LA County launches self-certification process for fire survivors to speed up rebuild
LA County launches self-certification process for fire survivors to speed up rebuild
Los Angeles County launched another program in the continuing push to streamline the rebuilding process for survivors of the Eaton and Palisades fires.
Tuesday, May 20, the county launched a building plan self-certification pilot program, eliminating the need for a full plan check review for those that sign up. Under the program, California licensed architects and engineers can self-certify that their building plans comply with the Los Angeles County Building Code.
“This is a moment to reshape government so that it works better for our community members who have already been through so much,” Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said in a statement. “Chair [Kathryn] Barger and I are whole-heartedly committed to standing with our communities through every step of the recovery and rebuilding journey.”
Architects and engineers must register online to participate in the program. A list of those registered to self-certify will be available on the county website and only those who register in advance will be able to self-certify plans.
“Your architect still has to go and obtain approvals from regional planning, fire and if applicable the department of public health for a septic system,” Luis Ramirez, a deputy director with public works said. “So it really applies to the building plan review component.”
In addition to being licensed in California, Ramirez said, to be eligible for the program architects and engineers must be in good standing with the state for the past five years and must have done work within L.A. County for three years.
“We want to make sure that your design professionals are familiar with the L.A. County Building Code and with the process for obtaining a permit through L.A. County,” Ramirez said.
Eligible projects under the program include the replacement of single-family homes, accessory dwelling units and appurtenant structures that were damaged by the fires or located in unincorporated areas of L.A. County.
According to the county, a minimum of 20% of self-certified plans will be subject to random audits.
As of May 20, according to a county dashboard, the department of public works has received 543 rebuild applications combined across both fire areas. Of that total, 326 have cleared zoning review and 157 have the building plan reviews in process.
In the Eaton fire area 11 building permits have been issued and one has been issued in the Palisades area. Construction has yet to be completed on any property.
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