Pacific Palisades residents got some answers about the process for returning to their fire-damaged properties at a community meeting on Sunday.
LAPD Commander Randy Goddard said the long wait to see the damage at their properties is almost over.
“If the weather cooperates, tomorrow we'll open the last two zones. Everybody will be able to return to the property,” he said. “So let's pray that the weather cooperates and by noon tomorrow, the hope is everything will be reopened so you can see your homes.”
Once those areas are opened, officials said anyone who wants to search their property can do so if it’s been cleared of hazardous waste by the EPA.
L.A. County Public Works Director Mark Pestralla said residents can go to recover.lacounty.gov and indicate whether they want to enroll in the free government program to remove debris from their property, or if they’d prefer to clean up themselves.
“If you decide that you in fact want to use your own insurance money, your own money to actually clear the property, we will allow that,” he said.
Residents are urged to wear proper protective equipment while handling debris.
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In the meantime, homeowners can begin applying for rebuilding permits while waiting for the properties to be cleared. City officials said paperwork will start being accepted by the middle of the week.
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