Introduction to Rebuilding Order
Mayor Karen Bass is using her power to foster faster rebuilding of Pacific Palisades businesses lost in the Palisades fire.
The mayor has issued Emergency Executive Order 10, which introduces measures intended to streamline the rebuilding process for commercial properties within the city’s designated Palisades Commercial Village and Neighborhoods Specific Plan area, L.A. Business First reported.
Streamlining the Rebuilding Process
The order cuts red tape by allowing expedited permitting and a five-year extension on existing land-use entitlements valid as of Jan. 7, 2025. The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety will now allow licensed architects to self-certify compliance for certain tenant improvements, while local owners outside geohazard zones can skip bond requirements for small-scale repairs.
Procedural Hurdles
In addition, the order loosens procedural hurdles on soil and grading work, letting civil and geotechnical engineers self-certify site conditions. The goal is to quicken recovery for local storefronts and service businesses gutted by the deadly January blaze without jeopardizing the character of the area.
Statement from Mayor Bass
“Small businesses are the heart and soul of the Palisades community, and I remain committed to helping them rebuild as quickly and safely as possible,” Bass said in a statement. “With this new executive action, we are further streamlining the permitting process and cutting through unnecessary delays that will help business owners rebuild quickly, keep workers employed and restore community services that residents rely on, all while maintaining the unique community character of the Palisades.”
Previous Executive Orders
Bass’ latest demands follow Emergency Executive Order 8, issued in July to expedite the residential rebuilding process in the Palisades. Earlier this month, Bass called for exempting Palisades homeowners from Measure ULA, the city’s mansion tax on sales over $5 million.
Results and Progress
Results are already showing, according to the city. Rebuilding permits for single-family homes in the Pacific Palisades are being approved nearly three times faster than before the fires, with over 1,100 plans approved and construction started on about 300 homes.
The City of Los Angeles has approved 1,142 plans and counting, and has issued 923 permits for 479 different addresses so far, according to the city’s rebuild progress dashboard.
Read More
Read more
Bass asks LA City Council to roll back ULA for Palisades victims
Los Angeles council member urges Newsom to pause SB 9 in Palisades
LA County fire rebuilding report calls for $50M in funds for homeowners, streamlined permitting processes
Conclusion
The rebuilding order issued by Mayor Karen Bass is a significant step towards helping businesses in the Pacific Palisades recover from the devastating fire. By streamlining the permitting process and cutting through unnecessary delays, the order aims to quicken recovery for local storefronts and service businesses without jeopardizing the character of the area.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of Emergency Executive Order 10?
A: The purpose of Emergency Executive Order 10 is to streamline the rebuilding process for commercial properties in the Palisades Commercial Village and Neighborhoods Specific Plan area.
Q: What are the key provisions of the order?
A: The order allows expedited permitting, a five-year extension on existing land-use entitlements, and self-certification for certain tenant improvements and site conditions.
Q: How will the order affect the rebuilding process?
A: The order is expected to quicken recovery for local storefronts and service businesses by cutting through unnecessary delays and streamlining the permitting process.
