Los Angeles Pilots Streamlined Permitting in Pacific Palisades

Los Angeles is testing a new permitting process aimed at accelerating post-disaster rebuilding, starting with the Pacific Palisades area. Mayor Karen Bass issued an executive order waiving permit and plan check fees for homes destroyed or damaged in January’s wildfires, pending City Council approval of an amendment introduced by council member Traci Park. The goal is to ease financial burdens and remove bottlenecks for affected homeowners.

In her State of the City address, Bass detailed several executive actions supporting rebuilding efforts. One major change allows homeowners working with qualified architects to self-certify their plans, bypassing standard plan checks. Although buildings will still undergo inspections, this measure aims to significantly streamline the approval process. Additionally, the city is introducing the use of artificial intelligence to help staff verify that submitted plans comply with building and zoning codes, increasing efficiency.

Bass noted that if successful, the pilot program in the Palisades could expand citywide. As of last Friday, Los Angeles reported 23 permits issued for 16 addresses in the Palisades area.

Beyond wildfire recovery, Bass highlighted broader infrastructure efforts to prepare Los Angeles for major upcoming global events like the 2028 Olympics and the FIFA World Cup. Key projects include the mixed-use Rams Village at Warner Center, the Destination Crenshaw public art and open space project, improvements at Los Angeles International Airport including a 2.25-mile Automated People Mover, and a makeover of the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Meanwhile, the city's real estate sector faces broader headwinds. Measure ULA, a real estate transfer tax, is being blamed for a notable drop in housing development activity. A UCLA study found that permits for new multifamily projects dropped by 18 percent since the measure’s passage, amounting to 1,910 fewer units. An additional analysis by Hilgard found a 57 percent overall drop in housing permits in the first quarter, with areas like the west and northeast San Fernando Valley and South Los Angeles most affected.

Finally, on the legislative front, California lawmakers are proposing Assembly Bill 609, which would exempt some housing projects from environmental impact reports (EIRs) in urban areas, aiming to further streamline development across the state.

Sources:

• Hamanaka, Kari. “Los Angeles Pilots Streamlined Permitting in Palisades.” The Real Deal, April 26, 2025.