena are permitted by Los Angeles County, not the city.
Los Angeles permitting has two very different paths right now: ordinary projects across the city, and rebuilds after the January 2025 wildfires. Knowing which path you are on decides your timeline and your drawing list.
City or County? Check first
The City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) covers city addresses, including Pacific Palisades. Unincorporated areas, including Altadena, are handled by Los Angeles County Public Works. Neighboring cities such as Santa Monica, Pasadena and Malibu have their own departments.
Fire rebuilds: the like-for-like path
- Size: a rebuild may be up to 110% of the previous structure’s footprint and height.
- Location: substantially the same location as the structure that existed before the fire.
- Streamlining: qualifying projects skip several discretionary reviews, including coastal and environmental reviews, and LADBS expedites plan review.
- Records: LADBS uses available records to establish what existed before the fire, so gather old permits, plans, photos and surveys early.
- What does not qualify: features that did not exist before, such as a new pool or retaining wall, are reviewed normally. Projects larger than the 110% limit go through standard review.
- Geology: sites in geologically sensitive areas may need a geotechnical report even for like-for-like rebuilds.
In unincorporated County areas, a separate County code provision allows replacement in kind in geotechnical hazard areas when a geotechnical report supports it and the application is filed within 10 years of the loss.
What the engineer provides
- Structural drawings and calculations for the new home, including seismic bracing and foundations
- Foundation design based on the geotechnical report where required
- Coordination with wildland-urban interface requirements for fire-resistant construction
- Prompt responses to plan check corrections, which are often the real timeline driver
Ordinary LA projects
Outside the fire areas, common engineering needs include ADUs, additions, hillside homes and retaining walls, removal of bearing walls, and seismic upgrades for older buildings. Applications submitted since January 1, 2026 follow the 2025 California codes.
Cost and turnaround
Fixed fees: review and stamp from $249, engineered plans from $599, multi-discipline packages from $1,999. See our California engineering page.
What to send us
- Property address (so we confirm City or County)
- Any pre-fire records: permits, plans, surveys, photos
- Your architect’s drawings or a sketch of what you want to build
- Geotechnical report and any plan check corrections
Common questions
Can I rebuild bigger than my old house after the fire?
Yes, but anything beyond 110% of the previous footprint or height is reviewed through the standard process instead of the like-for-like path.
Do I need a soils report to rebuild?
On sites in geologically sensitive areas, often yes. LADBS and the County publish guidance on when one is required.
Is Altadena permitted by the City of Los Angeles?
No. Altadena is unincorporated, so rebuilds there are permitted by Los Angeles County Public Works.
Does my engineer need a California license?
Yes. Structural drawings for Los Angeles must be sealed by a California-licensed engineer.