Los Angeles City Council Delays Vote on Palisades Fire Reconstruction Fee Waivers, Leaving Victims in Limbo

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, once again postponed a critical vote on waiving reconstruction permit fees for residents affected by the January 2025 Palisades fire. The delay, nearly 11 months after the devastating blaze, left dozens of fire victims who packed City Hall in tears and frustration, as their ability to rebuild remains uncertain.

The decision to defer the vote back to the Budget and Finance Committee highlights the ongoing tension between fiscal responsibility and the urgent needs of fire survivors. "Fire victims packed City Hall shoulder-to-shoulder Tuesday as officials once again delayed a vote on the fee waivers," stated Matthew Seedorff in a social media post, capturing the palpable disappointment. Many residents face tens of thousands of dollars in permit fees, a cost that could determine whether they can afford to return home.

Mayor Karen Bass issued an Emergency Executive Order in April 2025, suspending the collection of permit and plan check fees for fire-damaged properties, pending City Council's final approval for a full waiver. However, the council is grappling with two proposals: one from the Budget Committee, estimated at $86 million, would waive fees for single-family homes and duplexes rebuilding up to 110% of their original size. A broader plan, championed by Councilwoman Traci Park, would cost up to $280 million and cover all affected structures, including condominiums, mobile homes, and commercial buildings, without a size cap.

Council members like Bob Blumenfield expressed sympathy but noted, "The fee waiver concept is a tricky one because there’s really no such thing. It just means the general fund is paying those fees because it’s a fee for service." He indicated that the $86 million would come from other city services. Conversely, Councilwoman Park, representing Pacific Palisades, argued against limiting the waivers, stating, "We should not be picking winners and losers." She emphasized that the rebuild is not voluntary for victims and that the city has a responsibility to support them.

Residents voiced their distress, with many underinsured and struggling financially. "Sobbing actually. It was so devastating to see how incompetent our city is," said Jessica Rogers, president of the Pacific Palisades Residents Association, reflecting the community's sentiment. Victims highlighted precedents from past disasters, such as the 1994 Northridge earthquake, where the City Council waived all permit fees for rebuilding. The debate will now return to committee, with no clear timeline for a final decision.