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Property Owners Have Until March 31 to Opt In or Out of the County-Run Program Option
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Phase 2 of debris removal in the Palisades fire impact zone was set to begin for residential properties this week, officials reported on February 10.
“This week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in coordination with the State of California and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will begin Phase 2 debris removal for private residential properties in the Eaton and Palisades wildfire impact zones,” read a statement from the county on February 10. “The start of Phase 2 debris removal to private homes marks a major milestone in the wildfire recovery process for residents impacted by the wildfires.”
Property owners in Pacific Palisades are able to complete a form regarding the second phase of debris removal following the Palisades fire, with the form to opt in or out of the county-run program becoming available Tuesday, January 28.
During a Palisades Fire Debris Removal Town Hall, which took place in person at Santa Monica College and online on Sunday, January 26, several area officials spoke about the process, noting that it would take place in two phases.
The first phase—Hazardous Waste Removal—is being managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under executive orders and is now underway. It involves “assessing and safely removing hazardous materials,” including paints, cleaners, pesticides, fuel, propane tanks, batteries and more from impacted parcels.
Assessments began on January 16, with removal beginning the week of January 27. According to local officials, the first phase may be completed in the Palisades at the end of the month.
Residents can check the status of their homes and verify if the first phase is complete by visiting epa.gov/ca/2025-california-wildfires or calling 1-833-798-7372.
Phase two—Comprehensive Debris Removal Program—can begin at a parcel when phase one is complete. Residents have two options for phase two: opting-in to the county’s debris removal program, which is being led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Colonel Eric Swenson at no cost, or opting-out of the county-run program and hiring a private contractor.
The second phase includes clearing remaining structural debris, foundations that are deemed unsafe to rebuild on (a decision made by the property owner, which is suggested to be made after a site visit with an assessor), hazardous trees, damaged or destroyed vehicles, and up to six inches of soil within the ash footprint.
To opt-in to the county-run program, residents need to verify ownership of the property and complete a right-of-entry application (which will be revoked at the completion of the project) that is available at recovery.lacounty.gov or by calling 844-347-3332. They can also be completed at a Disaster Recovery Center, with the Westside location open at UCLA Research Park West, 10850 West Pico Boulevard, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Opting out of the second phase of the debris removal program can also be completed at recovery.lacounty.gov. Property owners have until March 31 to submit their decision.
Those who opt out will be required to hire a private contractor who must meet “strict certification guidelines for hazardous material removal,” according to the county. “Once a property owner opts out, they cannot later opt in. Private contractors will file one permit managed by the county to ensure safety.”
Phase one and two will be underway at the same time across fire-impacted areas, but for each parcel, phase one must be complete before phase two can begin.
Officials encouraged homeowners to opt in or out as soon as possible, as the work will be prioritized to be distributed and completed in areas that have multiple parcels signed up. It will not be first come, first serve, officials described, but rather, if several homes in a neighborhood are signed up, they will be able to complete the work, as it makes the most sense for ingress/egress along haul routes.
As of February 9, 7,038 opt-ins were received by the county, with 300 opt-outs.
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