Over 800 homeowners across regions like Palisades and Altadena, affected by the wildfires in January, have applied for reconstruction permits, according to an analysis of local government data.

Out of these applications, at least 145 have received approval for major repairs or complete replacements in areas such as Los Angeles, Malibu, and Pasadena, along with portions of unincorporated La County.

This week marked six months since the fires, and during a commemorative event, local and state officials expressed satisfaction with the momentum of the cleanup efforts, noting that work is ahead of schedule. Nearly 13,000 households were evacuated due to wildfires in the Palisades and Eaton areas that hit on January 7th and 8th.

“We’re starting to rebuild the community with clear plans, partnerships, and a sense of urgency,” remarked Governor Gavin Newsom in a statement.

Weekly data from the Times reveals a rise in the number of permit applications, a trend positively recognized by contractors and homeowners involved in these projects for its efficiency. Despite this, some residents have noted delays, feeling that promised speedy processes haven’t been fully realized.

Construction is already in progress at several sites. Take, for instance, Alexis Le Gier and her husband Andrew. Five years back, while expecting their second child, they moved into a new five-bedroom residence in Palisades. With roots in Los Angeles, Le Gier appreciated the neighborhood’s school and walking access, as well as being near family in Brentwood. They initiated contact the day after the fire to begin rebuilding.

“The thought of leaving was unimaginable,” Le Gier, 41, said. “I’m definitely coming back. It feels impossible to be anywhere else.”

Working with limited insurance coverage, the Le Giers benefited from a recent construction plan, significantly streamlining their process. They made a few adjustments before submitting their plans and received approval within 40 days in early June. Just last week, they began injecting new foundations, with timber arriving on-site quickly.

Many who secured permits have shared similar experiences, aided by swift insurance payouts, according to various architects and contractors. Efforts to expedite the permitting process, especially for those rebuilding homes lost to the fire, have included the establishment of a centralized “one-stop” center that relaxes certain regulations and fees while focusing on planning and construction reviews.

Jason Somers, president of Crest Real Estate, stated that these initiatives are helping planners respond more efficiently to urgent applications.

“We’re seeing approvals come through faster than ever before,” Somers noted.

His company is currently engaged in almost 100 fire recovery projects, mainly in Palisades. However, many clients are still not ready to submit their plans since they want custom homes that differ from their previous structures. While he appreciates the progress so far, Somers acknowledges challenges could arise as application volumes grow.

As of July 6th, the Times reported that 389 homeowners had submitted rebuilding applications in Palisades. Typically, property owners need multiple permits, which may include permissions for demolitions, electrical work, and more. It’s worth noting that each address is counted as one application, irrespective of the supplementary permits needed. Also, data from LA County only reflects submissions that have passed initial reviews.

Overall applications at city and county levels have been steadily rising. The week of June 22nd saw the highest numbers so far, with 36 and 34 submissions, respectively, for cities and counties.

Los Angeles city approved nearly 25% of the total applications it received, while LA County approved 15% of 352 applications by July 6, covering areas impacted by the fire. In Pasadena, 20 property owners submitted applications, and only two were approved. In Malibu, 77 homeowners applied but are still awaiting approval.

On average, the Times reported that permits take longer to process at the county level. Once an application is cleared by a planner, it can take about 60 days to issue a building permit.

Rick Caruso, a former mayoral candidate, has criticized the slow pace of the permit process, calling for swifter recovery efforts. On social media, some fire survivors have voiced frustration over the bureaucratic hurdles they’ve encountered.

Roberto Covarrubias, whose family lived in Altadena for a decade, mentioned that county officials still aren’t meeting their promises for speedier processing. He lost his original architectural plans in the fire and, after seeking replacements, was initially told they didn’t exist. Eventually, the county confirmed they found an electronic copy.

Covarrubias aims to include a basement in his new home but was informed that this required extra soil testing, potentially delaying approvals and adding around $7,000 in costs. After consulting with his architect for three weeks, he found some concessions from the county.

Delays are significant, he emphasized. He’s eager to get going on the construction to set up for workers and materials, and his insurance payments hinge on the approval of his permit.

“It feels like a cascading effect,” said Covarrubias, 50, regarding the lengthy process.

His project remains in the permit system. City and county officials have been navigating challenges in implementing fast-tracked processes demanded by recent executive orders.

Property owners faced delays in the spring as they awaited guidelines for constructing accessory housing units. Following persistent homeowner pressure, the county agreed last month to waive permit fees and refund those who had previously paid. The city enacted similar fee waivers in April. Both entities are exploring the use of artificial intelligence to expedite permit reviews.

Gail Gaddy, a spokesperson for Los Angeles’ Architecture Department, indicated they haven’t announced immediate plans to increase staff for permit reviews to meet growing demands, although they will continue assessing departmental needs.

On the other hand, county supervisor Katherine Berger, representing areas affected by the Eaton Fire, has suggested that the county should bolster its workforce to meet rising demand.

Using pre-approved architectural designs is also a potential solution to expedite the permitting process. This approach would allow homeowners to select a model home that’s already been approved by local governments, minimizing the need for extensive reviews to just site-specific issues. This method was effective in aiding recovery after the 2017 Tubbs fire in Santa Rosa.

Summers’ company is currently developing a collection of 50 model homes under a project called Case Study 2.0, a reference to a showcase of mid-20th-century architecture in Southern California. A nonprofit in San Gabriel Valley, co-founded by architect Alex Athenson, aims to complete the design of these homes by year-end. They’ve already designed one three-bedroom bungalow approved by LA County and plan to submit nine more soon.

If a homeowner opts for a pre-approved design, Athenson mentioned that the entire permitting process could unfold within a mere two weeks.

“If we can make the construction kickoff easier for homeowners, that would be truly remarkable,” he said.