News Updates
Private Property Debris Removal Deadlines—New County Ordinance
May
Los Angeles County is committed to our communities’ swift and safe restoration following the Eaton and Palisades wildfires. Property owners who did not opt in to government-sponsored debris removal program must hire an approved, specialized contractor to complete the work in full compliance with all applicable requirements, regulations and safety standards.
Important Debris Removal Deadlines
On April 29, 2025, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors passed an abatement ordinance to protect public health and ensure proper removal of ash and debris from residential and commercial properties in unincorporated Los Angeles.
Impacted property owners who did not opt-in to the government-sponsored program must comply with the following deadlines:
Right of Entry Deadline
April 15, 2025
- The deadline to submit a Right of Entry (ROE) form was April 15, 2025.
Fire Debris Removal Permit
June 1, 2025
- All property owners who opted out or failed to submit an ROE must obtain a Fire Debris Removal (FDR) permit and hire a licensed contractor by June 1.
- If a permit is not obtained by this date, the property may be declared a Public Nuisance.
Complete Debris Removal
June 30, 2025
- Fire debris must be removed by June 30.
- If cleanup is not completed by this date, the property may be declared a Public Nuisance.
Don’t Miss These Critical Deadlines
If a property owner fails to meet the above deadlines, the County may take steps to remove fire ash and debris from the property. The cost of this debris removal will be charged to the property owner. If not paid the cost may be recovered through a lien on the property.
Public Nuisance Triggers
A property will be declared a Public Nuisance and Health Hazard if either of the following applies:
- An ROE form not submitted by April 15, 2025
- A Fire Debris Removal Permit not obtained by June 1, 2025
- Debris removal not completed by June 30, 2025
Appeal Process
In accordance with the ordinance, both residential and commercial property owners in unincorporated Los Angeles County must submit an appeal form if they wish to contest the Summary Abatement Notice and Order. Property owners have seven calendar days from the date the notice was posted, mailed, or published to submit their appeal. Late appeals will not be accepted.
Once an appeal is submitted, the Director of Public Works has seven calendar days to issue a response. The Director’s decision is final.
Ways to Submit an Appeal:
Property owners can submit their appeal forms in the following ways:
Online Submission:
Click here to submit your appeal digitally: Appeal of Summary Abatement
Email Submission:
Download and complete this PDF version of the appeal form, then email it to: FireDebrisAbatementAppeal@pw.lacounty.gov
Mail Submission:
Mail the completed appeal form to:
Los Angeles County Public Works
Building and Safety Division
Attn: Summary Abatement Appeal
900 S. Fremont Ave, Alhambra, CA 91803
In-Person Drop-Off:
Visit one of the following One-Stop Centers to drop off your appeal form:
Altadena One-Stop Permit Center
464 W. Woodbury Rd., Suite 210
Altadena, CA 91001
Calabasas One-Stop Center
26600 Agoura Rd., Suite 110
Calabasas, CA 91302
For additional information or assistance, please call our helpline at (888) 479-7328.