Fire Ravaged Californians Selling Land where Burned Homes Sat as Red Tape Prevents Re-Building

Hundreds of Californians who lost their homes in the L.A. area fires earlier this year are throwing up their hands and selling the land where their homes once stood because government obstructionism and miles of red tape is preventing them from re-building their homes.

The Santa Monica Daily Press reports that 300 resident whoo lost their homes to the fires are selling their plot of land instead of rebuilding. Only about 100 have been able to get through the city process to rebuild.

The paper adds:

Sotheby’s International Realty reports 273 properties in the area are currently listed for sale. Most carry price tags exceeding $1 million despite many being reduced to empty lots. In less damaged areas like Ridgeview Country Estates, homes are selling for more than $10 million.

Access restrictions complicate the sales process. Much of the Palisades remains closed except to those with special permits, forcing potential buyers to purchase properties sight unseen. Pacific Coast Highway, the main access route, has been closed since the fire, creating lengthy detours that significantly extend commute times.

For residents choosing to rebuild, the process proves challenging and costly. In county areas, only 10% of damaged or destroyed homes have submitted rebuilding applications, with just one permit issued. Within city limits, 23 permits had been approved as of late April, representing a 2% rebuild rate—half the number of those opting to sell.

This is exactly what I predicted.

I felt that the local building codes would make it practically impossible to re-build. I also said only waiving these codes would allow it.

Apparently, the city is not interested in helping homeowners rebuild.

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