The recent wildfires in Los Angeles County, including the Eaton and Palisades fires, have left many homeowners facing the daunting task of rebuilding. At G10 Law, we are dedicated to supporting residents through this process and we’re here to help you navigate the latest updates from the Los Angeles County Coordinated Joint Information Center.
Below, we’ve outlined critical deadlines, expanded programs, and resources to assist you in your recovery journey.
Right of Entry (ROE) Forms: Act by April 15, 2025
If your property was impacted by the wildfires, you have until April 15, 2025, to submit a Right of Entry (ROE) form. This form allows you to either opt into the government-run debris removal program or opt out and handle the cleanup yourself. Opting in keeps your options open—you can still change your mind later and remove debris at your own expense. However, missing this deadline could limit your access to free government assistance.
The debris removal program has recently expanded to include not just single-family homes but also condominiums and multi-family buildings, as long as at least one unit is owner-occupied. Unfortunately, properties entirely owned by for-profit entities (classified as commercial properties) don’t qualify under this expansion. Other properties outside the expanded scope may still be eligible on a case-by-case basis, depending on factors like immediate threats to public health, barriers to independent cleanup, insurance status, and economic impact.
Opting Out of the Program
If you prefer to manage debris removal privately, you must submit an opt-out form by the same April 15 deadline. Opting out allows you to hire your own contractor and apply for an Eaton and Palisades Fire Debris Removal permit through the County’s EPIC-LA system. This permit ensures compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
- Submit your opt-out form here.
- Learn more about the process click here.
Changing Your Mind
Submitted an ROE but now want to withdraw? You can do so by filing a Withdrawal Form available on the recovery site: recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal/roe/.
Support Lines for Homeowners
Navigating these options can feel overwhelming, but help is available:
- Opt-In Help & General Questions: (844) 347-3332, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., 7 days a week.
- Opt-Out Help: (888) 479-7328, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
For more resources, visit recovery.lacounty.gov.
Rebuilding Permit Centers: Your Next Steps
Once debris is cleared, rebuilding begins. LA County and local cities have established Rebuilding Permit Centers to guide you through the permitting process. Here’s where you can get help:
- LA County One-Stop Permit Center (Altadena): 464 West Woodbury Road, Suite 210, Altadena, CA 91001. Open Monday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. More info here (#).
- LA County One-Stop Permit Center (Calabasas): 26600 Agoura Road, #110, Calabasas, CA 91302. Open Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. More info here (#).
- City of LA One-Stop Permit Center: 1828 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025. Open Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; weekends, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. More info here (#).
- City of Malibu Rebuild Center: 23805 Stuart Ranch Road, Suite 240, Malibu, CA 90265. Open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. More info here (#).
- City of Pasadena Virtual Consultations: Book online Monday – Thursday here (#).
Financial Assistance for Recovery
Beyond debris removal and rebuilding, financial support is available:
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance: Workers, business owners, and self-employed individuals affected by the fires have until June 10, 2025, to apply for federal aid. Click here for more information..
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Small businesses and nonprofits in declared disaster areas can apply for SBA loans by October 15, 2025. Visit the SBA website for details.
- SBA Business Recovery Center: Now located at Santa Monica Public Library (601 Santa Monica Blvd., Courtyard Café), open Monday – Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Schedule an appointment at appointment.sba.gov.
Community Support and Health Resources
- Altadena Community Meetings: Hosted by Supervisor Kathryn Barger every Monday, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m., on LA County's YouTube channel.
- Free Lead Testing: Concerned about lead exposure? Call 1-800-524-5323 for a free Quest Labs appointment or visit a community event. More info click here.
- Free Medical & Mental Health Clinic: Available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sunday, April 27, noon – 5 p.m., at Pasadena Seventh-Day Adventist Church (1280 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena). Call 951-595-7032 or click here for details.
We’re Here to Help
Rebuilding after a wildfire is a complex process, but you don’t have to go it alone. G10 Law specializes in guiding homeowners through debris removal, permitting, and recovery programs. Whether you’re opting into government assistance or managing your own rebuild, we can ensure your rights are protected and your next steps are clear.
Contact us today to discuss your situation and get the support you need.
For the latest updates, revisit recovery.lacounty.gov.
G10 Law APC is a full-service real estate, coastal properties, business & banking law firm based in Carlsbad, CA and Santa Monica, CA. If you have any questions, please contact our website at www.g10law.com or call us at 760-431-4575.
