Los Angeles must take decisive action to support fire victims by waiving and streamlining the building permitting process. The recent devastating wildfires have caused immense destruction, leading to the heartbreaking loss of lives, homes, and entire communities.
For those who have lost everything, the road to recovery is fraught with emotional and financial challenges. In the aftermath of such tragedy, the last thing fire victims should face is a bureaucratic maze that delays their efforts to rebuild.
Losing a home to fire is not just a material loss; it is a profound personal tragedy. Fire victims are forced to navigate the complexities of insurance claims while simultaneously grappling with the emotional toll of losing their belongings and sense of security.
Securing insurance payouts can be challenging, particularly when thousands of fire victims are filing claims at the same time. Insurance companies typically pay out based on the insured value per square foot of the damaged home. Unfortunately, a large number homeowners are underinsured, and unless they proactively engage with their insurance companies, the payout may fall short of covering reconstruction costs.
The financial burden is further exacerbated by the soaring cost of rebuilding in Los Angeles. Constructing a standard single-family home costs approximately $400 to $480 per square foot. However, the price for rebuilding a high-end luxury home can escalate to $500 to $1,000 or more per square foot, depending on the level of customization and quality of materials used.
These costs alone can be overwhelming for fire victims, but the additional burden of permitting fees and regulatory hurdles can make rebuilding seem nearly impossible.
Consider San Diego, where regulatory costs represent between 34% and 51% of the total cost of building a home. This staggering percentage highlights how permitting fees can significantly inflate the financial burden on homeowners. In Los Angeles, the cost to build is most likely similar to San Diego. Beyond the monetary costs, the timeline for obtaining building permits can extend for months and even years, leaving fire victims in limbo, unable to rebuild their lives swiftly.
Los Angeles has an urgent moral obligation to support fire victims by waiving and streamlining permitting requirements. The city can look to Phoenix for a proven model of efficiency and compassion in the face of disaster. Phoenix has implemented a groundbreaking “self-certification” program that expedites the permitting process without compromising safety or quality standards. Under this system, architects and engineers who undergo city-approved training can submit plans and receive permits during the same visit.
By shifting a significant portion of the planning and inspection responsibilities to qualified private-sector professionals, Phoenix has dramatically reduced permitting delays while maintaining construction safety and compliance. This innovative approach has empowered homeowners to begin rebuilding much faster, minimizing the emotional strain and financial hardships caused by lengthy delays.
Los Angeles should adopt and expand upon this model, ensuring fire victims can break ground on their new homes without unnecessary bureaucracy standing in the way.
Beyond the immediate relief for fire victims, implementing a streamlined permitting system would also benefit the broader community. Rebuilding homes swiftly helps restore neighborhoods, revitalize local economies, and promote community healing. A proactive approach would not only ease the burden on fire victims but also contribute to the long-term resilience of the city.
Critics may argue that waiving fees and expediting permits could lead to compromised safety standards or a loss of city revenue. However, Phoenix’s success proves that self-certification, when properly regulated, maintains high safety standards. Furthermore, the long-term economic recovery and the preservation of property values far outweigh the temporary loss of permitting revenue. Compassion and efficiency can coexist.
Los Angeles must act swiftly and decisively to remove the barriers standing in the way of recovery. Waiving and streamlining the permitting process would offer immediate relief to those in desperate need and demonstrate the city’s commitment to standing with its residents during their most difficult times.
Now is the time for bold leadership and compassionate action. Let us honor the resilience of fire victims by giving them the support they need to rebuild their homes, their lives, and their futures.
Mark Powell is a licensed California real estate broker and a former San Diego County Board of Education member.
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