A proposal released January 16th by City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo recommends expanding financial relief for properties impacted by last year’s Palisades Fire. The revised plan aims to waive permit fees for a wider range of structures during rebuilding efforts.
Expanded Relief for Palisades Rebuilds
The proposal would extend fee waivers to all structure types – including single-family homes, duplexes, accessory dwelling units, multifamily buildings, and commercial properties – rebuilding up to 110% of their original footprint. Property owners choosing to rebuild beyond that size would be responsible for paying additional fees.
The total cost of the waivers is capped at $90 million over a three-year period. A funding strategy is included to limit the impact on the city’s General Fund to $30 million annually. The updated estimate reflects the exclusion of properties that have been sold or listed for sale, and assumes that only 10% of structures with minimal damage – those “green-tagged” – will apply for permits.
Resident Input and Council Consideration
This revised proposal comes after discussions with the city council and advocacy from residents seeking broader relief than initially offered, which was limited to single-family homes and duplexes.
The plan now requires approval from the city council and a corresponding update to existing ordinances. If approved, the fee waivers could significantly ease the financial burden on property owners as they work to rebuild.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of properties would be eligible for fee waivers?
The proposal would cover single-family homes, duplexes, accessory dwelling units, multifamily buildings, and commercial properties.
What is the limit on rebuilding size to qualify for a waiver?
Properties can rebuild up to 110% of their original footprint and still qualify for a permit fee waiver.
What is the estimated total cost of the proposed waivers?
The estimated cost of the waivers is approximately $98 million, capped at a total of $90 million over three years.
How will this proposal impact the city’s budget, and what steps might the council take if the estimated costs change?
