Here’s a note from the Los Angeles County Planning Department regarding how to rebuild in Altadena:
“Please note that like-for-like replacement structures do not need to comply with current Zoning Code requirements, but they will need to comply with current Building Code, Fire Code, and Health and Safety Code requirements. “
So what does this mean for homeowners who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire?
The planning department is indicating:
- If you’re rebuilding a structure to be the same as it was before (“like-for-like”) — meaning the same size, shape, height, use, and location — then you don’t need to follow today’s zoning rules.
- However, you DO need to follow the latest versions of the Building Code, Fire Code, and Health and Safety Code — which are about structural integrity, fire safety, and public health.
🧱 Examples of How This Plays Out:
✅ Allowed Without Meeting Current Zoning Code:
Scenario: You had a single-story house built in 1950 that was 5 feet from the side property line, but current zoning requires a 10-foot setback.
- Old house = 5-foot side setback.
- New zoning = 10-foot minimum.
➡️ If you rebuild the same house with the same 5-foot setback, you’re allowed to do that. You don’t need to push the house back to 10 feet under current zoning — because it’s a like-for-like rebuild.
🚫 Still Must Follow Current Codes for Safety:
Example 1 – Building Code:
- If your original home had old wiring or plumbing, you’ll now need to install modern, code-compliant systems (e.g., GFCI outlets, earthquake-resistant framing, insulation requirements).
Example 2 – Fire Code:
- If your property is in a high-fire zone, you may now need to use fire-resistant materials (like Class A roofing or tempered windows), even if the original home didn’t.
Example 3 – Health & Safety Code:
- If your old home had a septic system but new codes require you to connect to the sewer line, you may be required to upgrade.
- If you’re rebuilding a rental, you’ll also need things like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper ventilation per today’s standards.
👷 Bottom Line:
You get a pass on modern zoning restrictions (e.g., setbacks, height limits, floor-area ratios) if you’re rebuilding the same thing that was there before.
But you must build it using today’s safety and structural standards.