Rebuilding Los Angeles
Rebuilding Los Angeles
US federal aid for the January wildfires in Los Angeles has surpassed $2 billion, bringing relief to communities coping with the devastation. Since mid-March, LA partner Edgar Khalatian—an acclaimed land-use lawyer—has been a frequent commentator on legal issues associated with the city’s fire recovery. In February, he shared insights in The Deal on how LA plans to rebuild. More recently, Edgar was a guest on episodes 16–24 of the Daily Journal’s podcast The Law of Rebuilding LA, where he covered topics ranging from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) regulations to the challenges of resource allocation and improved infrastructure planning. Tune in below!
Before the fires, Edgar was appointed by the director of the Los Angeles Department of City Planning to work on one of the city’s largest planning initiatives to date: completing a comprehensive revision of the City of Los Angeles’ Zoning Code.
Understanding the Permit Process
Edgar explains the extensive cleanup, infrastructure and regulatory challenges that must be overcome before rebuilding can begin in the areas devastated by the Palisades and Altadena fires.
CEQA and Coastal Act Challenges
Edgar details how California’s environmental regulations apply when property owners want to significantly expand or alter their structures beyond what existed before the fires.
Development Changes and Community Impacts
Edgar explores the implications of changing property uses in fire-affected areas and the stark contrasts between rebuilding approaches in Pacific Palisades versus Altadena.
What New Building Codes Mean for Rebuilding Efforts
Edgar breaks down essential building code distinctions and regulatory requirements that will shape reconstruction timelines and costs for fire-affected property owners.
Escape Routes and the Eminent Domain Dilemma
Edgar explains the complex legal, financial and political obstacles to widening evacuation routes in fire-affected areas like Pacific Palisades despite widespread agreement on safety concerns.
Competing Priorities for Rebuilding Resources
Edgar discusses how competing civic projects like the LA Convention Center renovation impact rebuild efforts, highlighting the challenges of resource allocation amid Olympics preparation and fire recovery.
Must the Palisades Rebuild Include Affordable Housing?
Edgar explains how state-mandated housing requirements interact with rebuild efforts.
Should California’s Building Code Be Overhauled after the Fires?
Edgar discusses how LA can create safer communities through improved infrastructure planning and building regulations.
How California’s Fire Maps Could Reshape Rebuilding
Edgar discusses how California’s fire map revisions and building regulations will affect recovery efforts in the Palisades and Altadena.
