ADUs and Fire Recovery Toolkit
In January 2025, the Altadena and Pacific Palisades fires devastated communities in Los Angeles, destroying homes and disrupting thousands of lives. After the immediate response—providing food, shelter, and support—residents began navigating cleanup, insurance, and rebuilding. Today, as rebuilding gets underway, many homeowners are facing difficult decisions about how to move forward.
This toolkit is designed to support homeowners in the planning phase of recovery–offering clear information and resources about accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a flexible option for rebuilding.
In California, homeowners have multiple options for adding separate living spaces on their property to help meet their family’s needs. Understanding these options is the first step!
New! ADUs and Fire Recovery Handout—Our quick-read info sheet has the essentials, plus links and resources to learn more. Click here to download.
News: Events & New Resources
News: No-Cost Design and Project Planning Help for Rebuilding from Office of: Office
More spots have opened up for free rebuilding services offered by Office of: Office for families rebuilding in Altadena and the Palisades burn areas. No-cost services include project planning, design and advocacy for rebuilding projects.
They also have free catalogs and guides in English and Spanish to help families navigate the rebuilding process more effectively.
Visit the resource hub and apply for free rebuilding design help here.
Events: Webinar series on Insurance and Fire Recovery from Every Fire Survivor’s Network
Underinsured? It may not be your fault. Check out informative resources on insurance and fire recovery with Every Fire Survivor’s Network webinar series. Learn more here.
News: Gap Funding for Rebuilding with Zero-Interest Loans available from Altadena Land Initiatives
This nonprofit offers interest-free gap financing for rebuilding on fire-impacted lots, along with comprehensive project guidance, including insurance review, rebuild cost analysis, and vetted contractors. Learn more here.
News: Habitat for Humanity San Gabriel Valley Offers Rebuild, Repair and ADU Support for Eaton Fire Survivors
Habitat for Humanity SGV launched a new program to help Eaton Fire survivors repair, rebuild homes or add an ADU to properties affected by the Eaton Fire.
Project planning assistance
Preapproved plans through Foothill Catalog
Permitting and construction management support
Gap funding available for some applicants
Projects will be financed through a 0% interest, 5- or 10-year forgivable mortgage loan, determined based on the cost of the project, and due if the home is sold, transferred, or no longer owner-occupied during that time. After the designated time, the loan will be completely forgiven with no interest or payments due. More info on the Habitat website here.
News: Builders Alliance Centralized Rebuilding Portal Now Open
Builders Alliance is a project designed to streamline rebuilding and lower costs through economies of scale, preapproved plans and vetted contractors. Once you enter your street address, the portal will show only the home plans that fit on your property, along with starting price and builder options. There is no additional cost to the homeowner.
Rebuild Center Resources
The Rebuild Center (powered by HPP Cares) offers counseling, guidebooks and many other resources for fire survivors in Altadena.
CalAssist Mortgage Fund: The CalAssist Mortgage Fund announced a major expansion of mortgage relief for homeowners impacted by qualified disasters, offering eligible households a full year of mortgage assistance that does not need to be repaid. Additionally, the expansion also increases income limits to allow more families to access this assistance. Homeowners are encouraged to apply immediately as funds are limited, and applications are reviewed in the order received. Applying is free, and funds are paid directly to mortgage servicers and never have to be repaid. Learn more and apply here.
Steadfast LA Update: Delivery started on January 22nd of the first of nine Samara modular homes provided at no-cost to Eaton fire survivors through Steadfast LA. Read more here.
Loans for Rebuilding: Susan Blumenthal has begun rebuilding her Pacific Palisades home destroyed in last year's wildfire using a zero-percent interest gap loan from Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles' ReBUILD LA. Read more here.
City of Los Angeles Standard Plans for Rebuilding: LADBS hosts a list of preapproved house plans for those rebuilding after the fires within city boundaries. Note: Other approvals will still be required—for the site itself and by the other authorizing agencies involved in permitting.
City of Pasadena Preapproved ADU Plans Update: ADU plans preapproved through Pasadena’s program may only be used in 2026 on properties red-tagged due to the Eaton Fire, due to the 2026 update to residential building code (unless the ADU application was submitted before 12/31/2025.) Other applicants, stay tuned for options as the city updates its program.
Insurance Town Hall: View the recording from the January 21, 2026 Town Hall virtual meeting that brought together Eaton Fire impacted families and Senator Sasha Perez to dig deep into the serious challenges homeowners with losses are up against around insurance claims.
Nova Cottages
New! Casita Coalition recently toured a demonstration ADU in Pasadena by Nova Cottage, a mission-focused company working on providing affordable ADUs that can also be used to create bungalow courts and cottage clusters, to help rebuild community, particularly for those with limited funds. Learn more here.
State Bills on Insurance Reform in Progress Now
These bills, among others, are moving through the CA Assembly and Senate in the 2026 session. For more info and how to support, visit Every Fire Survivor’s Network page.
AB 877 (Perez) Fair Claims Practices and Transparency Act
Requires disclosure of original and revised estimates
Allows policyholders to verify how their loss was calculated
AB 878 (Perez) Insurance Payment Accountability Act
Any undisputed payment not made within 30 days begins accruing interest owed to the policyholder, at a 10% penalty rate.
Requires insurers to respond to claims in writing, clearly identify every disputed item, and specify exactly what is needed to resolve each one.
After a declared disaster, insurers must pay the actual cash value of a total loss within 30 days and release replacement cost funds as soon as a contract is signed.
SB 1301 (Allen) Nonrenewal Guardrails to Preserve Coverage Act
Requires six months advance notice
Requires specific, documented reasons and a clear opportunity to cure
Prohibits non-renewals for inquiring about a claim or filing claims within deductible
New Laws Effective Now to Help Rebuilding
The laws shown in the carousel were passed in 2025 and are now in effect.
Virtual Rebuilding Summit Session Recordings
The Eaton Fire Survivors Network hosted a daylong event in Nov 2025 with multiple sessions focused on helping fire survivors in the Eaton and Palisades fire impacted areas to connect with vital resources and information. Casita Coalition was honored to be part of this event. Videos of all sessions can be viewed HERE.
Casita Coalition, a statewide nonprofit focused on housing affordability, collaborated with the Wells Fargo Foundation to create the ADU & Fire Recovery Toolkit—a practical resource for homeowners exploring accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or junior ADUs (JADUs) as part of their rebuilding journey after the Los Angeles fires.
Casita Coalition’s founders helped write California’s first statewide ADU laws with one guiding belief: homes should be flexible enough to meet changing needs. That flexibility is especially vital in times of recovery.
This toolkit offers clear, step-by-step guidance to help homeowners in Altadena and Pacific Palisades understand how ADUs can speed up their return home, generate rental income, and support long-term family stability. As a living resource, this page will continue to grow—adding tools, updates, and information. But first, let’s start with the basics.
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An Accessory Dwelling Unit is a separate, self-contained living space that contains all the necessities for living.
ADUs may be a detached structure, an addition to your home, or may be converted from existing space in your home or in a detached structure, such as a garage.
A Junior ADU, or JADU, can also be converted from existing space in a home. They only require a kitchenette and separate entrance–bath may be shared
ADUs may be added to multifamily properties as well–a duplex is allowed one ADU; properties with 8 or more units may add up to 8 detached ADUs and 25% of the unit count as conversion ADUs of existing non-habitable space
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Built from the ground-up, using traditional site-built construction (typically wood framing)
Build off-site in a factory
Modular and prefab ADUs
Manufactured ADUs
Panelized construction
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One detached ADU
One conversion ADU (may be converted from existing space in the main home or in a detached structure, like a garage
One Junior ADU (requires owner occupancy if the bath is shared with primary home)
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From LA County:
The term “like-for-like” is defined by the Zoning Code. A like-for-like replacement structure must be the same size, in the same location, and for the same use as the previous structure. In the Palisades Fire affected area, a like-for-like replacement structure may be approved with modifications that do not increase the floor area, size, height, or building footprint by more than 10%. In the Eaton Fire affected area, a like-for-like replacement structure may be approved with modifications that do not increase the floor area, size, height, or building footprint by more than 10% or 200 square feet, whichever is greater.
If the above requirements are met, like-for-like replacement structures can have a different internal floor plan or be smaller than the damaged or destroyed structure.
Like-for-like replacement structures do not need to comply with current Zoning Code requirements. However, they need to comply with current Building Code, Fire Code, and Health and Safety Code requirements.
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ADUs have streamlined permitting and lower costs for permits
You can build and live in an ADU before you complete your main home rebuilding
They provide flexible options for multigenerational living
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Temporary Ordinance in LA County Extended to August 2026
The Temporary Ordinance:
Allows additional flexibility in development standards for like-for-like rebuilds, including expansions up to the larger of 10 percent of original square footage or an additional 200 square feet, front yard setbacks, and minor relocation of structures.
Eliminates covered parking requirements for all rebuilds and makes covered parking optional.
No replacement parking is required where garages are destroyed and rebuilt with Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in accordance with State law .
Allows ADUs to be used as the primary dwelling unit until 2030.
Executive Orders from the Governor and the Mayor of Los Angeles created special allowances in rebuild projects, including:
ADU may be built first
Homes may be built to 2022 building code standards
Solar panel and battery storage requirements are waived
Temporary housing allowed on fire-impacted sites
Permit and planning fees waived for rebuilding of homeowner-occupied properties
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You can track the progress of rebuilding permits and construction of homes in LA County here. Also has links to City of LA permit data.
Selecting and Engaging with ADU Professionals
Stay safe—avoid red flags—and assemble your ADU project team
Casita Coalition hosted a one-hour webinar for those just starting on the ADU journey. The panel covers what to look for in ADU professionals, how to compare project bids, contract basics to protect you, and fraud prevention tips.
HPP Cares, Protection from Scams and Fraud During Recovery and Rebuilding handout
Rebuilding Basics
Temporary Housing: Know the Rules
Once your lot is cleared, you can get a permit to live on your property in temporary housing for up to 3 years.
Can be an RV, a moveable tiny home on wheels, or a manufactured home
Fast permits–but must meet public health standards
City of Los Angeles—Pacific Palisades fire areas: Download the temporary housing info sheet here
Unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County: Learn more here
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Residents of LA County go to: https://recovery.lacounty.gov/rebuilding/temporary-housing/
Residents of the City of Los Angeles should go to: https://dbs.lacity.gov/
Pasadena residents should go to: https://www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/recovery-virtual-consultations/
Residents of Malibu should go to:https://maliburebuilds.org
Sierra Madre residents should go to: https://www.sierramadreca.gov/
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Altadena One-Stop Permit Center464 W Woodbury Rd. Suite 210Altadena, CA 91001
Walk-In Hours:Monday – Friday: 8:00AM – 4:30PM
City of Los Angeles One-Stop Rebuilding Center1828 Sawtelle Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90025 Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Representatives from the following departments are onsite:
Bureau of Street Services
Bureau of Sanitation
Department of Transportation
Housing Department
Department of Building and Safety
Department of City Planning
Los Angeles Fire Department
Bureau of Contract Administration
Bureau of Engineering
LA DWP Unified Utilities Rebuild Operations Center
This one-stop, full-service center was established to help customers and contractors coordinate directly with LADWP on the rebuilding and restoration of water and power services in Pacific Palisades.
UUROC3931 South Topanga Canyon Blvd.Malibu, CA 90265Hours: M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Homeowners looking to rebuild due to the Eaton and Palisades wildfires may be able to use a pre-approved standard plan. Pre-approved standard plans and streamlined permitting processes can help homeowners rebuild more efficiently, safely, and affordably.
The benefits of using pre-approved plans include:
Shortened review timeframe
Predictable review process
Reduced design cost
Gallery of pre-approved and off-site construction homes and ADUs on the LA Rises rebuilding resouces page. Go to: https://larises.org/resources/
Foothill Catalog https://www.foothillcatalog.org/the-catalog
LADBS Preapproved Standard ADU Plans https://www.ladbs.org/adu/standard-plan-program/approved-standard-plans
LA County preapproved plans https://planning.lacounty.gov/disaster-recovery/pre-approved-standard-plans/
The Altadena Collective is a design hub for Altadena residents who lost homes. They contributed designs to the Foothill Catalog collection of preapproved homes and also offer bulk material purchases, design consultation and workshops.
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CalAssist Mortgage Fund
The CalAssist Mortgage Fund has increased its income limits as of Oct 22 2025, which will allow thousands more California homeowners impacted by recent disasters to qualify for mortgage relief.
Funded by the state of California and administered through the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), the program provides grants for three months of mortgage payments, up to $20,000 per household.
Applying is free, and funds are paid directly to mortgage servicers and never have to be repaid.
The CalAssist Mortgage Fund was allocated $105 million to assist homeowners. Applications are open on the CalAssist Mortgage Fund website.
Key program eligibility criteria:
Homeowners whose primary residence is destroyed or severely damaged as the result of a qualified disaster that occurred between Jan. 1, 2023, and Jan. 8, 2025.
Applicants must meet the program’s updated income limits. County-by-county limits are available here.
Eligible properties include single-family homes, condos, or permanently affixed manufactured homes (up to 4 units).
Applicants must have a mortgage or a reverse mortgage.
Qualified disasters include the Eaton Fire, Palisades Fire, Park Fire, San Diego floods, and others across the state.
Funds are limited, and applications are reviewed in the order received. Homeowners are encouraged to apply immediately.
For questions or help completing an application, individuals can call the CalAssist Mortgage Fund call center at 800-501-0019 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.). Free support is also available through HUD-certified housing counseling agencies.
https://www.calassistmortgagefund.org/
Steadfast LA
Steadfast LA Foundation is committed to helping victims of the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County rebuild their home, lives, and communities. In collaboration with modular homebuilders such as Samara and program collaborators HomeAid OCLA, loanDepot, and Armanino Advisory LLC, through our Modular Housing Initiative we will provide financial assistance to eligible individuals and families who lost their homes during the wildfires by providing grants to help them obtain new modular homes. Fire victims in Altadena, Malibu, Pasadena and Pacific Palisades who lack the economic resources to rebuild may be eligible for Modular Housing Grants. https://www.steadfastla.com/modular-home-application
Small Business Administration
SBA disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by the wildfires and straight-line winds in California. Deadline for economic losses Oct 15, 2025.
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/california-wildfires
Office of: Office
If you have been impacted by the fires in Los Angeles and need architecture, planning, or design support in rebuilding your home, please submitHERErequest with information on your property and needs.
https://officeofoffice.com/projects/rebuilding-response-eaton-palisades/
LA County Recovers
The LA County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to waive and refund fees for qualifying property owners rebuilding single-family homes in unincorporated Los Angeles County following the Eaton and Palisades wildfires.
To apply for a fee waiver, please fill out aRequest for Fire Rebuild Fee Waiver or Refund form and email it to recovery@planning.lacounty.gov. Print versions of this form will also be accepted at the One-Stop Permit Centers.
https://recovery.lacounty.gov/rebuilding/fee-waivers-and-refunds/
RebuildLA–Help Los Angeles Fire Survivors
Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles Habitat LA offers multiple programs to support those impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires, including assistance to repair and rebuild homes, restore stability, and help families recover. They prioritize support for low-income households that are uninsured, underinsured, or most vulnerable.
https://www.habitatla.org/how-to-apply/disaster-relief/
Recovery & Rebuild HPP Cares
HPP CARES helps homeowners get ADUs built through education, project management and counseling services. Their Recovery & Rebuild program offers rebuild property assessments and inspections, insurance assistance, mortgage support and housing and financial counseling. If your property has suffered damage from fire, wind, or smoke, you may qualify for no-cost assistance. https://hppcares-recovery.org/
LA Disaster Relief Navigator
The LA Disaster Relief Navigator is here to help those impacted by the fires quickly create a personalized action plan that contains the critical financial and wellness resources. From Better Angels and Imagine LA in partnership with the Mayor's Fund for LA and the Office of Mayor Karen Bass.
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Both the City of Los Angeles and the County offer extensive FAQs that can help with common questions.
Los Angeles County Public Works FAQs on Rebuilding
https://pw.lacounty.gov/rebuild/faq
LA County Fire Rebuilding FAQs
From temporary housing to ADU
Casita Coalition’s Board of Directors visited a dual-certified moveable dwelling/ADU by Clever Homes on an Altadena property rebuilding after the devastating Eaton Fire. Homeowner Sandra rented for 9 months, then was able to return to her property to live in this moveable tiny home. After her home is rebuilt, it can be converted to an ADU. Sandra plans to remain living in it—it’s comfortable and less to take care of. Thanks to Sandra and her son for inviting us to tour the home.
Building and Occupying an ADU First in LA County:
Get back on your property at lower cost by building the ADU first as a Standalone Accessory Dwelling Unit. A household may temporarily occupy a standalone accessory dwelling unit until January 7, 2030, while they wait for a rebuild project to be constructed on the property.
Standalone ADUs are processed as non-like-for-like, with an over-the-counter administrative permit.
Can you apply for a Standalone ADU before you submit a rebuilding permit application? Yes. You’ll need a site plan, floor plan, and elevations to confirm zoning code compliance.
The new ADU will need to comply with current Zoning Code and State law requirements as well as current Building Code, Fire Code, and Health and Safety Code requirements.