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Mayor Bass issues emergency order to speed debris removal, permits and housing after wildfires
Summary
Mayor Karen Bass issued an emergency executive order to coordinate debris removal and speed rebuilding in areas affected by Los Angeles wildfires; the order directs the Department of Building and Safety to expedite temporary certificates of occupancy and the City Housing Department outlined renter protections and emergency housing resources.
Mayor Karen Bass on a recovery tour said she issued an emergency executive order to coordinate debris removal, streamline permits and “clear the way for Angelinos to rapidly rebuild homes lost in the wildfires.”
The executive order unites city, county, state and federal agencies to accelerate debris removal and permit issuance in impacted areas, Bass said. "Under the order, the city's department of building and safety will expedite temporary certificates of occupancy that immediately makes 1400 units of housing available across LA," she said.
Why it matters: City officials said the order is intended to shorten the time between cleanup and people returning to housing, and to reduce other risks from storm-driven runoff in burn areas. The order also aims to create a single point of permitting to allow homeowners and businesses to rebuild "as they were" where allowed under applicable rules.
City agencies outlined support for renters and rules to prevent predatory practices. The Los Angeles City Housing Department told evacuees that when a rental unit is completely destroyed, the lease no longer applies and tenants do not owe future rent; landlords should prorate and return any pre-paid rent along with security deposits. The department said it is offering emergency housing resources by phone, virtual appointments and in person Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; it directed residents to housing.LAcity.gov for details.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert reminding residents that price gouging is illegal during a declared emergency. The office said state law generally prohibits a seller from increasing prices by more than 10% during an emergency and that violators can face criminal prosecution including up to one year in jail or a fine of up to $10,000. Angelenos who see suspected price gouging can file complaints via 311 or the city's online portal.
Federal assistance: Federal Emergency Management Agency staff are operating disaster recovery centers in Los Angeles. Officials said the Palisades recovery center is at the Westside Pavilion, now known as UCLA Research Park at 10850 West Pico Boulevard, open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, and directed residents to fema.gov for more information.
Community resources and next steps: The mayor’s office posted additional recovery information and a link to a single-city resource page at mayor.LAcity.gov/press. The City’s Recreation and Parks Department has also expanded hours at two recreation centers to provide support and in-person registration.
The mayor framed the order as a short-term, operational step to accelerate recovery rather than a long-term policy change; officials said additional regulations or approvals that apply outside the mayor’s purview remain in force.
Ending: City officials said more details and contacts for housing, rebuilding and relief are available on city websites and through FEMA centers in the region.
