Yankee Chronicler
REGISTERED
My understanding is that this is intended to allow the primary design professional to self-certify his/her/their plans -- not third-party review.
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Should builders permit their own projects? Post-fire LA considers a radical idea
- Thread starter mark handler
- Start date
My understanding is that this is intended to allow the primary design professional to self-certify his/her/their plans -- not third-party review.
bill1952
SAWHORSE
I read "San Diego Assemblymember Chris Ward introduced a state bill that would give small building project developers the ability to hire a third-party licensed architect or engineer to sign off on a project’s plans if a city’s planning department is too slow." so don't know if they are being more permissive.
Yikes
SAWHORSE
If you read the link provided, it says the construction will still be inspected by the city.
Yikes
SAWHORSE
In case you missed the link, I'm posting the entirely of the text, which answers some of the questions raised in this thread:
EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 6
Return and Rebuild
Issue Date: April 22, 2025
Subject: Self-Certification Pilot Program
INTRODUCTION
The Wildfires of January 2025 caused devastating impacts to people and property, tragically destroying thousands of homes in the City of Los Angeles (City).
Recognizing the critical importance of supporting community rebuilding and recovery efforts and addressing the critical housing shortage in the City of Los Angeles, I am ordering that a range of measures be taken. To aid in safely and swiftly recovering from this disaster I issued Emergency Executive Order No. 1, directing that certain zoning regulations and discretionary processes be waived for rebuild projects and that permits be accelerated.
That original version of that order further directed the Department of Building and Safety(LADBS) to report back on what permit review(s) could potentially be replaced by a self certification procedure by a licensed architect to expedite the reconstruction of single family residential structures damaged or destroyed by the Wildfires of January, 2025.
Establishing a self-certification program can be an important tool to rebuild neighborhoods quickly and safely, and allow impacted Angelenos to get back home. Several cities ,including New York, Chicago, Phoenix, Dallas, San Diego, Bellflower, Oxnard, and the County of San Diego have implemented self-certification programs proven to reduce permitting timelines.
LADBS currently has an express permit program in which certain smaller-scope permit types can be obtained online without plan check review. A self-certification process would allow a licensed architect in the State of California to assume responsibility to verify compliance with all or some of the building and zoning codes applicable to construction projects on private property in the City of Los Angeles. Self-certified plans would not be reviewed and approved by LADBS and the necessary permit(s) would be issued relying on the self-certification by the licensed architect, eliminating the need for a plan check process via LADBS.
While we must build back quickly to allow impacted Angelenos to come home, we also must build back safely, and with resilience. Self-certification has the potential to positively impact the rebuild process. A self-certification program, however, must also be designed with safety and accountability in mind.
Building codes and related standards continue to become more complex with each code cycle. Code revisions occur on a three-year cycle and an 18-month intervening cycle, that are in addition to local ordinances. Further, any errors found on self-certified plans during field inspection would cause delays in construction and/or additional expense by the owner as a result.
For a self-certification program to be effective and successful, architects performing self certification work will need to have a strong understanding of current building codes, and a regular evaluation of how well the program is working is critical. As a result, it is important to administer a self-certification program with a comprehensive audit system, training and/or testing of participants, and to provide information and continually evaluate the effectiveness of a self-certification pilot program.
Therefore, to provide a streamlined path for the rebuilding of the City of Los Angeles' fire devastated communities, pursuant to City Charter Section 231, subsection (i), and under the provisions of the Los Angeles Administrative Code Section 8.29 that authorize me to promulgate, issue and enforce emergency rules, regulations, orders, and directives, I hereby declare the following order to be necessary for the protection of life and property and I hereby order, effective immediately, that the Department of Building and Safety shall establish a self-certification pilot program. The pilot program shall be limited to reconstruction projects that are on a site with a structure substantially damaged or destroyed by the Wildfires, as determined by the City, and that meet the project eligibility requirements set forth below, and shall be subject to the following parameters:
1. The self-certification pilot program allows a licensed architect registered in the State of California to self-certify compliance of construction plans with the California Residential Code, as adopted and amended by the City of Los Angeles, for projects meeting the Project Eligibility requirements below.
2. All applicable reviews and approvals by City departments other than LADBS shall continue to be required.
3. All required inspections and related sign-offs by LADBS and other applicable City departments for the issuance of a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy and/or Certificate of Occupancy shall continue to be required.
4. Projects utilizing the self-certification pilot program remain subject to all other regulatory requirements, including but not limited to: inspection, code enforcement, revocation, expiration, and any other enforcement authority of the City for noncompliant construction.
5. Grading review shall be required for self-certification projects as outlined in Information Bulletin: P/BC 2025-157 and the LADBS implementation guidelines.
6. LADBS shall issue implementation guidelines for the self-certification program within 30 working days of the issuance of this Order.
7. The self-certification pilot program shall be implemented on a temporary pilot basis. In coordination with the Mayor's Office and other applicable City departments, LADBS shall conduct an evaluation of the pilot program. This evaluation shall be conducted at the conclusion of the first year of the pilot program, unless determined to be necessary at an earlier time. The parameters of this evaluation shall be set forth in the LADBS implementation guidelines, and shall include considerations of the record of safety and code compliance of projects built under this self-certification program.
EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 6
Return and Rebuild
Issue Date: April 22, 2025
Subject: Self-Certification Pilot Program
INTRODUCTION
The Wildfires of January 2025 caused devastating impacts to people and property, tragically destroying thousands of homes in the City of Los Angeles (City).
Recognizing the critical importance of supporting community rebuilding and recovery efforts and addressing the critical housing shortage in the City of Los Angeles, I am ordering that a range of measures be taken. To aid in safely and swiftly recovering from this disaster I issued Emergency Executive Order No. 1, directing that certain zoning regulations and discretionary processes be waived for rebuild projects and that permits be accelerated.
That original version of that order further directed the Department of Building and Safety(LADBS) to report back on what permit review(s) could potentially be replaced by a self certification procedure by a licensed architect to expedite the reconstruction of single family residential structures damaged or destroyed by the Wildfires of January, 2025.
Establishing a self-certification program can be an important tool to rebuild neighborhoods quickly and safely, and allow impacted Angelenos to get back home. Several cities ,including New York, Chicago, Phoenix, Dallas, San Diego, Bellflower, Oxnard, and the County of San Diego have implemented self-certification programs proven to reduce permitting timelines.
LADBS currently has an express permit program in which certain smaller-scope permit types can be obtained online without plan check review. A self-certification process would allow a licensed architect in the State of California to assume responsibility to verify compliance with all or some of the building and zoning codes applicable to construction projects on private property in the City of Los Angeles. Self-certified plans would not be reviewed and approved by LADBS and the necessary permit(s) would be issued relying on the self-certification by the licensed architect, eliminating the need for a plan check process via LADBS.
While we must build back quickly to allow impacted Angelenos to come home, we also must build back safely, and with resilience. Self-certification has the potential to positively impact the rebuild process. A self-certification program, however, must also be designed with safety and accountability in mind.
Building codes and related standards continue to become more complex with each code cycle. Code revisions occur on a three-year cycle and an 18-month intervening cycle, that are in addition to local ordinances. Further, any errors found on self-certified plans during field inspection would cause delays in construction and/or additional expense by the owner as a result.
For a self-certification program to be effective and successful, architects performing self certification work will need to have a strong understanding of current building codes, and a regular evaluation of how well the program is working is critical. As a result, it is important to administer a self-certification program with a comprehensive audit system, training and/or testing of participants, and to provide information and continually evaluate the effectiveness of a self-certification pilot program.
Therefore, to provide a streamlined path for the rebuilding of the City of Los Angeles' fire devastated communities, pursuant to City Charter Section 231, subsection (i), and under the provisions of the Los Angeles Administrative Code Section 8.29 that authorize me to promulgate, issue and enforce emergency rules, regulations, orders, and directives, I hereby declare the following order to be necessary for the protection of life and property and I hereby order, effective immediately, that the Department of Building and Safety shall establish a self-certification pilot program. The pilot program shall be limited to reconstruction projects that are on a site with a structure substantially damaged or destroyed by the Wildfires, as determined by the City, and that meet the project eligibility requirements set forth below, and shall be subject to the following parameters:
1. The self-certification pilot program allows a licensed architect registered in the State of California to self-certify compliance of construction plans with the California Residential Code, as adopted and amended by the City of Los Angeles, for projects meeting the Project Eligibility requirements below.
2. All applicable reviews and approvals by City departments other than LADBS shall continue to be required.
3. All required inspections and related sign-offs by LADBS and other applicable City departments for the issuance of a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy and/or Certificate of Occupancy shall continue to be required.
4. Projects utilizing the self-certification pilot program remain subject to all other regulatory requirements, including but not limited to: inspection, code enforcement, revocation, expiration, and any other enforcement authority of the City for noncompliant construction.
5. Grading review shall be required for self-certification projects as outlined in Information Bulletin: P/BC 2025-157 and the LADBS implementation guidelines.
6. LADBS shall issue implementation guidelines for the self-certification program within 30 working days of the issuance of this Order.
7. The self-certification pilot program shall be implemented on a temporary pilot basis. In coordination with the Mayor's Office and other applicable City departments, LADBS shall conduct an evaluation of the pilot program. This evaluation shall be conducted at the conclusion of the first year of the pilot program, unless determined to be necessary at an earlier time. The parameters of this evaluation shall be set forth in the LADBS implementation guidelines, and shall include considerations of the record of safety and code compliance of projects built under this self-certification program.
Yikes
SAWHORSE
Continued:
8. Project Eligibility.
9. Participant Requirements. Participating architects in the pilot program must meet all of the criteria listed below.
10. Other Requirements.
11. Any fees that may be required by LADBS for administering the self-certification pilot program shall be addressed in the LADBS implementation guidelines and may be based on the hourly rate specified in Section 98.0415(e) of the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) to recoup the cost. Applicable surcharges may apply as required by the LAMC.
12. LADBS shall establish an audit system in which a certain proportion of the self certified plans will be reviewed by LADBS plan check staff, to be set forth in the implementation guidelines. The scope, requirements, and fees of the audit system shall be provided in the implementation guidelines issued by LADBS. Fees to recoup the cost of auditing may be based on the hourly rate specified in Section 98.0415(e) of the LAMC. Applicable surcharges may apply as required by the LAMC.
13. LADBS shall evaluate the feasibility of including zoning review as part of the self certification pilot program, solely for Eligible Projects, as defined under the Mayor's Emergency Executive Order No. 1 and consistent with the Governor’s previously adopted Executive Orders N-4-25, N-9-25, N-14-25, and N-20-25. If found to be feasible, LADBS shall include zoning self-certification for Eligible Projects within the implementation guidelines. The implementation guidelines shall also establish related documentation and submittal requirements, in relation to zoning review.
8. Project Eligibility.
a. The self-certification program shall be limited to the construction of single-family dwellings that repair or replace structures damaged or destroyed in the January 2025 Wildfires, and up to three stories only (within the scope of the California Residential Codes), including associated accessory structures such as Accessory Dwelling Units, Accessory Living Quarters, and recreation rooms.
i. However, pools are not eligible for the self-certification program unless they are standard plan pools that are approved by LADBS. LADBS shall include criteria for self-certification of pools in the implementation guidelines.
ii. "Wildfires” shall mean, individually or collectively, the Palisades, Hurst, Kenneth, Archer, and Sunset Fires that occurred in January 2025, in whole or in part within the City of Los Angeles.
b. A project and lot shall not be located in whole or in part within a Geologically Sensitive Area. For the purposes of this Order, Geologically Sensitive Areas are defined in Information Bulletin: P/BC 2025-157.
9. Participant Requirements. Participating architects in the pilot program must meet all of the criteria listed below.
a. Possess a valid architect's license issued by the State of California.
b. Successfully complete a test and/or demonstrate knowledge of the applicable California Residential Code as required by LADBS. LADBS will collaborate with the International Code Council (ICC) to create a test and/or a certification program for architects wishing to participate in the program.
c. Possess professional liability insurance in an amount to be determined by LADBS in its implementation guidelines.
d. Agree to being removed from the program at the discretion of LADBS if the architect has made material errors in compliance with the required California Residential Code, as amended by the City of Los Angeles and asset forth in LADBS' implementation guidelines. Participants shall remain subject to inspections and code enforcement activities.
10. Other Requirements.
a. Structural plans shall be signed and stamped by a structural engineer with a valid license from the State of California.
b. Energy calculations shall be signed and stamped by an engineer with a valid license from the State of California, as determined by LADBS and as set forth in the implementation guidelines.
c. An affidavit, to the satisfaction of the City, signed by the architect, structural engineer and the property owner indemnifying the City. This affidavit shall be recorded with the County Recorder’s office. A copy of the recorded affidavit shall be provided to LADBS prior to building permit issuance.
d. Other requirements as deemed necessary by LADBS.
11. Any fees that may be required by LADBS for administering the self-certification pilot program shall be addressed in the LADBS implementation guidelines and may be based on the hourly rate specified in Section 98.0415(e) of the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) to recoup the cost. Applicable surcharges may apply as required by the LAMC.
12. LADBS shall establish an audit system in which a certain proportion of the self certified plans will be reviewed by LADBS plan check staff, to be set forth in the implementation guidelines. The scope, requirements, and fees of the audit system shall be provided in the implementation guidelines issued by LADBS. Fees to recoup the cost of auditing may be based on the hourly rate specified in Section 98.0415(e) of the LAMC. Applicable surcharges may apply as required by the LAMC.
13. LADBS shall evaluate the feasibility of including zoning review as part of the self certification pilot program, solely for Eligible Projects, as defined under the Mayor's Emergency Executive Order No. 1 and consistent with the Governor’s previously adopted Executive Orders N-4-25, N-9-25, N-14-25, and N-20-25. If found to be feasible, LADBS shall include zoning self-certification for Eligible Projects within the implementation guidelines. The implementation guidelines shall also establish related documentation and submittal requirements, in relation to zoning review.
Jay Marx
REGISTERED
Do we really think the reviewers are more competent than licensed professionals? In my experience, most of my review comments are easily answered as look on sheet a-5, or responding that "x" is not required as per code section CBC x.xx. Who are these dingbats who are producing drawings when they have no idea what is to code and how did they get licensed? If they think the building department review is a safety net for their mistakes, they should think again. They should do a peer review or 3rd party code review if they are not confident in their abilities. We are just talking about SFH or duplex. Bigger projects, I think 3rd party review is the way to go.
Should builders permit their own projects? Post-fire LA considers a radical idea - PublicCEO
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Should builders permit their own projects? Post-fire LA considers a radical idea
bill1952
SAWHORSE
So in the areas where this is being considered or implemented, do all buildings that might elsewhere be built to IRC, require plans to be sealed by a registered design professional? Just so used to builders and owners using the IRC prescriptive requirements without an RFP.
Yankee Chronicler
REGISTERED
"RFP" ???
In my state, single family dwellings don't require that plans be drawn by a licensed architect. It's a specific exemption on the practice of architecture in sate law. Virtually every house plan we see (and ALL of the house plans from the two biggest developers in town) are drawn by unlicensed home designers. One of them apparently had some architecture training and/or experience along the way; her plans usually aren't too bad. The other is, to be polite, a hack. But he works cheap, so he gets work.
bill1952
SAWHORSE
RDP - tripped up by spell check
I know California is different, just wondered if that included requiring RDPs for everything. NY is no RDP up to 1500 sq ft, more restrictive than where I've lived before.
Yankee Chronicler
REGISTERED
Our exemption for most uses/occupancies is 5,000 s.f. before an architect has to prepare construction documents. But one- and two-family houses of any size are exempt.
mark handler
SAWHORSE
Plans Not Requiring a Licensed Professional
Unless the Chief Building Official deems an undue risk to the public health, safety or welfare is involved; or the work affects the structural system or safety of the building; or the design deviates from substantial compliance with the conventional framing requirements for wood framed construction found in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations or Tables of Limitations for wood frame construction in Chapter 23 of the 2022 California Building Code, then unlicensed persons may prepare plans, drawings or specifications for the following:
Note: Unlicensed persons must sign all plans (per the Architect's Practice Act). Additionally, unlicensed persons may not prepare plans for those alternations that will change or affect any components of the structural system or safety of the building or its occupants, including but not limited to, structural or seismic components.
If any portion of any listed structure exempted above deviates from conventional framing requirements for wood framing construction per Chapter 23 of the California Building Code or Chapters 5, 6, and 8 of the California Residential Code, the Chief Building Official may require the preparation of plans, drawings, specifications, and calculations for that portion of work by, or under the direct supervision of, a registered engineer or architect. Those documents prepared by a registered engineer or architect shall bear the stamp and signature of the licensee who is responsible for their preparation.
Plans Requiring a Registered/Licensed Engineer or Architect
Unless the project is deemed by Chief Building Official to require professional design by a California registered engineer or architect, or the plans include any of the following work, which shall be deemed as affecting the safety of a building or its occupants, then in these cases all plans shall be stamped and signed by a registered engineer or architect:
Unless the Chief Building Official deems an undue risk to the public health, safety or welfare is involved; or the work affects the structural system or safety of the building; or the design deviates from substantial compliance with the conventional framing requirements for wood framed construction found in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations or Tables of Limitations for wood frame construction in Chapter 23 of the 2022 California Building Code, then unlicensed persons may prepare plans, drawings or specifications for the following:
- Single-family dwellings of wood frame construction not more than two stories and a basement in height.
- Multiple dwellings containing not more than two dwelling units of wood frame construction, and not more than two stories and a basement in height. A single lot may have a maximum of two dwelling units per lot.
- Garages or other structures appurtenant to single family dwellings, of wood frame construction not more than two stories and a basement in height.
- Non-structural interior alterations or additions including the installation of fixtures, cabinetwork, furniture, appliances, or equipment.
- Agricultural and ranch buildings of wood frame construction.
Note: Unlicensed persons must sign all plans (per the Architect's Practice Act). Additionally, unlicensed persons may not prepare plans for those alternations that will change or affect any components of the structural system or safety of the building or its occupants, including but not limited to, structural or seismic components.
If any portion of any listed structure exempted above deviates from conventional framing requirements for wood framing construction per Chapter 23 of the California Building Code or Chapters 5, 6, and 8 of the California Residential Code, the Chief Building Official may require the preparation of plans, drawings, specifications, and calculations for that portion of work by, or under the direct supervision of, a registered engineer or architect. Those documents prepared by a registered engineer or architect shall bear the stamp and signature of the licensee who is responsible for their preparation.
Plans Requiring a Registered/Licensed Engineer or Architect
Unless the project is deemed by Chief Building Official to require professional design by a California registered engineer or architect, or the plans include any of the following work, which shall be deemed as affecting the safety of a building or its occupants, then in these cases all plans shall be stamped and signed by a registered engineer or architect:
- New commercial buildings and additions to existing commercial buildings.
- Projects with interior or exterior structural alterations.
- Projects with interior alteration and a change in occupancy.
- Interior alteration with walls and partitions over 5’-9” in height or ceiling work which cover a floor area greater than 3,000 square feet in B, F-1, F-2, S-1, S-2 and M occupancies.
- Storage racks over 8’ in height.
- Remodeling projects with changes to firewalls, barriers, or partitions.
- Alterations with change to exiting requirements.
- High-Hazard group H occupancies.
- Assembly occupancies A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, and A-5.
- Tanks and vessels.
- Roof mounted mechanical equipment.
- School and day care occupancy E.
- Institutional occupancies I-1, I-2 and I-3.
- Projects with S-1, S-2 and F-2 occupancies.
- Hotel, motel and apartment occupancies R-1 and R-2.
- Projects with mixed occupancies.
- Remodeling projects in a high-rise (having floors over 75’ in height) building.
- Lateral force resisting systems utilizing poles embedded in the ground.
- Cripple walls exceeding 4’ in height or adjacent to garage door openings.
- Any project deemed by the Chief Building Official to require a professional design by a California Registered Engineer or Architect.
bill1952
SAWHORSE
NY seems more restrictive. One and two family dwellings less than 1500 SF (excluding uninhabitable space); agricultural buildings of any size; and in commercial buildings alterations not affecting structural or public safety with max value of $10k outside of NYC or $20k in NYC.
Yikes
SAWHORSE
Update: On Tuesday 5/6 LA County Board of Supervisors passed a similar motion for architects to self-certify in lieu of plan check. The motion is found here:
https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/bos/supdocs/202826.pdf
MOTION BY SUPERVISORS KATHRYN BARGER AND LINDSEY P. HORVATH
A PILOT SELF-CERTIFICATION PROGRAM TO EXPEDITE POST-FIRE REBUILDING
Los Angeles County (County) continues to respond to the catastrophic impacts of the 2025 Eaton and Palisades wildfires, which resulted in widespread destruction of thousands of homes, critical public and civic infrastructure, and commercial properties and small businesses. The estimated total damage and economic loss from the two fires is between $250 and $275 billion. In total, more than 16,000 structures were destroyed or damaged, 37,000 acres burned, 30 lives lost, and over 1,900 businesses damaged or destroyed—disrupting 125,000 jobs.
The Eaton Fire, which severely impacted the unincorporated community of Altadena as well as the cities of Pasadena and Sierra Madre, destroyed 9,413 structures, including 6,889 residential units, the overwhelming majority of which were single-family homes. Most of these homes were located in Altadena, where the County is both the land use authority and the building official. Accordingly, the rebuilding effort in this community will require rapid, coordinated County action.
The Palisades Fire, severely impacted unincorporated communities in the Santa Monica Mountains as well as the cities of Los Angeles and Malibu, destroying 6,631 structures, including 12,495 residential units, the overwhelming majority of which were single-family homes. Around 650 of the destroyed structures were located in the unincorporated Santa Monica Mountains, where the County is both the land use authority and the building official. Accordingly, the rebuilding effort in this community will require a rapid, coordinated County action.
The unprecedented scale of devastation has been matched by the unprecedented speed of response by local, state, and federal governments to respond to the crisis. At the request of the County and State of California (State), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) brought in the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to handle debris removal for the impacted communities. The USEPA completed its mission in only 30 days, thanks to an infusion of resources from the federal government, completing its work in a third of the projected timeline.
In addition, the USACE has cleared more than 3,300 lots and continues to increase the pace of debris removal. With almost 220 contractors in place across both burn areas, USACE is projected to complete the majority of debris clearance in 6 months, well ahead of the 12 month projected timeline. As cleared lots are turned back over to the County, the urgency among property owners to begin rebuilding grows rapidly—placing added pressure on the County’s permitting system to respond with speed and efficiency.
A March 2025 Urban Land Institute report, Project Recovery: Rebuilding Los Angeles after the January 2025 Wildfires, warns that “traditional plan-review processes are ill- equipped to handle this volume” and strongly recommends a self-certification track for eligible single-family projects to alleviate staff workloads and speed approvals.
Across the country jurisdictions are advancing self-certification programs that enable licensed professionals to certify that building plans meet code requirements, significantly accelerating the permitting process while maintaining safety and accountability. These programs are typically limited to straightforward projects such as single-family homes and low-rise structures and allow qualified state-licensed architects and engineers to bypass traditional plan review. Professionals must accept full legal and professional responsibility for compliance with all applicable codes and standards. Self- certification does not replace oversight — local jurisdictions continue to require complete plan submittals and conduct field inspections, while retaining authority to audit submissions, require corrections, and revoke self-certification privileges when violations occur.
The Blue Ribbon Commission on Climate Action and Fire Safe Recovery Initial Recommendations recommends that if local governments utilize self-certification and/or third party verification programs for licensed architects and contractors, local governments should require mandatory completion of specialized training covering resilience/sustainability best practices (including Chapter 7A, Zone 0, fire-resistant and sustainable materials/design) and local building/zoning codes. The building departments should develop and administer training programs with existing organizations who provide accreditation for respective professionals, along with establishing procedures and oversight for the 3rd party approval process. This could expedite the permitting process and enable faster rebuilding but still ensure that resilience and safety standards are met through qualified professionals trained in our local best practices.
The County of San Diego launched a similar program in 2021. The City of New York implemented self-certification in 1995 and has seen a significant reduction in the timeline for approvals, while adopting standard auditing practices to ensure robust oversight of health and safety and code integrity.
Faced with an extraordinary backlog of rebuild permits after the Eaton and Palisades Fires, LA County cannot rely solely on conventional plan-review processes without delaying families’ return to safe, permanent housing. A well-structured self-certification program—backed by expert analyses, legal mandates, and demonstrated precedents— strikes the optimal balance between speed, safety, and accountability. Adopting this model will not only clear the permitting logjam but also reaffirm LA County’s commitment to resilient, equitable recovery.
To initiate this effort, the Board should authorize the Department of Public Works to develop and implement a Pilot Self-Certification Program for residential rebuilds, with reporting on program effectiveness to inform potential long-term adoption.
In addition, the County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a motion on April 8, 2025, to create a Unified Permitting Authority for the communities impacted by the Eaton Fire. Subsequently, on April 30, 2025, in partnership with the State of California, the County announced the launch of a new artificial intelligence-driven software to aid Los Angeles County and Los Angeles City in accelerating the approval process for rebuilding permits. The software will be provided free of charge to both local governments and to users through a partnership between the state and philanthropic partners. Accordingly, the deployment of these tools to streamline the permitting process, deploy technological tools, implement self-certification, and create a centralized permitting authority will help reduce the cost of permit and plan reviews. As permit fees in the County are established as a cost-recovery mechanism, reductions in the fee structure will match the reduction in workload for County staff.
I, THEREFORE, MOVE that the Board of Supervisors:
Issue the following order/regulation for the protection of life and property, including based on the provisions of Government Code section 8634: The Director of Public Works (as the County Building Official), is authorized and directed to prepare, implement, and amend a Pilot Self-Certification Program (Program) for the purpose of establishing an expedited fire rebuilding process for affected owners of eligible residential properties in unincorporated Los Angeles County (or other areas under the County Building Official’s jurisdiction). Such authorization is granted by the Board notwithstanding the provisions of Title 26— Building Code—of the County Code, including, but not limited to, Section 106.5.1 thereof, and such authorization shall remain in effect until the proclaimed local emergency for the January 2025 Windstorm and Critical Fire Event (2025 wildfires) in the County is terminated by the Board, unless such authorization is revoked at an earlier date by the Board.
Direct the Director of Public Works to report back to the Board in writing within 120 days on the effectiveness of the Pilot Self-Certification Program, including recommendations regarding the Board’s potential future adoption of a permanent county-wide program.
I, FURTHER MOVE that the Board of Supervisors direct the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), in collaboration with the Departments of Regional Planning, Public Works, Fire, and Public Health, to report back in writing in 30 days with a revised evaluation of the feasibility of waiving certain fees for applicable permits with the implementation of the aforementioned technological and streamlining tools.
https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/bos/supdocs/202826.pdf
MOTION BY SUPERVISORS KATHRYN BARGER AND LINDSEY P. HORVATH
A PILOT SELF-CERTIFICATION PROGRAM TO EXPEDITE POST-FIRE REBUILDING
Los Angeles County (County) continues to respond to the catastrophic impacts of the 2025 Eaton and Palisades wildfires, which resulted in widespread destruction of thousands of homes, critical public and civic infrastructure, and commercial properties and small businesses. The estimated total damage and economic loss from the two fires is between $250 and $275 billion. In total, more than 16,000 structures were destroyed or damaged, 37,000 acres burned, 30 lives lost, and over 1,900 businesses damaged or destroyed—disrupting 125,000 jobs.
The Eaton Fire, which severely impacted the unincorporated community of Altadena as well as the cities of Pasadena and Sierra Madre, destroyed 9,413 structures, including 6,889 residential units, the overwhelming majority of which were single-family homes. Most of these homes were located in Altadena, where the County is both the land use authority and the building official. Accordingly, the rebuilding effort in this community will require rapid, coordinated County action.
The Palisades Fire, severely impacted unincorporated communities in the Santa Monica Mountains as well as the cities of Los Angeles and Malibu, destroying 6,631 structures, including 12,495 residential units, the overwhelming majority of which were single-family homes. Around 650 of the destroyed structures were located in the unincorporated Santa Monica Mountains, where the County is both the land use authority and the building official. Accordingly, the rebuilding effort in this community will require a rapid, coordinated County action.
The unprecedented scale of devastation has been matched by the unprecedented speed of response by local, state, and federal governments to respond to the crisis. At the request of the County and State of California (State), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) brought in the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to handle debris removal for the impacted communities. The USEPA completed its mission in only 30 days, thanks to an infusion of resources from the federal government, completing its work in a third of the projected timeline.
In addition, the USACE has cleared more than 3,300 lots and continues to increase the pace of debris removal. With almost 220 contractors in place across both burn areas, USACE is projected to complete the majority of debris clearance in 6 months, well ahead of the 12 month projected timeline. As cleared lots are turned back over to the County, the urgency among property owners to begin rebuilding grows rapidly—placing added pressure on the County’s permitting system to respond with speed and efficiency.
A March 2025 Urban Land Institute report, Project Recovery: Rebuilding Los Angeles after the January 2025 Wildfires, warns that “traditional plan-review processes are ill- equipped to handle this volume” and strongly recommends a self-certification track for eligible single-family projects to alleviate staff workloads and speed approvals.
Across the country jurisdictions are advancing self-certification programs that enable licensed professionals to certify that building plans meet code requirements, significantly accelerating the permitting process while maintaining safety and accountability. These programs are typically limited to straightforward projects such as single-family homes and low-rise structures and allow qualified state-licensed architects and engineers to bypass traditional plan review. Professionals must accept full legal and professional responsibility for compliance with all applicable codes and standards. Self- certification does not replace oversight — local jurisdictions continue to require complete plan submittals and conduct field inspections, while retaining authority to audit submissions, require corrections, and revoke self-certification privileges when violations occur.
The Blue Ribbon Commission on Climate Action and Fire Safe Recovery Initial Recommendations recommends that if local governments utilize self-certification and/or third party verification programs for licensed architects and contractors, local governments should require mandatory completion of specialized training covering resilience/sustainability best practices (including Chapter 7A, Zone 0, fire-resistant and sustainable materials/design) and local building/zoning codes. The building departments should develop and administer training programs with existing organizations who provide accreditation for respective professionals, along with establishing procedures and oversight for the 3rd party approval process. This could expedite the permitting process and enable faster rebuilding but still ensure that resilience and safety standards are met through qualified professionals trained in our local best practices.
The County of San Diego launched a similar program in 2021. The City of New York implemented self-certification in 1995 and has seen a significant reduction in the timeline for approvals, while adopting standard auditing practices to ensure robust oversight of health and safety and code integrity.
Faced with an extraordinary backlog of rebuild permits after the Eaton and Palisades Fires, LA County cannot rely solely on conventional plan-review processes without delaying families’ return to safe, permanent housing. A well-structured self-certification program—backed by expert analyses, legal mandates, and demonstrated precedents— strikes the optimal balance between speed, safety, and accountability. Adopting this model will not only clear the permitting logjam but also reaffirm LA County’s commitment to resilient, equitable recovery.
To initiate this effort, the Board should authorize the Department of Public Works to develop and implement a Pilot Self-Certification Program for residential rebuilds, with reporting on program effectiveness to inform potential long-term adoption.
In addition, the County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a motion on April 8, 2025, to create a Unified Permitting Authority for the communities impacted by the Eaton Fire. Subsequently, on April 30, 2025, in partnership with the State of California, the County announced the launch of a new artificial intelligence-driven software to aid Los Angeles County and Los Angeles City in accelerating the approval process for rebuilding permits. The software will be provided free of charge to both local governments and to users through a partnership between the state and philanthropic partners. Accordingly, the deployment of these tools to streamline the permitting process, deploy technological tools, implement self-certification, and create a centralized permitting authority will help reduce the cost of permit and plan reviews. As permit fees in the County are established as a cost-recovery mechanism, reductions in the fee structure will match the reduction in workload for County staff.
I, THEREFORE, MOVE that the Board of Supervisors:
Issue the following order/regulation for the protection of life and property, including based on the provisions of Government Code section 8634: The Director of Public Works (as the County Building Official), is authorized and directed to prepare, implement, and amend a Pilot Self-Certification Program (Program) for the purpose of establishing an expedited fire rebuilding process for affected owners of eligible residential properties in unincorporated Los Angeles County (or other areas under the County Building Official’s jurisdiction). Such authorization is granted by the Board notwithstanding the provisions of Title 26— Building Code—of the County Code, including, but not limited to, Section 106.5.1 thereof, and such authorization shall remain in effect until the proclaimed local emergency for the January 2025 Windstorm and Critical Fire Event (2025 wildfires) in the County is terminated by the Board, unless such authorization is revoked at an earlier date by the Board.
Direct the Director of Public Works to report back to the Board in writing within 120 days on the effectiveness of the Pilot Self-Certification Program, including recommendations regarding the Board’s potential future adoption of a permanent county-wide program.
I, FURTHER MOVE that the Board of Supervisors direct the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), in collaboration with the Departments of Regional Planning, Public Works, Fire, and Public Health, to report back in writing in 30 days with a revised evaluation of the feasibility of waiving certain fees for applicable permits with the implementation of the aforementioned technological and streamlining tools.