The Rebuilding Process in Pacific Palisades

Rebuilding a Home Destroyed in the Pacific Palisades Wildfire

What makes rebuilding after a wildfire different from building a new home?

A post-fire rebuild comes with extra layers of complexity that standard new construction doesn’t.
These include:

• Debris removal and soil contamination clearance before permits can be submitted

• City approvals based on current codes, not what your old home was built to

• Potential geotechnical engineering reports (especially in hillside zones)

• Planning approval if you're not rebuilding "like-for-like"

• Coordination with insurance requirements and code upgrades

This is why it’s critical to work with a team that has done wildfire rebuilds before and understands the Pacific Palisades permitting landscape.

What to expect when rebuilding a fire-destroyed home in Pacific Palisades

Property surveying and lot line verification

Fires often destroy fences, retaining walls, and corner markers. That makes it hard to know exactly where your property begins and ends.
Rebuilding starts with a professional surveyor to:

• Re-establish lot boundaries

• Prevent future disputes with neighbors

• Ensure the new home sits within legal setbacks and easements

We coordinate the survey and deliver stamped boundary maps required for planning approval.

Soil testing and geotechnical engineering

After fire cleanup, your soil needs to be:

• Confirmed free of contamination (heavy metals, asbestos, etc.)

• Tested for structural integrity and stability

In many parts of Pacific Palisades, you’ll also need a geotechnical report showing the soil can support a new foundation. If the land is compromised, deeper footings, caissons, or engineered pads may be required.

We handle all environmental and geotech coordination for you.

Architectural design and code-compliant rebuild plans

Even if you want to replicate your previous home, city rules now require your plans to meet current building codes, including:

• Fire-resistant materials (non-combustible roofing, ember-resistant vents, etc.)

• Seismic upgrades and foundation standards

• Energy efficiency and Title 24 compliance

• Indoor fire sprinklers in most cases

We offer both like-for-like rebuilds and full redesigns, depending on your goals and budget. All designs are produced by licensed architects, then stamped and engineered for permit submission.

Planning and permit submission

The City of Los Angeles has implemented a streamlined path for post-fire rebuilds. If your home is being rebuilt on the same footprint with no major changes, you may qualify for accelerated review.

→ However, you'll still need:

• Department of Building & Safety plan check

• Zoning clearance if changes are made to height, layout, or square footage

• Signoffs on structural, energy, and fire safety plans

• Potential reviews by Public Works, Fire Department, or Planning Department for special zones (e.g. Mulholland Corridor)

We represent you through the entire process—submitting plans, tracking corrections, responding to plan check comments, and pushing it forward.

Construction and inspections

Once permits are issued, construction can begin. This includes:

• Foundation and grading work

• Framing, roofing, and exterior enclosure

• Plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and insulation

• Interior finishes, fixtures, and landscaping

Throughout the build, we manage:

• City inspections at each stage

• Contractor coordination

• Weekly progress tracking

• Communication with you and your insurance company

Our job is to finish on schedule, meet code, and deliver a high-quality rebuild you can feel safe in.

How long does a full rebuild take?

What does it cost to rebuild a home in Pacific Palisades?

Rebuild costs depend on:

• Size and complexity of your previous home

• Desired upgrades or changes

• Site conditions (grading, foundation needs, etc.)

• Material and labor costs post-disaster

Estimated cost range:

• $300–$600 per sq ft for standard rebuilds

• $650–$850 per sq ft for custom homes or luxury finishes

These figures include:

• Architecture and engineering

• Permit handling and fees

• Full construction labor and materials

• Project management

We provide clear scopes, line-item estimates, and coordination with your insurance claim so you always know what’s covered and what’s not.

Repairing a Fire-Damaged Home That’s Still Standing

Not all homes were destroyed in the fire. If your house is still structurally intact but suffered fire or smoke damage, your recovery path focuses on repair and restoration rather than a full rebuild.

What to expect when repairing a fire-damaged home in Pacific Palisades

Fire damage inspection and structural assessment

Even if the house appears stable, the internal damage may be hidden.

We'll help:

• Assess framing, roofing, walls, and insulation for damage

• Identify whether demolition of specific rooms or systems is needed

• Develop a restoration scope for repairs, cleaning, and reconstruction

Smoke, soot, and ash remediation

Fire-damaged homes often contain hazardous air particles and toxic soot. We coordinate full interior cleanup, including:

• Air filtration and ozone treatment

• Surface and insulation removal

• Restoration of affected spaces

Permits for structural repairs

If your repairs go beyond cosmetic work (e.g. structural framing, roofing, electrical replacement), you will need city permits and inspections. We handle all permit preparation and ensure work passes inspection the first time.

How long does it take to repair a fire-damaged home?

What does it cost to repair a home after fire damage?

Costs vary depending on scope:

• Minor smoke damage: $10,000–$30,000

• Partial room rebuilds: $40,000–$75,000

• Full interior restoration (non-structural): $100,000+

We work with your insurance adjuster to develop accurate estimates and ensure you understand what is and isn’t covered before work begins.

Why choose Bay Cities Construction for fire rebuilds and repair in Pacific Palisades?

Whether you need to repair a standing home or rebuild from the foundation up, our team:

• Handles all permitting, inspections, and city coordination

• Develops engineered plans and code-compliant construction

• Coordinates all environmental, structural, and insurance-related tasks

• Keeps you informed, on budget, and on schedule

We’re based in Southern California and specialize in complex rebuilds and fire restoration. Let us help you take the next step with confidence.

Ready to get your home repaired or rebuilt?

We understand exactly what this process requires, because we've spent years working with local city agencies, engineers, and environmental professionals across Los Angeles. From site clearance to final approvals, we know how to navigate every step of the fire cleanup process so nothing falls through the cracks.

Let’s talk. Your next step is a no-pressure call where we walk through your lot, your timeline, and what it will take to get you cleared and moving forward.