Uncertainty prevails among victims as they contemplate returning to their fire-ravaged residential areas in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles County Wildfire Survivors Express Urgent Desire for Home Rebuilding
A survey conducted by Project Recovery, a coalition of public and private real estate experts, reveals that the majority of homeowners affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires wish to return to their old neighborhoods. However, they express concerns about the prolonged time it might take for their homes to be rebuilt.
According to the survey, most burned-out homeowners intend to rebuild their homes destroyed in the January fires. Yet, half of them are unwilling to wait more than three years for the reconstruction process to commence. Clare De Briere, a Los Angeles real estate developer, emphasized the importance of expediting the revival of the affected neighborhoods for a successful restoration.
The Project Recovery report, compiled in March by experts from USC, UCLA, and the Los Angeles chapter of the Urban Land Institute, outlines a plan to ensure the rebuilding of homes within three years after the land is cleared for redevelopment. This plan relies on close cooperation between developers and public officials overseeing construction approvals and the restoration of critical infrastructure such as water and power.
The survey also highlighted the top concern of displaced homeowners as the lack of leadership on both city and county levels to facilitate the process. This response came as a surprise to De Briere, who initially expected affordability to be the primary concern.
The report suggests using an expedited process that would allow licensed architects, engineers, and design professionals to self-certify building plans and specifications as compliant with objective building code requirements. By employing artificial intelligence to cross-check their assertions, the approval process could be completed far sooner than through human staff.
Other key findings of the survey include:
- Two-thirds of those affected by the Palisades fire are uncertain they will have sufficient resources to cover rebuilding expenses and additional living costs.
- In the Eaton fire area, 82% either do not have or are uncertain they will have sufficient resources.
- In the Palisades area, 70% of homeowners may not return if it takes more than three years to rebuild. In the Eaton fire area, 63% may not return after three years.
- A "look-alike" rebuild within 110% of their prior home size is planned by 77% of people who want to return to the Palisades fire area, while 84% plan a similar rebuild in the Eaton fire area.
The survey also revealed that cost is the top concern for owners in the Palisades fire area with a net worth of less than $5 million, and quality is the No. 1 concern for those with a net worth of less than $1 million in the Eaton fire area. Over 60% of homeowners in both areas are willing to forgo customization of their new homes if financial compromises are necessary.
The City of Los Angeles has inked a contract with Hagerty Consulting, an Illinois-based disaster recovery firm, to support their efforts in expediting wildfire recovery. As debris removal continues in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, residents are eager to learn more about the rebuilding process and the short-term steps they can take to prepare for their future homes.
About the Enrichment Data:
Project Recovery, a comprehensive guide to speed up the recovery of Los Angeles County neighborhoods devastated by January wildfires, involves multi-phase debris removal with streamlined processes, expedited permitting for "like-for-like" rebuilds, pre-approved plans, workshops, and continuous community support.
This multi-agency approach aims to reduce delays and help residents return to their communities as quickly as possible. To expedite debris removal, hazardous materials are first removed by the EPA, followed by ash and fire debris removal by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Meanwhile, homeowners can submit rebuild applications before debris removal completion, and permits are issued only after site clearance is confirmed.
The rebuild process is further facilitated by offering pre-approved plans and continuous workshops and support for homeowners and professionals. Local organizations collaborate with LA County to guide residents through the process and provide recovery resources. This multi-pronged strategy aims to ensure a faster recovery for affected communities.
- A large number of Palisades and Eaton wildfire survivors aim to rebuild their homes in the same neighborhoods, but are worried about the potential length of the rebuilding process.
- Clare De Briere, a Los Angeles real estate developer, emphasizes the need for a swift revitalization of affected neighborhoods for a successful restoration.
- The Project Recovery report, compiled by experts from USC, UCLA, and the Urban Land Institute, recommends a plan to rebuild homes within three years after the land is cleared for redevelopment.
- The survey conducted by Project Recovery revealed that the lack of leadership on both city and county levels to facilitate the rebuilding process is the top concern of displaced homeowners.
- The report suggests an expedited process that allows for faster building plan approvals by licensing architects, engineers, and design professionals to self-certify their work.
- In the Palisades area, 70% of homeowners may not return if it takes more than three years to rebuild, while 63% in the Eaton fire area may not return after three years.
- The City of Los Angeles has brought in Hagerty Consulting, a disaster recovery firm based in Illinois, to help speed up wildfire recovery efforts in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, with debris removal ongoing and homeowners eager to learn more about the rebuilding process.
