The County wants to help you rebuild by waiving building permit fees, providing "Head of the Line" permit services, and offering priority building inspections as you rebuild.  We have prepared the following guidance documents to help you through the process.

Helpful Hints Before You Start Drawing Plans
How to Obtain a Building Permit - Summary
Enhanced Fire Resistive Construction Requirements
Checklist of Fire Safe Items Required for Rebuilding Plans
Tips on Hiring a Contractor and Consumer Warnings

Rebuilding Info Hotline: (858) 694-3876

Additionally, the County has changed the permitting process in an effort to reduce the amount of time spent at the building counter.

• The Building Plan Pre-Review Group was created to review plans for zoning compliance before you submit a building application.  The group is available for both fire victims and walk-ins.
  
• The Residential Plan Submittal Worksheet for Fire Victims (available at check-in at the kiosk) is a process designed to identify issues involving septic, roads and floodways, and permitted uses before you submit plans for processing.  This is currenly available only to fire victims.
  
• All fire victims receive priority standing at the front counter and during plan checks.

Planning and Land Use Department
For more information concerning rebuilding, permits and fees, contact the Department of Planning and Land Use, Building Division.
Phone: Please call (858) 565-5920 to determine the location near you.
Web site: http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu

Visit our Cleanup Information page to learn about debris removal, household hazardous waste removal, right of entry permits, and more.

Interactive Mapping Tool

The Firestorm 2007 Recovery Geographic Information Systems Mapping Application is a searchable database that shows damage to properties by parcel, perimeters of each fire, and more.

Rebuilding Costs

When it's time to rebuild, first look to insurance and charities for help with rebuilding costs. When you have covered the costs, it is important to make sure that your new structure is built well, in a efficient manner and for a reasonable price. Here are some recommendations on how to find the right contractor and helpful resources,

• Use only licensed contractors. Verify your contractor has a valid license on the Contractors State License Board Web site, or by phone at 1-800-321-2752.
• Check with your local Better Business Bureau to learn about the companies' reputation.  24-hour Automated Voice Response Phone: (858) 496-2131.
  Get at least two estimates for each job and compare to find the best price.
• According to California Law, down payments for home repair are limited to $1,000 or 10 percent of the total cost, whichever is less.
• Never pay with cash!  Pay with check or money order in three installments; the first when work is beginning, the second when work is almost complete and the last third when the work has been completed.
• Before work begins make sure to get all promises in writing and sign a contract outlining the work, payment schedules, time frame, materials, and any other important topics.
• Before work begins also be aware of the effects of construction and equipment operation on the air around you. For information on maintaining healthy air quality and air quality permits view the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District's Air Quality Permits Fact Sheet at, http://www.sdapcd.org/info/facts/permits.pdf
• The Building Industry Association of San Diego County has more tips for choosing a contractor.
  

Renters

If you are a renter and your home is materially damaged, you must notify your landlord of the needed repairs and give them a reasonable time frame to complete them in. Your landlord is responsible for the repairs at their expense. If the repairs are not made within that set time frame, you may need to terminate you lease. If you have a written lease and wish to terminate it, make sure to have your lease checked with a professional before taking any further actions.

If you are a renter, and your home has serious damage, know that your landlord has the right to terminate your written lease, unless otherwise specified. You, as the renter may also terminate your lease in the case of serious damage. Under California law, your a lease is terminated when the rental unit is destroyed, unless the lease states otherwise. To terminate your lease,

• Check your lease for special agreements regarding damage
• Make a list of the damage to the unit
• Photograph or videotape the unit
• Have reliable witnesses view the damage
• Obtain any FEMA inspection reports
• Request a building inspection by your city and obtain the report
• Give you landlord written notice including copies of the above documentation and stating that the unit is no longer habitable.

Unless your landlord previously made repairs to your unit because of misuse of the property, you are entitled to the return of your deposit in full. In that case, you may also want to give your landlord written notice requesting the return of your deposit.

Rental Property Listing for Landlords and Tenants

WildfireZone
Joint Fire Science Program
California Fire Alliance
Bureau of Land Management: Community Wildfire Protection Plans and You
Rebuild Your Life

211 San Diego - Community, Health and Disaster Information