Construction Forecast
With both Mayor Karen Bass’s and Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive orders in effect, construction in Los Angeles will be faster, more flexible, and focused on resilience. Here’s what homeowners can expect:
A Surge in Construction Activity
Thousands of homes need to be rebuilt, meaning a high demand for contractors, materials, and labor.
Expect longer wait times for skilled workers like electricians, plumbers, and masons.
Prices for materials may fluctuate due to high demand, especially for fire-resistant building materials.
More Modular, Prefabricated, and ADU Construction
Many homeowners may opt for modular and prefab homes because they can be built off-site and assembled quickly.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) will be common as families rebuild and need immediate housing solutions.
Mobile homes and RVs will temporarily occupy many properties while main homes are rebuilt.
Expedited Permitting = Faster Start Times
Homeowners can bypass environmental and discretionary reviews, allowing projects to start much sooner.
Permitting for reconstruction projects will be completed within 30 days, reducing typical bureaucratic delays.
All required approvals (building, utility, and safety) will be reviewed at the same time instead of sequentially.
Focus on Fire-Resistant Construction
Many homes will be rebuilt with fire-resistant materials such as:
Metal or tile roofs (instead of wood shake).
Stucco or fiber cement siding (instead of traditional wood siding).
Ember-resistant vents and double-pane, tempered glass windows.
Expect updated wildfire mitigation measures like defensible space requirements and safer landscaping.
Temporary Housing as a Major Factor
With RV and mobile home allowances, many properties will look like temporary housing zones for up to three years.
Cities will expand housing availability by finishing multi-family projects quickly, so more rentals will come onto the market.