California Construction News staff writer
A newly signed executive order is expected to accelerate rebuilding efforts following the 2025 Los Angeles-area wildfires, cutting regulatory barriers and creating opportunities for construction contractors, builders, and infrastructure firms.
The order streamlines permitting and construction rules for homes and municipal infrastructure, including:
- Rooftop solar and code upgrades: Homeowners can now use insurance proceeds to install optional solar systems and other code upgrades, creating potential work for solar installers, electricians, and specialty contractors.
- Sewer and municipal infrastructure: Statutes have been temporarily suspended to allow faster development of municipal sewer systems, opening opportunities for civil engineers, utility contractors, and heavy construction firms.
- Fast-tracked temporary housing and ADUs: Construction of accessory dwelling units and temporary housing units has been expedited, increasing short-term construction projects and labor demand.
- Affordable housing prioritization: Survivors at immediate risk of homelessness are now prioritized for affordable housing placement, supporting accelerated multi-family housing projects.
Since the fires, permitting for rebuild projects in Los Angeles is moving nearly three times faster than the pre-fire average for single-family homes and ADUs, signaling a surge in construction activity across the region…