Los Angeles County is offering wildfire survivors a clearer picture of the rebuilding process with an updated online permit tracker. For thousands still grappling with the aftermath of devastating wildfires, navigating the complexities of permits has been a significant hurdle. The revamped Permitting Progress Dashboard, launched with improvements in recent weeks, aims to provide transparency and accountability as communities work to recover from the widespread destruction.
The dashboard highlights over 12,000 building projects across seven phases of rebuilding, stemming from the Palisades and Eaton wildfires that swept through the region beginning in January 2025. These fires tragically claimed 31 lives and damaged or destroyed more than 16,000 structures, leaving a lasting impact on countless residents. The update builds upon earlier county initiatives, including the implementation of AI-assisted permit approvals and a self-certification permit program, all designed to streamline a process often fraught with delays and frustration.
Addressing a Critical Necessitate for Transparency
The need for a more accessible and informative permitting system became acutely apparent in the wake of the fires. Residents faced a labyrinthine process, often unsure of the status of their applications or the steps required to rebuild their lives. The county’s initial dashboard, launched in January 2025, provided some data, but was considered less user-friendly than the current iteration. “It’s very tempting to think of permitting as a very linear process, but truly it’s not linear, there’s a lot of back and forth,” explained Helen Chavez Garcia, spokesperson for Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose district includes areas impacted by the Eaton fire. The upgrades, Garcia added, reflect Barger’s commitment to accountability and transparency in the recovery effort.
How the Dashboard Works
The Permitting Progress Dashboard is refreshed every three hours, providing near real-time data presented through pie charts, graphs, and color-coded legends. Users can zoom in on a map to locate their property and track the status of their individual construction permit. As of February 19, 2026, the dashboard indicates that approximately 800 homes are currently under construction, with 13 already completed across both the Palisades and Eaton fire zones. The dashboard also provides a breakdown of project phases, showing the percentage of projects under inspection and those awaiting review.
Specifically, the data reveals that 52% of projects with ongoing construction are currently under inspection, while a similar percentage of applications under review have been returned to property owners in the Eaton fire area with requests for further information. In the Pacific Palisades area, 64% of projects under construction are undergoing inspection, and 67% of applications under review have been returned with comments. This granular level of detail allows residents to understand where their application stands in the process and what steps may be required to move forward.
The Rise of Accessory Dwelling Units
Beyond the rebuilding of primary residences, the dashboard also highlights a significant increase in applications for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Almost 400 ADU applications are currently under review, with over 100 additional applications anticipated. This surge in ADU construction aligns with a statewide effort to increase housing availability, particularly in areas impacted by wildfires. In January 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to expedite the construction of ADUs as a temporary housing solution for those displaced by the fires. The executive order aimed to provide quicker and more affordable housing options for individuals and families struggling to find permanent accommodations.
County Efforts to Expedite Rebuilding
The updated dashboard is just one component of a broader effort by Los Angeles County to accelerate the rebuilding process. In July 2025, the county launched AI-powered software designed to assist with permit approvals, aiming to reduce processing times and improve efficiency. Prior to that, in May 2025, a self-certification process was introduced to further streamline the permitting process for fire survivors. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the need to address the bureaucratic hurdles that often impede recovery efforts.
In February 2026, the Los Angeles City Council also took action to support rebuilding efforts by approving permit fee waivers for residents rebuilding in the Palisades fire zone. This measure aims to alleviate some of the financial burden on homeowners as they navigate the costly and complex rebuilding process.
The county’s Public Works department stated that the dashboard was “developed to provide the public with real-time information about the County’s rebuilding efforts,” and has been expanded over time to incorporate more detailed data as projects progress. The goal is to empower residents with the information they need to navigate the rebuilding process effectively and hold local government accountable for timely and efficient permit processing.
The rebuilding process following the Palisades and Eaton wildfires remains a long and challenging undertaking. However, with initiatives like the updated Permitting Progress Dashboard and ongoing efforts to streamline the permitting process, Los Angeles County is taking steps to support residents as they work to rebuild their homes and communities. The next update on the county’s rebuilding efforts is scheduled for release in early March 2026, when officials will present a comprehensive report on progress made and challenges remaining. We encourage readers to share their experiences and feedback on the rebuilding process in the comments below.
