AIA|LA ADVOCACY REPORT
April 29, 2025
MAYOR BASS ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF A SELF-CERTIFICATION PILOT PROGRAM
Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles has taken further executive actions to expedite the rebuilding process in the Palisades following the January 2025 wildfires, aiming to make it the fastest recovery in modern California history. The new measures include an Emergency Executive Order establishing a plan check Self-Certification program for qualified architects, designed to drastically reduce permitting timelines for rebuilding homes. This pilot program allows architects to self-certify their plans’ compliance with the California Residential Code, bypassing the traditional plan check process while still requiring safety inspections.
Additionally, an Executive Directive was issued to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to assist City staff in reviewing project plans against building and zoning codes, with the goal of saving time and expediting the rebuilding process. Mayor Bass also shared Implementation Guidelines for her earlier Executive Order 1, which outlines expedited review and streamlined approval processes for eligible projects.
The city’s recovery efforts have already shown progress, with permits being issued more than twice as fast as after previous fires. These new executive actions represent a continued commitment to streamlining processes and leveraging innovation to support residents in rebuilding their homes and communities.
Top Takeaways:
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Mayor Bass has issued new executive actions to expedite the rebuilding process in the Palisades.
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An Emergency Executive Order establishes a plan check Self-Certification program for architects.
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The Self-Certification program aims to reduce permitting timelines for rebuilding homes.
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Qualified architects can self-certify plans for compliance with the California Residential Code.
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Self-certified plans will not require plan check but will still be inspected for code compliance.
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An Executive Directive explores the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support City staff in reviewing project plans.
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The goal of using AI is to save time and expedite the rebuilding process.
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Mayor Bass shared Implementation Guidelines for her Revised Executive Order 1, focused on expedited review.
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The City is aiming for the fastest recovery effort in modern California history.
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The first rebuilding permit was issued on March 5, 2025, 57 days after the start of the Palisades Fire.
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Permit review times have been significantly reduced compared to previous fires.
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The Self-Certification program is a pilot focused on Palisades rebuilding.
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LADBS will issue implementation guidelines for the self-certification program.
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The AI pilot program will explore AI’s potential to expedite routine plan reviews.
Please Note: According to the Executive Order, “The self-certification program shall be limited to the construction of single-family dwellings that repair or replace structures damaged or destroyed in the January 2025 Wildfires, and up to three stories only (within the scope of the California Residential Codes), including associated accessory structures such as Accessory Dwelling Units, Accessory Living Quarters, and recreation rooms.”
GEOLOGIC AND GEOTECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR REBUILDING IN THE PALISADES FIRE AREA – Information Bulletin: P/BC 2025-157
CLICK HERE to read the information bulletin.
IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES FOR REVISED EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER NO 1: EXPEDITED COMMUNITY REBUILDING AND RECOVERY
CLICK HERE to read the implementation guidelines.
EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 1 Return and Rebuild — Expedited Community Rebuilding and Recovery (Revised March 18, 2025)
CLICK HERE to read the revised Executive Order.
EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 5 Return and Rebuild — Resilient Rebuilding (March 21, 2025)
CLICK HERE to read the revised Executive Order.
EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 6 Return and Rebuild — Self-Certification Pilot Program (April 22, 2025)
CLICK HERE to read the revised Executive Order.
“PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION” as an option.
Establishing a well-considered and trustworthy “professional certification” program offers Los Angeles the potential to streamline its permitting processes, expedite construction, and reduce costs. Project typologies that would be eligible for the program would be strategically limited to include tenant-improvement projects, single-family residential, ADU’s, etc. By empowering qualified architects and engineers to certify their projects’ compliance with building codes, the city can alleviate the burden on the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS), enabling it to focus on more complex projects.
This approach, while requiring stringent qualification guidelines, promises to accelerate housing and commercial development, ultimately benefiting both developers and the city’s overall economic health.
Prospective Benefits of a “Professional Certification” Program for Los Angeles:
- Expedited Permitting and Faster Construction:
- Reduced plan review time, leading to quicker project approvals.
- Accelerated construction timelines, benefiting developers and project stakeholders.
- Cost Savings:
- Reduced administrative burden on LADBS, allowing for resource reallocation.
- Potential cost savings for developers due to decreased permitting delays.
- Potential reduction of costs compared to third-party certification programs.
- Increased Efficiency and Flexibility:
- Streamlined permitting processes, improving overall project efficiency.
- Greater autonomy for qualified professionals in the design and construction process.
- Potential for Increased Housing and Commercial Development:
- Faster approvals, facilitating more housing and commercial projects to address the city’s needs.
- Ability to prioritize major developments and expedite their construction.
- Enhanced Professional Accountability:
- Stringent qualification guidelines ensure high standards of professional competency.
- Increased accountability for licensed professionals, promoting code compliance and safety.
- Improved LADBS Resource Allocation:
- LADBS can focus on more complex, high-risk projects, improving overall city safety.
- Long-Term Planning and Resilience:
- By streamlining simpler projects, the city can create space to improve long-term planning and resilience.
The core idea behind professional certification is actually about strengthening accountability. It places the responsibility squarely on the architect’s shoulders, recognizing their expertise and ethical obligations. This isn’t about passing the buck; it’s about empowering architects to take ownership of the process.
It’s also important to remember that self-certification is not a new or untested approach. Many jurisdictions have successfully implemented it for years, particularly for project types like single-family homes and tenant improvements. The key is to establish clear guidelines and criteria to ensure responsible implementation.
At AIA Los Angeles, we champion the leadership, expertise, and professional responsibility of architects. We believe in their ability to uphold the highest standards and deliver safe, sustainable, and inspiring projects.
AIA|LA Presents…Empowering Design: Navigating and Leveraging the New Zoning Code
On April 23, 2025, AIA Los Angeles hosted a meeting with Los Angeles City Planning to learn more about the new zoning code for Downtown LA.
CLICK HERE to watch the zoom recording of the 2-hour discussion.
Featured speakers included: Erick Lopez – Senior City Planner, New Code Implementation Section, Los Angeles City Planning & Veena Snehansh – City Planner, New Code Implementation Section, Los Angeles City Planning.
The new zoning code was highlighted for its modularity, adaptability, and focus on raising design standards through objective criteria while providing tools for community vision implementation and minimizing discretionary processes. Veena Snehansh and her team detailed the code’s structure, emphasizing its user-friendly navigation and the ongoing rollout through the Community Plan Update Program.
The meeting covered key aspects of the code, including zoning districts, bonus potential, the amenity rule, Frontage District regulations, and development standards. Erick Lopez demonstrated the new system’s features, such as property searching and report generation. Discussions also included the public benefit system, use districts, and the interactive website tables.
Top Takeaways:
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The new zoning code is designed to be modular and adaptable.
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The code aims to raise design standards by codifying objective standards.
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The code provides tools to implement community visions and minimize discretionary processes.
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The Community Plan Update Program is rolling out the new code.
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The new code includes alternative typologies and compliance options.
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City Planners Erick Lopez & Veena Snehansh demonstrated the new system’s features, including property search and zoning reports.
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Discussions covered zoning districts, bonus potential, amenity rules, and development standards.
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The Los Angeles City Planning Department will continue refining the code and addressing implementation issues.
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AIA Los Angeles will continue to provide support for the implementation and adoption of the new zoning code.
RESOURCES:
The AIA LA & LACP Professional Volunteer Program (PVP)
Architects & designers passionate about improving the design quality of newly proposed projects throughout the City of Los Angeles are encouraged to participate in the Professional Volunteer Program (PVP), which is a collaborative design review program organized by AIA LA & Los Angeles City Planning (LACP)’s Urban Design Studio.
This year we will be coordinating thirty-one virtual design review sessions, which will serve as opportunities for architects and designers to help the Los Angeles City Planning’s Urban Design Studio critically review upcoming projects throughout our City.
May 6 (10am)
May 13 (10am)
May 20 (10am)
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Will Wright, Hon. AIA|LA
Director, Government & Public Affairs
t: 213.639.0764
e: will@aialosangeles.org
www.aialosangeles.org
