LAFD will issue fee waivers and refunds for eligible primary residences.
Los Angeles County officials have approved a measure to ease rebuilding costs for Malibu homeowners recovering from the 2025 Palisades Fire by eliminating certain fire department permit fees and issuing refunds where applicable.
The policy stems from a unanimous vote by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 23, 2025, approving a motion authored by Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. The action directs the Los Angeles County Fire Department to waive or refund permit fees for qualifying homeowners as rebuilding gets underway in fire-impacted areas.
Under the program, the Fire Department will waive or refund permit fees for single-family homes that were owned and occupied as a primary residence prior to Jan. 7, 2025, and are being rebuilt due to damage from the Palisades Fire. County officials acknowledged that many residents are facing financial strain during the recovery process, including insurance delays or coverage gaps that do not account for permitting and inspection costs.
Eligibility for the fee waivers will be determined through the City of Malibu’s existing verification process. Homeowners will not be required to complete a separate application for the county waiver. Once the city confirms eligibility, that information will be shared directly with the Fire Department to ensure the corresponding fees are waived.
For homeowners who have already paid Fire Department permit fees and are later deemed eligible, the department’s Financial Management Division will issue refunds. Officials said refunds are expected to be processed within six to eight weeks after the City of Malibu provides the county with a list of eligible properties. Property owners will receive an email notification confirming that their address is being processed for reimbursement.
Questions regarding the rebuilding fee waivers or refunds may be directed to Deputy Fire Chief Nick Duvally at Nick.Duvally@fire.lacounty.gov.
