Los Angeles County Public Works has established a comprehensive Debris Removal Program to assist residents in safely clearing and rebuilding properties affected by wildfires. The program emphasizes the importance of proper debris removal to protect public health and the environment, as fire debris can contain hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, and other toxic substances.
Key Steps in the Debris Removal Process:
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Removal:
Specialized teams assess and remove household hazardous waste from properties at no cost to owners. This includes items like batteries, propane tanks, and paints. Property owners cannot opt out of this mandatory process.
Fire Debris Removal:
After HHW removal, property owners have two options for clearing remaining fire debris:
Option 1: Government-Sponsored Program
Provides debris removal services at no direct cost to property owners. Owners must submit a Right-of-Entry (ROE) permit to participate. Deadlines and specific details are provided on the County's recovery website.
Option 2: Private Contractor (Opt-Out Program)
Owners who choose to hire private contractors must submit a Local Fire Debris Removal Program Application and Work Plan to the County for approval before commencing work. All debris removal must adhere to local, state, and federal standards to ensure safety and environmental protection.
Rebuilding Process:
Once debris removal is complete, property owners can begin rebuilding by submitting site plans to the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Department of Regional Planning for review. Approvals from these agencies, as well as the issuance of necessary permits from Building and Safety, are required before construction can commence.
Important Considerations:
Debris removal is prohibited until an inspection is conducted by the Los Angeles County Fire - Health HazMat Division or local hazardous materials agencies. This ensures that hazardous materials are properly managed to prevent threats to public health.
Property owners are encouraged to contact their homeowner’s insurance companies, as insurance debris removal proceeds may be dedicated to the County to offset debris removal costs. Property owners who do not have insurance but meet the eligibility guidelines are still eligible for the government-sponsored program.
For detailed information, forms, and resources, property owners should visit the Los Angeles County Public Works Debris Removal page at https://pw.lacounty.gov/epd/debris-removal/ or contact the Debris Removal Hotline at (844) 347-3332.
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