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Community Support & Resources

Below is a list of Resources, Articles and Information to help users navigate their recovery.  As we become aware of additional critical information and resources, we will continue to update this page.  

We encourage members who have detailed information, instructions, etc, that could help others during this time, but are not already reflected on this page to contact us at tribe@studiokulamedia.com.  

How to Get a Permit to Rebuild Your Home

Recovery is never one-size-fits-all.

The road ahead can feel overwhelming, and for many, it’s filled with uncertainty. Every individual affected by disaster carries a unique story—defined by the way they were impacted, the scale of their losses, and what they now need to rebuild.

Whether it’s the destruction of your home, the loss of meaningful keepsakes, the interruption of your income, or the lasting emotional and psychological toll—including the unimaginable loss of loved ones or pets—Community, Serve Us is here to walk beside you.

Our mission is to serve communities like yours by helping you find the support you need. On our Resource Page, you’ll find straightforward how-tos, trusted links, and essential guidance—created with care to be easy to follow, even if English is your second language or formal education was never accessible.

No matter where you are in your recovery journey, you’re not alone. We’re here to help you take the next step—with clarity, compassion, and community.


 

Step 1: Clear and Certify Debris

  1. Clean Up the rubble and burnt materials from your property.

  2. Get a Debris Removal Certificate—you can apply through LA County’s recovery site 

  3. This certificate is required before you can get building permits.
    Need help? Call LA County Public Works at 888-807-2111 or visit a One‑Stop Permit Center 



Step 2: Learn the “Like‑for‑Like” Rule

  1. You can rebuild only what was on your land before the fire, and can’t add more than 10% extra in size or height .  See more on LA County’s recovery site.
  2. You can use the same foundation if a certified engineer declares it safe.  (We have found this information through our research; however, in analyzing the provided links, we’ve been unable to find a link with this definitive information.  We will continue to see verification of this from a verified county resource to share with you.)

Step 3: Visit a One‑Stop Permit Center

Go in person to the city or county’s special permit office:


Step 4: Apply for Your Permits

You will need:

  • Building Permit for construction or repair.

  • Plumbing, Electrical, Grading Permits, as needed.  Usually electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits are are obtained as part of the building permit or separately pulled by your contractors.  If you need to grade the site, build new retaining walls or a whole new foundation, you may need a Grading permit.

  • Temporary Housing Permit if you live on-site while rebuilding , you’ll need to complete Phases 1 and 2 of debris removal before applying for the permit. You can apply online or in person at a field office. Temporary housing applications are reviewed within two business days according to LA County’s recovery site.  This page tells you how to apply online or in -person.


Step 5: Submit Your Plans

  • Hire an architect or designer to prepare blueprints.

  • Include soil or engineering reports if reusing your foundation . According to LA County’s Recovery Site, “if your foundation is a conventional raised or slab on grade with continuous footings that are designed to meet specified minimum standards, you will not need a soils report. Soils reports are still required for foundations with caissons or deep piles, for geotechnical hazards, basement walls and certain other criteria. In addition, Public Works Geotechnical and Materials Engineering approval may be required prior to rebuilding a home where a geologic hazard is present.”

  • Submit your documents—either online or at the permit center.


Step 6: Fast‑Track Programs and Self‑Certify

Step 7: Inspections & Final Approval

  • Permit staff will check your plans and review them quickly (typically <30 days) ).

  • During rebuilding, you will need inspections for different stages.

  • When finished, get a Certificate of Occupancy officially allowing you to move in.


📋 Useful Links & Contacts


💡 Tips for Success

  • Don’t wait: Apply for permits even before cleanup ends.

  • Save all paperwork: Keep debris certificates, plans, and permit forms in a safe folder.

  • Ask for help: Permit centers offer free guidance and language interpretation.

  • Be patient: Even with fast-track, red tape can delay you—many took months historically.
    Camp Fire, Paradise, Butte County… 6 years later
    Woolsey Fire, Malibu…more than 6 years later
    And, let’s use Community, Serve Us‘ crowdsourcing and collaboration features to speed up recovery for all of these communities.


✅ Summary

  1. Clean up debris & get certified.

  2. Use “like-for-like” rebuild rules.

  3. Visit your local One‑Stop Permit Center.

  4. Apply for building and specialty permits.

  5. Submit your plans and reports.

  6. Qualify for youth or self-certify review programs.

  7. Build safely and pass inspections.

  8. Get your Certificate of Occupancy—that’s when you’re home again.


You are not alone. If language or other abilities create a challenge for you to understand, permit centers and recovery sites offer help. If you’re unsure about forms or permissions, ask someone you trust—like a neighbor, church member, or a nonprofit worker—to come with you, and reach out in the Unity Forums with specific questions you have.

Together, we’ll rebuild stronger, smarter, and safer. Community, Serve Us is here with you every step of the way.

“Steadfast LA is a civic nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the rebuilding Los Angeles after the devastating wildfires by bringing together top leaders, bold ideas, and effective solutions to get things done right and fast.”

Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles Fire Recovery Services.

FEMA LA Wildfire assistance.