Altadena and Pasadena fire rebuild permits, explained
In unincorporated Altadena, LA County issues Eaton Fire rebuild permits through one Disaster Recovery Permit reviewed by Planning, Building & Safety, Fire, and Public Health. Homes inside Pasadena city limits use the City's process.
Like-for-like rebuilds can grow 10% or 200 sq ft, whichever is greater. Most County fees are deferred for eligible owner-occupants.
Quick answers
- •Start by checking who issues your permit. Most Altadena lots are in unincorporated LA County. Some fire-damaged homes with Pasadena addresses are actually in County territory, and the City of Pasadena handles only homes inside City limits.[1][2]
- •County rebuilds use one Disaster Recovery Permit application. Planning, Building & Safety, Fire, and Public Health review it together.[3][4]
- •Like-for-like means the same size, location, and use. You can add up to 10% or 200 sq ft (whichever is greater) and still count as like-for-like.[4]
- •Faster paths: pre-approved plans, self-certification by a qualified architect or engineer, and the County's free AI zoning PreCheck.[5][6][7]
- •Fees: the County defers (does not collect) most rebuild permit fees for eligible owner-occupants. Pasadena waives plan-check and permit fees for eligible red-tagged homes.[8][9]
Want a second set of eyes on your permit path? Our team can review your lot and tell you which route fits.
(From the Altadena Rebuild Team, our sponsor)
Step 1: Who issues my rebuild permit, LA County or Pasadena?
- •Unincorporated Altadena → LA County (Public Works Building & Safety, Regional Planning, Fire, Public Health).[3]
- •Inside Pasadena city limits → City of Pasadena Planning & Community Development.[2]
- •A Pasadena mailing address doesn't mean the City is in charge. Use the County's “City or Unincorporated” lookup to check your address.[1]
| Topic | Unincorporated Altadena (LA County) | City of Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Where to apply | EPIC-LA online, or the Altadena One-Stop Permit Center[3][10] | City permit center and online portal. Red-tagged homes have an assigned planner.[2] |
| Like-for-like limit | Up to 10% or 200 sq ft larger, whichever is greater[4] | Same: 10% or 200 sq ft. Relocated, prefab, or modular homes may go up to the zoning maximum.[9] |
| Fee help | Fee deferral (not collected) for eligible owner-occupied rebuilds, including a garage, ADU, or pool[8] | Fee waiver/refund of plan-check and permit fees for eligible red-tagged, owner-occupied homes[9] |
| Free consultations | One-Stop rebuild consultations Mon/Wed/Fri 8:30–12:30[10] | 30-minute virtual meeting with the Planner of the Day[2] |
| Contact | One-Stop: (626) 424-6743[10] | Building & Safety: (626) 744-4200, BuildingRecovery@CityOfPasadena.net[2] |
Step 2: Does debris removal have to be finished first?
In the County, you can apply any time, but your permit is issued only after Phase 1 (hazardous waste) and Phase 2 (debris removal by the Army Corps or a private opt-out contractor) are done.[4]
Step 3: Which design path should I choose?
| Path | What it means | Best for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Like-for-like | Same size, location, and use. Can be smaller or have a new floor plan. Exempt from current zoning, but must meet current building, fire, and health codes. | Owners who want the fastest route | [4] |
| Non-like-for-like | Bigger or different. Follows current zoning, including the Altadena Community Standards District (CSD) and the West San Gabriel Valley Area Plan. Minimum front setback is 20 ft. | Owners who want more space or a new layout | [4] |
| Pre-approved plans | Home designs already reviewed for zoning and building code, in "Foothills" or "Coastal" versions. Browse them and check your lot in the County's online portal (Canibuild). | Shorter, more predictable review and lower design cost | [5] |
| Self-certification | A qualified California architect or engineer certifies that the plans meet code, so the County skips the full building plan check. | Simple rebuilds on flat, stable lots | [6] |
Self-certification: who qualifies
- •The architect or engineer must have at least 3 years of LA County code-compliance experience and carry errors-and-omissions insurance of at least $500,000 per claim / $1 million total.[6]
- •It covers a replacement home, garage, or ADU in unincorporated areas. It's not for hillside, liquefaction, or landslide-risk lots.[6]
- •It skips only the building plan check. Planning, Fire, and Public Health still review the project.[6]
- •The County audits at least 20% of these projects.[6]
Free AI zoning check (PreCheck)
For R-1 lots in Altadena, the County's PreCheck tool (built by Archistar) checks your site plan against zoning. Results can take up to 10 business days.[7]
Want us to handle plan check for you? Our partner architect prepares the drawings and responds to reviewer comments, and we price the build as the design develops. [Owner to confirm scope]
Step 4: How do I submit and track my permit?
- Apply online at EPIC-LA (bit.ly/RebuildEPIC) or in person. Upload plans, proof of ownership, and the Supplemental Application Form.[3]
- Reviews run at the same time: Planning, Building & Safety, Fire, and Public Health.[4]
- Answer reviewer comments. The County publishes a list of common plan errors to avoid.[11]
- Permit issued → construction → inspections → Certificate of Occupancy.[4]
Track County progress on the Permitting Progress Dashboard.[12]
How long do Altadena permits take, and why are some delayed? (our analysis of County data)
Half of all County Eaton Fire single-family permits issued so far took 147 days or less from application to permit, based on 2,677 issued permits. The middle half took 96 to 210 days. [Estimate: our analysis of public EPIC-LA data, pulled Oct 22, 2026; see the method in how long Altadena rebuild permits are taking].
Permits issued more recently took longer, partly because harder cases are finishing now.[13]
What rules change what I can build?
- •Solar: Executive Order N-29-25 suspends the rooftop solar and battery requirement for rebuilt homes. Homes must still be "solar-ready." Rebuilds may use the 2022 building code instead of the 2025 code, except for fire-safety rules.[14][15]
- •Climate zone: Altadena ZIPs 91001 and 91003 use Climate Zone 9 for rebuilding.[11]
- •Fireplaces: wood-burning fireplaces can be replaced one-for-one under air district Rule 445.[11]
- •Septic/sewer: if you had a septic or cesspool system, ask Public Health early: (626) 430-5380.[10][11]
- •Construction hours: noise isn't allowed Mon–Sat 8 PM–7 AM, or Sundays and holidays 7 PM–7 AM.[11]
- •Oak trees, historic resources: extra review may apply. Ask Regional Planning: (213) 974-6411.[4]
Free download: The Altadena Rebuild Checklist. Includes the permit documents list and the questions to ask at the One-Stop.
Do I have to pay rebuild permit fees?
Unincorporated Altadena: fee deferral
- •Covers zoning review, building plan review, soils/geology review, building permit and inspection, Fire review and inspection, and Public Health fees.[8]
- •You must have owned and lived in the home before Jan 7, 2025. Rentals, LLC/corporate owners, multifamily, and commercial properties aren't eligible.[8]
- •Not covered: designer and builder costs, addressing, recycling deposit, utility and school fees, and outside agencies.[8]
- •No deadline. Refunds of fees already paid take about 2–4 weeks.[8]
City of Pasadena: fee waiver and refund
- •Covers plan-check and permit fees. Water service fees are not covered. The construction-waste deposit is a flat $1,000, and you get it back.[9]
- •You must have owned and lived in the home on Jan 7, 2025, and it must be red-tagged. Yellow-tagged homes don't qualify.[9]
- •Not eligible if the property was sold (except to family) or listed for sale. New structures and conversions, like a garage turned into an ADU, aren't covered.[9]
- •School (PUSD) fees apply if the new home is 500+ sq ft larger.[9]
Sponsored content
From the Altadena Rebuild Team
Permits are where many rebuilds stall. We're R&M Builders Inc (CSLB #1077165, B – General Building, verify) working with our partner architect:
- •One contact for design, permits, and construction. [Owner to confirm]
- •A free, written Rebuild Roadmap that names your permit path: like-for-like, pre-approved, self-certification, or custom. [Owner to confirm]
- •We follow the state's fixed-price contract rules for fire rebuilds. [Owner to confirm]
Two independent firms with separate contracts. No referral fees. Not affiliated with LA County or the City of Pasadena.
FAQ
Ready to turn your lot into a permit-ready plan?
Sources (all checked Oct 22, 2026)
- 1.
LA County, "City or Unincorporated" lookup
- 2.
City of Pasadena, Information on Rebuilding
- 3.
LA County Recovers, Apply for Permits
- 4.
LA County Recovers, Like-For-Like Rebuild ; LA County Regional Planning, Eaton Fire
- 5.
LA County Recovers, Pre-Approved Plans
- 6.
LA County Recovers, Self-Certification
- 7.
LA County Recovers, LA County eCheck / PreCheck
- 8.
LA County Recovers, Fee Deferrals & Refunds
- 9.
City of Pasadena, Fire Rebuild Fee Waiver and Refund Program
- 10.
LA County Recovers, One-Stop Permit Centers
- 11.
LA County Recovers, Rebuild Policies, Interpretations and Exemptions
- 12.
LA County Recovers, Permitting Progress Dashboard
- 13.
LA County EPIC-LA Eaton/Palisades cases (public ArcGIS layer)
[Estimate: our analysis] - 14.
LA County, Executive Order N-29-25 Implementation sheet
- 15.
Office of the Governor, Executive Order (Nov 24, 2025) describing N-29-25
Last reviewed: October 23, 2026