Plan Your Rebuild
Practical tools and trusted guidance to help you plan your rebuild with confidence.
Rebuilding after a disaster can feel overwhelming but you don’t have to navigate it alone. This page brings together practical tools and trusted guidance to help you plan your rebuild with confidence. Here you’ll find resources that explain the permitting process, outline what to expect at each step, and help you identify and select qualified, reputable contractors. Whether you are just beginning to explore your options or preparing to break ground, these materials are designed to help you make informed decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and move forward safely and efficiently.
Step-by-Step: How to Permit Your Rebuild
This overview is intended to help you plan ahead, work effectively with your design and construction team, and avoid common permitting delays.
Tips to Get Started
- Engage early: Involve architects, engineers, and planners early to streamline permitting and avoid redesigns.
- Plan for fire resiliency: Fire-resistant materials, defensible space, and proper setbacks are often required.
- Budget for contingencies: Multiple plan reviews, corrections, and permit fees can add time and cost.
- Confirm jurisdiction rules: Requirements may vary by city, county, overlay zone, or special district.
- Step 1: Property Zoning and Constraints
- Step 2: Required Documentation
- Step 3: Design and Construction Docs
- Step 4: Planning and Permit Application
- Step 5: Agency Plan Review
- Step 6: Inspections and Final Approval
Step 1: Property Zoning and Constraints
Estimated timeline: ~1 month
Before design begins, confirm what is allowed on your property.
Key actions:
- Review zoning, setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage
- Identify any special conditions or hazard zones:
- Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ)
- Hillside, flood, coastal, or overlay zones
- Decide whether you are pursuing:
- A like-for-like rebuild
- An expanded design
- An ADU
Helpful zoning tools:
- LA City: ZIMAS
- LA County: Z-NET (Find Your Zoning)
- Pasadena: Zoning Map, Pasadena CA
Homeowners may also schedule consultations at LA County Recovers one-stop permit centers.
Review the pre-approval checklist. Most jurisdictions will require the following materials:
- Property or topographic survey
- Site photos and prior building plans (if available)
- Proof of ownership (deed or title)
- Proof of insurance
- Fire-damage documentation (especially for partially damaged homes)
- Preliminary engineering reports (as needed)
Helpful tool: Homeowner Policy and Architectural Glossary
Step 3: Design and Construction Docs
Estimated timeline: ~7–11 months
Work with your architect and contractor to prepare full project plans.
This phase typically includes:
- Conceptual and final architectural design
- Structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans
- Fire-resilient material selection
- Preliminary cost and budget review
Tip: Early engagement with a structural engineer can help address foundation and structural requirements upfront.
Step 4: Planning and Permit Application
Estimated timeline: ~2 weeks–1 month
Permit applications may be submitted online or in person, depending on jurisdiction.
Submit planning application to the jurisdiction:
- Include boundary survey, site plan, elevations, and floor plans
- Determine where you have to submit the plans:
- LA City (Palisades): Department of City Planning review in person or at: https://epicla.lacounty.gov
- LA County (Altadena): LA County Planning Department review in person or at: https://buildla.lacity.org/index.html
- Planning review may flag:
- Setback issues
- Lot coverage limits
- Height restrictions
- Fire mitigation requirements (defensible space, fire-resistant materials)
Jurisdiction notes:
- LA City (Palisades): Applications reviewed by the Department of City Planning; Coastal Commission rules may apply
- LA County (Altadena): Planning Department review; supplemental application forms and fee waiver forms may be required
LA County has also launched an AI-assisted review tool to help speed up fire rebuild plan compliance checks.
The permitting process requires your project to go through particular clearances to make sure it conforms to law and building codes through a review process, city departments reviewing your project will often send back comments or corrections to move the project along.
Your application will be reviewed by multiple departments. Prompt responses to correction requests are critical to avoid delays.
Departments may include:
- Planning / Zoning (land use compliance)
- Building & Safety (structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical)
- Fire Department (wildfire hardening, defensible space)
- Public Works (grading, drainage, utilities, roads)
Once plan corrections are completed:
- Schedule required inspections
- Address any final issues
- Receive final permit approvals before construction completion