Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion authored by Supervisor Kathryn Barger to defer and refund County permitting and inspection fees for survivors of the catastrophic Eaton and Palisades Fires that struck in January 2025.
“Families who lost everything in these devastating wildfires deserve every opportunity to rebuild without being burdened by County fees,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “Today’s unanimous vote is a clear statement that our Board stands with these residents. This action gives them the relief they urgently need while we identify the sources of funding that will permanently eliminate these costs.”
Under the approved motion, the County will immediately defer permitting and inspection fees for eligible homeowners rebuilding single-family homes in unincorporated communities impacted by the fires. Refunds will also be issued to those who have already paid these fees for qualifying rebuild projects. To qualify for deferral or refund, homeowners must have owned and resided in the property prior to the fires.
With more than 7,400 residential and commercial structures destroyed, the Eaton and Palisades Fires displaced thousands of County residents. Many now face daunting challenges navigating insurance claims and securing sufficient financial assistance. County permit fees—often exceeding $20,000—represent a significant obstacle for these wildfire survivors as they work to rebuild their lives and homes.
The motion stems from a report prepared by Los Angeles County’s Chief Executive Officer at Supervisor Barger’s direction that evaluated options to reduce or waive rebuilding fees. The report estimated the cost of waiving all rebuilding and inspection fees in unincorporated areas affected by the Eaton Fire alone could reach $120 million.
Supervisor Barger’s motion also directs several County departments to complete an updated fee study within 60 days, taking into account potential cost savings from new technologies and systems now being deployed—such as the Archistar permitting software, the County’s One Stop Centers, and a Unified Permitting Authority.
In addition to immediate relief, the motion instructs County departments to explore long-term funding strategies, including potential budget reallocations, federal disaster assistance, and philanthropic partnerships, to make permanent fee waivers financially sustainable.
“As you drive through Altadena, you still see the signs that read ‘Altadena Not For Sale,’” Supervisor Barger said. “Today, this Board backed up that message with real action. By removing these fees, we’re giving wildfire survivors a better chance to stay in their communities, rebuild their homes, and hold on to hope for the future. I’m confident that we’ll identify long-term funding solutions to permanently waive these costs–but finding that funding is the County’s responsibility. It shouldn’t be an added burden for families who are already working so hard to rebuild their lives.”