Los Angeles approves four rebuild permits after January wildfires

Los Angeles has approved the first four permits for homeowners in Pacific Palisades to begin rebuilding after the January wildfires, marking a critical step in the recovery process. Mayor Karen Bass and the L.A. Department of Buildings and Safety have hailed the issuance of these permits as a significant milestone, although local leaders and residents express concern over the slow pace of the permitting process, with only four permits issued more than two months post-fire. The city's initial permit was granted on March 5, with homeowners needing to clear ash boundaries and meet specific requirements before construction begins. Mayor Bass had previously promised to expedite the rebuilding efforts through executive orders aimed at reducing bureaucratic delays, yet criticism persists regarding the execution of these plans. The mayor's office insists the recovery effort is the fastest in modern California history, aiming to enhance fire resilience in future construction. The economic impact of the disaster is significant, with concerns about lost revenue and the long-term effects on the community.