Skip to main content
deadline

Less Than Two Weeks Left: Mayor Bass Urges All Impacted Palisades Homeowners to Opt Into U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Private Property Debris Removal Program

En Español

한국어

Enrolling in the program is the best way to remove debris quickly and effectively at no cost to homeowners

LOS ANGELES – Mayor Karen Bass is urging all homeowners impacted by the Palisades Fire to opt into the government-sponsored debris removal program through the Army Corps of Engineers. The online Right of Entry (ROE) form through LA County is available here and must be submitted by Monday, March 31. Mayor Bass will hold a press conference tomorrow, Friday, March 21, to continue urging residents to opt into Phase 2 of the debris removal program. Media can RSVP to lamayornews@lacity.org.

“Getting residents home quickly and safely is my top priority,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “In order to continue moving our recovery effort forward months ahead of expectations, I encourage all homeowners impacted by the Palisades Fire to opt into the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Debris Removal Program ahead of the coming deadline.”

What is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Private Property Debris Removal Program?

  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Private Property Debris Removal Program provides debris removal at no cost for eligible homeowners.

  • If you have insurance, the government will ask the insurance providers – not you – for cost reimbursement up to the limits of your specific coverage. 

  • If you are uninsured or your insurance coverage does not include debris removal, this program will cover these expenses for you.

If you previously opted out, you may still be eligible to re-enroll.

  • If you opted out of the program but you HAVE NOT begun moving any debris from its original location on your property, then please opt back into the program.

  • Enrolling in the program is the best way to remove debris quickly and effectively at no cost.

Recovery happens faster when more people participate in this program. 

  • Cleanup efforts are most efficient when multiple properties are cleared together, rather than crews having to move between scattered locations.

  • Higher participation makes the process move faster, and rebuilding can begin sooner.

  • Enrolling and getting your neighbors to enroll helps get your street cleared faster.

Hiring a private contractor can be expensive, and you assume all liability.

  • Hiring multiple contractors and trying to navigate complex processes on your own may result in unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

  • The Army Corps manages all permitting, final disposal and ensures compliance with all safety and environmental regulations – removing your liability concerns as the homeowner.

Don’t Miss the March 31 Deadline. You will not be able to opt into the program or back into the program after March 31, 2025.

For More Information:

  • Visit: Recovery.lacounty.gov

  • Call: LA County Public Works Fire Debris Hotline: 844-347-3332

  • Call: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Debris Call Center: 213-308-8305

Mayor Bass is leading the fastest recovery effort in modern California history:

  • Record Rate of Utilities Restoration For Standing Homes: In just two months, water and power were safely restored in the Palisades. In comparison, safe drinking water wasn’t restored until 18 months after the devastating Camp Fire in Paradise, California.

  • Fastest Hazardous Materials Clearing in EPA History: Phase 1 of the debris removal process finished in 28 days – months ahead of expectations – and removed more than 300 tons of hazardous materials from the Palisades. In comparison, Phase 1 of the debris removal process for the Camp Fire took more than twice as long to complete.

  • Debris Removal Moving at Historic Pace: Phase 2 of the debris removal process is moving forward and has already been completed at hundreds of properties, speeding up the process to get residents back home.