TMZ.com
A massive rebuild is needed in Los Angeles after devastating wildfires wiped entire neighborhoods off the map, and local architect John Cordic says the city can be reconstructed in a couple years … as long as city officials get on board.
John joined us on “TMZ Live” Monday and we asked him the question on a lot of folks’ minds … how long is it going to take to rebuild L.A.?!?
With over 12,000 structures burned to a crisp in the Palisades and Eaton fires, it’s a monumental task that will require a Herculean effort … but John says architects and engineers are ready to get to work ASAP … and he thinks 2 to 3 years is the best-case scenario.
The issue … John says building permits that used to take several weeks to obtain can now take years … and that process needs to be streamlined if L.A. wants to avoid a long rebuild.
John says it often takes longer to get permits in L.A. than it does to actually build the house … and he explains how a bunch of government agencies bog down the process, especially for folks in Malibu and the Palisades, who need to rebuild along the coast.
The good news … John says we can make obtaining permits simple again without rewriting a bunch of codes or creating a new commission … and he gives us a quick fix.
And in some fortunate timing, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced an executive order this weekend … he’s waiving some environmental requirements for building permits for businesses and homeowners, in order to speed up rebuilding efforts — and he’s promised to look for more ways to get things done faster. The executive order also protects homeowners from price-gouging.
John says builders are ready to make L.A. rise from the ashes … if the city adapts.
Watch “TMZ Live” today … check your local listings.