California Construction News staff writer
The first approvals under the City of Los Angeles’ Standard Plan Pilot Program for single-family homes in Pacific Palisades have been issued, marking a new step in the area’s post-wildfire recovery.
The program offers a library of pre-approved, code-compliant designs, allowing eligible projects to move more quickly through the permitting process. Additional designs will be added to the library on a rolling basis.
Emergency measures implemented after the January wildfires have accelerated permitting for both residential and commercial properties. Single-family permits are now being cleared nearly three times faster than before the fires. To date, more than 1,200 rebuilding plans have been approved for over 600 addresses, and more than 1,000 permits have been issued for roughly 515 addresses. Hundreds of additional plans are under review, and more projects are starting construction each week.
Additional plans will continue to be accepted – with more currently in the approval pipeline – and uploaded to the library on a rolling basis, ensuring a growing variety of options for homeowners over time.
“The City of Los Angeles remains laser-focused on expediting the rebuilding of homes, businesses, and community spaces in the Palisades to get families home, no matter what it takes,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “The city’s standard plan pilot program is just one of many tools now available to residents to fast-track the plan check process and get them home sooner.”
The rebuilding effort is supported by infrastructure and debris removal programs. Water and power were restored to standing homes within two months, and private property debris removal was completed nearly a year ahead of schedule. Hazardous materials were cleared in record time, with Phase 1 of the cleanup finished in 28 days.
The recovery initiative includes expedited rebuilding of commercial properties and community spaces, such as the Palisades Recreation Center and library, as well as streamlined permitting processes, temporary fee suspensions, and expanded use of AI tools to review building plans.
The city has also launched programs allowing qualified architects to self-certify compliance with building codes and continues to prohibit certain high-risk development under Senate Bill 9 in designated fire zones.
City officials say these combined efforts have made the Pacific Palisades recovery one of the fastest in modern California history, with projects continuing to start weekly.
