Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion authored by Supervisor Kathryn Barger and co-authored by Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath to establish a Unified Permitting Authority within the Altadena One-Stop Recovery Permitting Center. This will streamline and expedite the residential rebuilding process for those impacted by the devastating Eaton Fire, which destroyed nearly 7,000 homes in the unincorporated community of Altadena.
“I’ve been keeping a close eye on the County’s One Stop Permitting Shop and to be candid—I’m not satisfied with the pace,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger. “No rebuild permits have been issued in Altadena and that’s unacceptable. Today’s motion will cut through the red tape to get my Altadena constituents back on track to rebuilding faster. We don’t have time to waste.”
The newly approved Unified Permitting Authority will be empowered to make final permitting decisions across departmental lines, resolve regulatory conflicts in real time, and eliminate bottlenecks that have delayed recovery efforts. Key County departments involved in approving rebuilding plans–Regional Planning, Public Works, Fire, and Public Health–will also be required to assign senior-level liaisons to the One-Stop Center. There will also be increased performance monitoring to ensure accountability.
“Helping our communities recover swiftly and effectively from this year’s devastating fires is Los Angeles County’s highest priority,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “We must ensure the rebuilding process is not only fast and efficient but also equitable and accessible for every resident. The Calabasas One-Stop Permitting Center, created in the wake of the Woolsey Fire, stands as a proven model of what’s possible when we prioritize people over red tape. I’m committed to enhancing this approach and bringing the same level of responsive support to our neighbors in Altadena.”
A copy of the approved motion is accessible here. The Altadena One-Stop Permit Center is located at 464 West Woodbury Road, Suite 210, Altadena, CA 91001. Walk-ins are welcome and consultation appointments can be scheduled at recovery.lacounty.gov.