BOARD PASSES SUP. HORVATH'S MOTION TO CLEAR FIRE DEBRIS FROM NON-RESPONSIVE PROPERTIES BY JUNE 30
April 29th, 2025
LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, the Board of Supervisors passed a motion from Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath and Chair Kathryn Barger, which will enable Los Angeles County to remove fire debris from private properties if owners do not act by the June 30, 2025 deadline. The accompanying ordinance also establishes a deadline of June 1, 2025 for properties to apply for a debris removal permit —a necessary step to protect the health of the public and our natural environment.
“We know that recovery is incredibly difficult — and we appreciate the gravity of what residents are going through,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “While the vast majority of property owners have submitted their Right of Entry forms during this challenging time, we must take action to ensure that unaddressed properties don’t slow down our collective recovery. This motion ensures we take every responsible step to keep our neighborhoods safe, healthy, and on track for recovery.”
“It is critical that we act swiftly to remove fire debris from properties that remain uncleared following the devastating January wildfires,” said Board Chair Kathryn Barger. “This urgency ordinance helps ensure that public health and safety will be safeguarded by allowing our County to move quickly when private property owners fail to act. Our collective goal is to help create and cultivate safe environments as wildfire survivors work to rebuild and recover.”
While the vast majority of more than 12,000 fire-impacted property owners have opted in or out of the County’s Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) program, over 400 properties in unincorporated Los Angeles County have opted out of the program and have not yet completed their debris removal projects.
Today’s motion adopted an ordinance that requires property owners who have opted for private debris removal to pull a permit no later than June 1, 2025 for debris removal. Once a permit is pulled, property owners must complete removal by June 30, 2025. After that date, LA County Public Works will have the authority to clear debris and recover costs through a lien on the property. All impacted property owners will have the opportunity to appeal before being subjected to “summary abatement.” Clearing debris is paramount to protecting public health and accelerating Los Angeles County’s recovery from the January fires.
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