SUMMARY OF AIA|LA’S WILDFIRE RESPONSE (as of March 18th)

• Established the AIA|LA Wildfire Disaster Response Task Force and invited Mohamed Sharif, AIA & Greg Kochanowski, AIA, to serve as co-chairs to help lead the effort (January 13)
• Issued a Call For Volunteers and attracted 550+ sign-ups (January 14)
• AIA|LA Wildfire Disaster Response Task Force Zoom Meeting #1 (January 15) = over 800+ participants
• Participated and helped to inform “Self Certification” policy proposal, which was led by ULI, USC, UCLA (Final report ready soon)
  • Los Angeles Rebuild Permitting and Self Certification Working Group (January 24 > March 2025)
  • FYI, this report will be shared soon
• Archinect News: Participants reflect on outcome of AIALA’s initial Wildfire Disaster Response Ad Hoc Task Force meeting (January 27)
• Published a Mission Statement for the Wildifre Disaster Response Task Force (January 28)
• Testified support for “Self Certification” at City of LA PLUM hearing (Council File 25-0043) (January 28)
• Participated in the AIA in California coordinated strategy roundtable (January 30th)
• Interview in Archinect:  AIA | LA Wildfire Disaster Response Task Force leaders on rebuilding: ‘Our approach must be holistic’ – (February 3)
• AIA|LA Wildfire Disaster Response Task Force Zoom Meeting #2 (February 5) = over 200+ participants
• Coordinated AIA|LA & ACLA Board Retreat and organized breakout sessions with the leadership of 15+ committees (February 8)
• Launched the Pre-Fab/ Modular/ Off-Site Construction Working Group led by Peter DeMaria, AIA (February 10 – ongoing)
• AIA|LA Letter to Mayor Karen Bass (requesting to have architects to the decision-making table) (February 11)
• Participated in the roundtable “AIA/Allied Professions LA Rebuilding Strategy” (February 11)
• Shared support for the “Self-Certification” initiative at the Santa Monica City Council meeting (Agenda Item #16L) (February 11)
• Attended the LA County Public Works workshop on Rebuilding and Recovery (February 13) –
• Participated in the Wildfire Recovery Resource Fair Organized by the Los Angeles County Medical Association (February 23)
• Mobilized volunteers to get more involved with the Ask the Architect program, etc (early March)
• Attended “Rebuilding 101: Addressing LA Recovery, Streamlining Development and Permitting” – LABC presentation featuring Steve Soborff and Leo Marmol, FAIA (February 26)
• Attended the Palisades Recovery Coalition recovery meeting at Riviera Country Club – (March 4 & March 25, ongoing)
• Organized a series of 8+ educational seminars on best practices in fire-resilient design (March 13 & ongoing…)
• To review and share feedback on Recommendations for Rebuilding Fire-Devasted Communities (March 19)
• Organized a coalition to launch a series of podcasts, editorials, etc. (Early February & ongoing)

STATUS UPDATE ON COUNTY OF LA REBUILDING & RECOVERY 

On Wednesday, March 13th, over 380+ participants joined a discussion led by Ciara Barnett, P.E. – Co-Chair of the LA County Rebuilding Program  and Mitch Glaser, AICP – Assistant Deputy Director of Los Angeles County Regional Planning.

The session served as an opportunity to learn more about:

• Rebuilding Resources
• How to apply for permits w/ EPIC LA
• Like for Like Rebuild Parameters
  • New Construction (beyond Like for Like) in wildfire impacted areas
• Temporary Housing Permits and ADU opportunities
• Rebuilding Workshops
• Prospective changes to the Building Code
• One-Stop Permitting Centers
• Any additional changes as directed in recent Executive Orders
  • Executive Order N-20-25
  • Executive Order N-4-25
  • Additional orders/ updates related to recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Architects and related professionals participating in the discussion have raised critical concerns regarding procedural and regulatory uncertainties. These concerns center on inspections, surveys, permitting, utility connections, and the specific processes for ADUs and single-family residences. Participants advocated for streamlined processes, pre-approved building plan options, and improved communication to expedite rebuilding efforts. The discussion is focused on Los Angeles County, with a separate session planned for City of Los Angeles issues.

Advocacy Focus: Streamlining Los Angeles County Rebuilding and Recovery

To effectively advocate for improvements in the County’s rebuilding and recovery process, we have the following questions:

I. Expediting Inspections and Surveys:

• Clarity and Efficiency:
  • Is a grading pre-inspection consistently required for hillside properties in Los Angeles County, and what are the specific criteria?
  • What is the guaranteed timeline for ALTA surveys by the County, and how can this be expedited?
  • For older structures lacking blueprints, what are the standardized survey recommendations prior to the removal of debris and foundations?

II. Streamlining Permitting and Regulatory Processes:

• Code Interpretation and Flexibility:
  • How does the County uniformly interpret the 110% rule in the context of rebuilding, specifically regarding basement additions?
  • Is there an opportunity for architects/builders to submit plans for County pre-approved ADU and single-family residence options, and what are the submission criteria?
• Process Transparency and Accessibility:
  • How can the County provide a centralized and accessible resource for all permitting and regulatory information related to rebuilding?
• Advocacy Goal: To advocate for clear, consistent, and streamlined permitting processes, including pre-approved plan options, to reduce bureaucratic hurdles.

III. Enhancing Utility Coordination and Communication:

• Utility Provider Transparency:
  • What is the utility provider’s official and publicly available information regarding new utility connection requirements and timelines?
  • How will utility providers actively facilitate the permitting process for rebuilding projects?
  • What is the timeline for the County to release information regarding utility connection requirements?
  • How can architects/builders stay updated on the latest requirements from utility providers?
• Communication and Collaboration:
  • How will the County ensure consistent and timely communication with architects and builders throughout the rebuilding process, especially regarding utility connections?
• Advocacy Goal: To secure transparent and efficient utility coordination, ensuring timely connections and clear communication with rebuilding stakeholders.

IV. Comprehensive Rebuilding Support and Resources:

• Information Accessibility:
  • Will there be a comprehensive, centralized resource or website for all rebuilding-related information in Los Angeles County?
  • What are the specific guidelines or procedures for removing debris and foundations, especially for older structures?
• Client Preparedness:
  • How can architects effectively prepare clients for the rebuilding process, particularly regarding surveys and inspections?
• Financial and Logistical Support:
  • Will there be any County-provided financial assistance or incentives for homeowners rebuilding after the disaster?
  • How will the County address potential delays or bottlenecks in the rebuilding process, and what are the contingency plans?
• Collaboration and Future Planning:
  • What are the specific next steps for the County in streamlining the permitting process for ADUs and single-family residences?
  • How can architects actively collaborate with the County to develop pre-approved ADU and single-family residence plans?
• Advocacy Goal:  To advocate for comprehensive support resources, including clear guidelines, financial assistance, and collaborative opportunities, to facilitate efficient and effective rebuilding.

AIA in CALIFORNIA EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

The following programs and meetings will help architects gain access and insight into best practices with fire-resilient design.  Please review the schedule below and make plans to join as many of these sessions as you have time to attend.

Architects: Your Expertise is Needed Now!

The recent wildfires have devastated our communities, and the need for skilled architects to guide the rebuilding process is more critical than ever. You can make a direct impact right now.

By registering with both the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County, you’ll become a vital resource for homeowners seeking to rebuild their lives. Your expertise will help streamline the process, ensuring safe, resilient, and beautiful new homes and communities.

Take Action Today:

• Register with the City of Los Angeles Burea of Contract Administration: [CLICK HERE]
• Register with Los Angeles County Public Works: [CLICK HERE]

Your registration will help connect you with directly with homeowners who need your skills. Be a part of the solution. Rebuild with us.

DO YOU HAVE IDEAS FOR IMPROVING THE REBUILDING PROCESS? Share your valuable insights with LA County Public Works to help shape critical rebuilding policies: [CLICK HERE]

For more context on the County’s initiatives, please review the  Eaton & Palisades Fire Recovery webpage.

Together, we can create a stronger, more resilient Los Angeles.

Architects: Help Shape the Future of LA Permitting!

The City of Los Angeles needs your expertise to improve the BuildLA permitting portal. Your feedback will directly impact the functionality and user experience of this critical tool for architects and the entire building community.

Take Action Now:

1. Log in to the BuildLA Customer Portal: https://buildlacore.lacity.org/customerportal
2. Explore the portal’s features: Create projects, add team members, link permits and services.
3. Provide your feedback: Use the “Submit Feedback” link under “Help” within the portal to share your insights on the portal’s functionality, user-friendliness, and any areas for improvement.

Your feedback is crucial for:

• Streamlining the permitting process: Help make the process more efficient and intuitive for everyone.
• Improving collaboration: Enhance the portal’s ability to support teamwork and communication.
• Enhancing the user experience: Ensure the portal is user-friendly and meets the needs of architects and other building professionals.

Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future of permitting in Los Angeles. Your input will help create a more efficient and effective system for all.

Questions or recommendations? Contact Will Wright and/or Sonia Nanda – BuildLA Sr. Project Manager at the City of Los Angeles..

Thank you for your valuable contribution!

The AIA LA & LACP Professional Volunteer Program (PVP)

Architects & designers passionate about improving the design quality of newly proposed projects throughout the City of Los Angeles are encouraged to participate in the Professional Volunteer Program (PVP), which is a collaborative design review program organized by AIA LA & Los Angeles City Planning (LACP)’s Urban Design Studio.

This year we will be coordinating thirty-one virtual design review sessions, which will serve as opportunities for architects and designers to help the Los Angeles City Planning’s Urban Design Studio critically review upcoming projects throughout our City.

March 18 (10am)
April 1 (10am)
April 8 (10am)

RSVP HERE (virtual on zoom)

Design Review Sessions w/ LACP Urban Design Studio 2025

UNPLAN LA_Transitional Height

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Will Wright, Hon. AIA|LA
Director, Government & Public Affairs
t: 213.639.0764
e: will@aialosangeles.org
www.aialosangeles.org