Here to help.
Whether deciding to rebuild, considering selling, or just want an expert opinion on next steps, we’re here for Westside residents every step of the way.
Rebuilding Basics After a Fire
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Rebuilding depends on cleanup, permitting, design, and construction. EPA has finished hazardous waste removal, but debris cleanup often takes months. Los Angeles has expedited reviews, with the first rebuild permit issued in 57 days, though most complete rebuilds take over a year from start to finish.
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Stay safe, document damage with photos and videos, and file an insurance claim quickly. Hazardous waste cleanup is automatic, but you’ll need to choose between the government debris program or opting out and hiring your own contractor. Keep receipts for temporary housing and other expenses, since your insurance may reimburse them.
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Not for final approval. The City’s order guarantees first plan review comments within 30 days of a complete application. That helps speed things up, but total approval still takes longer depending on the project.
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Yes. You can opt out of the government program, but then you’re responsible for hiring a certified contractor, getting permits, and paying costs upfront. All work must meet County safety and inspection standards.
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California law requires Class A roofing, ignition-resistant siding like stucco or fiber cement, ember-resistant vents, dual-pane tempered windows, and fire sprinklers in all new homes. JVE Development also integrates defensible landscaping to protect your property.
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Heat damage can weaken concrete and steel. Engineers may recommend partial repair, reinforcement, or full replacement based on testing. Only a licensed engineer can confirm the right path.
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Yes. These rules cap floor area, control massing, and restrict grading in hillside areas, which directly affects home size and design.
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If CAL FIRE designates your lot as VHFHSZ, you must meet Chapter 7A wildfire construction standards—Class A roofing, ember-resistant details, and ignition-resistant siding.
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California law requires up to 100 feet of defensible space (or to your property line). The LA Fire Department enforces this through its brush clearance program.
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The 2022 Energy Code requires solar and “solar-ready/electric-ready” provisions. But for fire rebuilds in Los Angeles, recent executive orders suspend solar and battery installation requirements, though solar-ready wiring is still required.
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Los Angeles’ Low Impact Development ordinance requires stormwater to be captured, used, or infiltrated on site. Options include permeable paving, bioswales, and cisterns.
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Yes. Oaks, walnuts, sycamores, and bay laurels are protected by City code. Encroachments or removals require permits and replacement plantings.
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Yes, if your property is in the Coastal Zone. But the Coastal Act allows disaster rebuild exemptions if the replacement stays within 10% of the original structure’s size, height, and bulk.
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Yes. Geotechnical reports are usually required for hillside grading, and moving more than 1,000 cubic yards of earth triggers a haul-route approval process.
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Yes. The City created a One-Stop Rebuilding Center and uses ePlanLA and counter plan-check options to speed approvals.
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LADWP provides temporary power service and meter spot requests online, followed by site inspection. Temporary water service from hydrants is also available for construction.
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Yes. Detached ADUs generally must include a new PV system and meet solar-ready and battery-ready rules. Attached or converted ADUs may follow different requirements.
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Construction is limited to weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with restricted Saturday hours. Hauling is allowed weekdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., capped at four trips per hour.
Design, Construction & Permits
Insurance, Finance & Tax
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Yes, but coverage depends on your policy. Most cover the home itself, belongings, debris removal, code upgrades, and living expenses. If you join the government debris program, insurance money for debris goes there first. The California Department of Insurance can help navigate claims.
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You may qualify for casualty loss deductions and tax deferrals under IRS Section 1033 if you reinvest in replacement property within deadlines. Check with a licensed tax professional to confirm your situation.
Safety & Fire Hardening
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Use Class A roofs, ember-resistant vents, and tempered glass windows. Keep a 0–5 foot fuel-free zone around your home and maintain defensible space out to 100 feet. JVE Development integrates these measures into every rebuild.
How do
I start the rebuilding process?
JVE HOME DEVELOPMENT
FULL SERVICE RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
Expedited Building Permits | Top Architects and Designers | Construction Management | Bulk Materials Purchasing | Experienced Engineering | Financing Available
