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As the catastrophic fires in Los Angeles and surrounding areas continue to burn, Mayor Karen Bass has issued a sweeping Executive Order aimed at expediting recovery and rebuilding efforts for the thousands of Angelenos affected. With over 25,000 acres burned, more than 5,000 homes and businesses destroyed, and 80,000 residents displaced, the time for swift and decisive action is now.

This Executive Order, dubbed the “Return and Rebuild” initiative, is a comprehensive plan to streamline recovery processes, reduce bureaucratic barriers, and provide immediate relief to impacted communities. Below are the key provisions of the order and what they mean for affected residents.

Clearing the Path for Recovery

Among the key provisions, the Executive Order creates a comprehensive debris removal program, mitigates risks of future rainstorms, and establishes a one-stop-shop permitting center for impacted areas. The City will also expedite the issuance of temporary certificates of occupancy for housing units currently in the pipeline and work to secure additional state and federal resources for the recovery effort. By coordinating with state and federal agencies like FEMA and the California Office of Emergency Services, the City aims to rebuild “like for like” and return displaced residents to their homes quickly.

Expedited Rebuilding Process

To help residents and businesses rebuild quickly, the Executive Order introduces a host of measures to simplify permitting and construction processes:

• One-Stop Permit Center: A special Disaster Recovery Permitting Center will open in affected areas, offering streamlined services for building permits and inspections.
• “Like-for-Like” Rebuilding: Residents can rebuild homes and businesses in the same style and size as before without navigating complex review processes.
• Fast-Tracked Approvals: Building permits, inspections, and utility releases will now be completed in a matter of days rather than weeks.

These changes eliminate traditional delays caused by California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reviews and other discretionary processes, allowing families to return home faster.

Temporary Housing Relief

Acknowledging the immediate housing crisis, the city will fast-track the approval of 1,400 new housing units currently in the pipeline. Additionally, residents can temporarily live in RVs, modular homes, or tiny homes on their properties while rebuilding.

Building Toward Resilience

Mayor Bass’ initiative not only addresses the urgent needs of affected residents but also lays the groundwork for a more resilient Los Angeles. By collaborating with local, state, and federal agencies, the city aims to secure additional funding and regulatory relief to support long-term recovery.

“This unprecedented natural disaster warrants an unprecedented response,” said Mayor Bass. “We are committed to cutting through red tape and ensuring our residents and businesses have the support they need to rebuild their lives and their communities.”

How Singleton Schreiber is Helping Fire Victims

At Singleton Schreiber, we commend Mayor Bass’s proactive steps. We are pushing for this initiative to be expanded beyond Los Angeles to include other severely affected areas like Pasadena, Altadena, and those impacted by the Eaton Fire. These communities are also reeling from widespread destruction and need access to the same streamlined processes and resources. Thousands of residents in these areas are grappling with the same devastating losses, and a coordinated regional response is crucial to ensuring equitable recovery efforts.

We stand ready to assist families and business owners affected by these devastating wildfires. Our firm specializes in navigating complex disaster recovery claims, including securing fair compensation for losses and holding negligent parties accountable.

As advocates for victims of natural disasters, Singleton Schreiber remains committed to fighting for the resources and reforms necessary to rebuild lives, homes, and communities. If you or a loved one have been impacted, we encourage you to reach out to our team for a free consultation. Together, we can ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected during this challenging time.

For more updates on Los Angeles’ recovery efforts, visit the official Mayor’s Office website.

Call Us Today

The aftermath of a California wildfire can be confusing, stressful, and devastating, which is all compounded if your insurance canceled or non-renewed your claim just before the fire. Don’t face the aftermath alone, call Singleton Schreiber to learn more about how we may be able to help you recover damages and hold your insurer accountable.