Bluebeam Report Highlights Rebuilding Progress After Los Angeles Wildfires

Bluebeam report Finds 76% of LA Wildfire Homeowners Rebuilding as Resilient Design and Permitting Reforms Accelerate Recovery

More than a year after the devastating 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, rebuilding efforts are gaining traction, according to new research released by Bluebeam. The report found that 76% of impacted homeowners have begun rebuilding, signaling strong recovery momentum despite ongoing challenges.

The survey, conducted in early 2026 among more than 500 Los Angeles County homeowners, highlights both progress and persistent obstacles. While most respondents have started reconstruction, 34% said they remain dissatisfied with the pace of rebuilding.

Homeowners continue to face financial and logistical hurdles. Costs and financing challenges were cited by 43% of respondents, followed by insurance-related issues (34%) and labor shortages (29%). Additionally, nearly one-third (29%) remain uncertain whether their homes can be fully rebuilt under current requirements.

Permitting Delays Continue to Slow Progress

Permitting remains one of the most significant barriers to rebuilding, the report found. Among homeowners who applied for permits, 88% experienced delays, with only 4% receiving approval in under a month.

A total of 27% of respondents identified permitting timelines as a major obstacle, underscoring inefficiencies in the approval process. Most homeowners reported waiting longer than the typical 30- to 60-day targets for permit approvals.

However, new initiatives introduced by the city are helping address these concerns. According to the research, 66% of homeowners expressed optimism about Los Angeles’ Standard Plan Pilot Program, which aims to streamline permitting by offering pre-approved, code-compliant home designs.

These standardized plans are designed to reduce complexity and accelerate the transition from planning to construction, potentially shortening timelines and lowering costs.

Resilient Design and Modular Solutions Gain Ground

The rebuilding effort is also being shaped by a growing emphasis on resilience and wildfire preparedness. The report found that 83% of homeowners plan to incorporate fire-resistant materials or design features into their rebuilt homes.

Common upgrades include fire-resistant roofing, ember-resistant vents and non-combustible materials. As a result, 65% of respondents said they feel more confident in their preparedness for future wildfires.

Organizations such as The Foothill Catalog Foundation are contributing to recovery efforts by offering pre-approved home designs aligned with new permitting programs. The nonprofit has developed more than 40 designs and completed its first modular home for a wildfire-impacted resident in early 2026, with additional projects underway.

“With our global headquarters in Pasadena, the recovery from the 2025 wildfires is deeply personal to our team,” said Don Jacobs, Chief Innovation Officer at Bluebeam and a Los Angeles resident. “As homeowners rebuild, we’re seeing a meaningful shift toward resilient design that prioritizes long-term safety and durability. This research also highlights the opportunity to simplify and connect the systems behind rebuilding — particularly permitting — to remove delays and uncertainty. By streamlining permitting pathways, embracing resilient design, and fostering collaboration across all parties involved in the rebuild effort, we can help families return home faster and build communities that are stronger, safer, and better prepared for future wildfires.”

California remains the most at-risk state for wildfire exposure, with approximately 1.2 million homes vulnerable to extreme conditions. As rebuilding continues, the adoption of resilient design and improved permitting processes will likely play a critical role in shaping safer, more sustainable communities.

Originally reported by BLUEBEAM in Construction Dive.