Fees for plan check and permits have not been officially signed into law.
The CTN headline on February 3, 2026, was “It Passed! Permit Fees Waived for Fire Rebuilds.” CTN found out today that’s not true . . .yet.
In April 2025, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass signed an executive order to waive plan check and permit fees associated with the reconstruction of residences that burned during the January 7 Palisades Fire.
Residents soon learned that it would take a full City Council vote to pass the executive order.
Many Palisades residents journeyed downtown three times to speak on the need to waive fees: twice before the City’s budget and finance committee and a third time in front of the full council.
Most residents have a large gap between what insurance will pay and the cost of construction in Los Angeles. Building permit fees could range between $40,000 to more than $80,000 and could make the difference between rebuilding and coming back to the community or selling a lot.
On February 3, about 40 residents once again went to City Hall to make public comment. The fee waivers passed 15-0.
In late March, CTN started work on a future story about people who paid the fees and how those fees could be refunded, that’s when CTN learned, they bill had not passed, yet.
Devin Myrick, LADBS media, in an April 2 email wrote: “We’re not aware of a fee waiver ordinance being signed by the Mayor. Is anyone able to share a copy of the signed ordinance?”
CTN reached out to the Mayor’s office. “It appears that the Mayor never signed the final permit fee waiver for rebuilding in Pacific Palisades. Can you follow up, please? Building and Safety said they had not seen a copy of the signed ordinance.”
Mayor Bass’ Press Secretary Paige Sterling responded immediately. “The City Attorney’s Office is preparing a revised ordinance for City Council to consider to waive fees — we’ve just followed up with them on timing and I’ll keep you updated.”
Sterling added that Mayor Bass’ Executive Order suspending rebuilding fees remains in effect while City Council goes through the legislative process.
“The Mayor looks forward to signing the ordinance into law, when it hits her desk,” Sterling said.
CTN asked about a timeline.
“Hoping to learn more tomorrow,” Sterling said, and “we’ll let you know.”
(Editor’s note: When there is a timeline the story will be updated.)