Over a year ago, cities in the greater Los Angeles metro region were ablaze. Some cities, like Pacific Palisades, were devastated, along with Altadena, Malibu, and other areas in what some call the twin infernos of the Palisades and Eaton Fires.
However, new research from Bluebeam recently reveals encouraging signs of recovery momentum.
Recovery Efforts
Bluebeam, a leading developer of solutions and services for AEC professionals worldwide, reports that more than three-quarters of respondents (76%) have begun rebuilding, while a third say they remain dissatisfied with the pace of progress. This sentiment reflects not just new construction, but also the necessary new permitting initiatives put in place. Here are some details:
Hurdles For Homeowners:
- Nearly one-third (29%) remain uncertain whether their home can be fully rebuilt, underscoring the complexity of current requirements.
- Costs and financing challenges (43%), insurance issues (34%), and labor shortages (29%) are the most frequently cited obstacles.
Positive Momentum:
The reports show that delays in permitting persist as a significant frustration and point of uncertainty for homeowners navigating the rebuilding process:
- 27% of impacted residents cite permitting timelines as a key barrier to rebuild efforts.
- 88% of those homeowners who have applied for a permit in the wake of the wildfires have experienced delays.
- Only 4% of those surveyed said they were able to obtain a permit in under a month, and only 25% within two months, with most approval timelines far exceeding 30- to 60-day targets.
Despite this mix of signals, new initiatives pave hopeful paths forward.
Standard Plan Pilot Program
Based on the research, two-thirds (66%) of impacted homeowners are rather positive about the city of LA’s Standard Plan Pilot Program, which aids owners by offering a library of pre-approved, code-compliant home designs.
The use of standardized plans simplifies processes in meeting new requirements. One example is Bluebeam partner The Foothill Catalog Foundation (TFCF), a non-profit formed in response to the wildfires. TFCF offers pre-approved home designs in compliance with new permitting programs, helping residents rebuild more quickly. The organization has preapproved over 40 new unique designs to date, designs that help preserve the community identity as well.
Resilience for the Future
California ranks first in the nation for the number of homes at risk of extreme wildfire exposure (1.2 million), and homeowners are prioritizing long-term safety and resilience as they rebuild. Based on Bluebeam’s research:
- 83% of impacted residents plan to incorporate wildfire-resistant materials or design features into rebuild plans. Many are considering upgrades such as fire-resistant roofing, ember-resistant vents, defensible space planning, and use of non-combustible materials.
- 65% say they feel more confident in their preparedness for future wildfires because of these upgrades.
“With our global headquarters in Pasadena, the recovery from the 2025 wildfires is deeply personal to our team,” said Don Jacobs, Chief Innovation Officer at Bluebeam and local Los Angeles resident. “As homeowners rebuild, we’re seeing a meaningful shift toward resilient design that prioritizes long-term safety and durability. This research also highlights the opportunity to simplify and connect the systems behind rebuilding – particularly permitting – to remove delays and uncertainty. By streamlining permitting pathways, embracing resilient design, and fostering collaboration across all parties involved in the rebuild effort, we can help families return home faster and build communities that are stronger, safer, and better prepared for future wildfires.”
About the Survey
The survey was conducted in February and March 2026 with more than 500 Los Angeles County homeowners whose homes were damaged by the 2025 wildfires. The report provides insights into rebuilding progress, key challenges faced, and plans for future preparedness.
To learn more about the state of rebuilding efforts, visit: https://blog.bluebeam.com/from-cleanup-to-rebuild-project-mindset-wildfire-recovery/.
