Mountain Fire
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Debris Removal
Does the Health Emergency Declaration prevent property owners from removing personal items from the burn area?
Removal of personal items is not prohibited by the Declaration. Personal protection such as a well fitted NIOSH-certified air purifying respirator N-95 mask, gloves, long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and goggles should be used to reduce exposure to ash and toxic substances.
What do I need to do in order to have a trash dumpster delivered to my property within the burn area?
My shed/barn burned but my house is not damaged. Do I still need to go through the Fire Debris Removal Process?
Yes. All properties in the burn areas must be evaluated for household hazardous waste prior to debris removal.
My house is undamaged, but my fence and bushes burned. Do I still need to go through the Fire Debris Removal Process?
Maybe. All properties listed on the damage assessment maps must be evaluated for household hazardous waste prior to debris removal. Depending on visible damage at time of inspection, your property may not be inspected. Please contact our Environmental Health Division at (805) 654-2432 if you have any questions.
Can I opt out of the Phase 1 hazardous waste inspection and proceed with debris removal?
No. Inspection and clearance of household hazardous waste is required prior to any debris removal.
How will I know when Phase 1 crews have inspected my property and removed the hazardous materials/waste?
A laminated notice will be posted on the property by the Phase 1 crew when the property has been cleared.
What is the cost for the Phase I hazardous waste inspection and household hazardous waste removal?
There is no charge to the property owner for this service.
When will Phase 1 hazardous waste crews be in my area? I would like to be present when they inspect my property.
A general schedule may be available in the near future, but it is unlikely you will be notified of the assessment time. In the meantime, you can follow the progress of Phase 1 using this map to see when they are approaching your area.
How long will it take for DTSC to clear my property? Can I request to be a high priority?
The duration of the inspection will depend on access to the property and the amount of material identified and removed. The process is relatively quick, and all homes will be assessed as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can follow the progress of Phase 1 using this map to see when they are approaching your area.
When will the Phase 2 government-funded fire debris removal process begin?
There is currently no start date. It will begin after securing contracts for a Consolidated Debris Removal program. We will make an announcement when information becomes available. More information will be posted here and at www.VenturaCountyRecovers.org when it becomes available.
What will be the cost of the Phase 2 government-funded debris removal?
We will make an announcement when information becomes available. For now, property owners should be gathering information specifically to the debris removal portion of their insurance policy.
Can I opt out of the government-funded Phase 2 debris removal process?
Yes. Application and approval are required by the Environmental Health Division prior to beginning the removal process. More information on a “Private Debris Removal Program” will be posted.
Design
Where can I find the original plans used to build my original house?
On the vcrma.org website, select “Building and Safety” from the “Division” tab along the top, there is a square request button for public records towards the bottom of the page on the left. Please visit the website and fill out an online request: https://vcrma.org/divisions/building-and-safety/public-records-search-request/.
Can I use the original plans to rebuild my new house?
Yes, however these plans may be out of date with conformance with current Building Codes. Depending on the date when the plans were originally prepared and the Codes that were in effect at the time, it is likely that there will be a need for substantial updates and re-design to reflect current code requirements for a new house built today.
If my plans were originally approved by the County, do I still need to have the plans updated to meet current Building Code standards?
Yes, all new construction is required to meet the 2022 CA Building Codes and the 2022 Ventura County Building Code.
Can I use the original slab and foundation for the newly constructed house?
Usually, the intense heat of a fire will negatively affect the strength of the concrete and the reinforcing steel bars. Any utilities under the slab and the moisture barrier under the slab will also likely be damaged. In most cases a new foundation will be required. If your design professional thinks that the slab is in good condition, this can be confirmed by a series of tests that must be performed and documented.
For more information about re-using fire damaged foundation systems please see the following handouts:
Who can design my new house? Can I do it myself, or can my contractor do it?
That depends. If the structure is simple, you can use the prescriptive structural design information in the 2022 CA Residential Code. If the structure is more complicated, or more than two stories, an architect or engineer will need to design the foundation and framing and provide calculations.
Finding the right designer for your new house is an important decision that should be considered carefully. It is recommended that your home is designed by a professional architect who is experienced with designing houses. They can assist and guide you with coordination with others involved in the design of your house such as the engineer, the contractor, and County officials. There are many complexities with today’s construction materials, methods, and building code requirements. Unless the property owner is an experienced designer well versed in the prescriptive provisions of the building code, it is not recommended that the design be prepared by the property owner. Similarly, most contractors are not qualified or authorized to do engineering or architectural design for a project without the proper State license to practice architecture or engineering.
Will I need a soils report for construction of the new house?
Yes. Based on the effects of the fire and debris removal on the soil, a soils report (also known as a geotechnical report) will be required for all habitable structures. In most cases, a soils report will be required in order to evaluate the soils conditions at the site and determine how to best design your foundation system for the new house. Typically, the soil is disturbed during the debris removal and demolition process and is not suitable for sustaining a new foundation system without proper compaction. The geotechnical engineer will ensure the soil is properly compacted and suitable for the new foundation. They will also give soils strength parameters needed by the structural engineer to design the new foundation.
Will I be required to design a new onsite wastewater disposal system (septic system) when I rebuild?
No, unless your septic system was damaged and needs full replacement. However, a complete analysis and inspection of your septic system (Full Certification) is required for all properties that intend to use their existing septic system. The Environmental Health Division (EHD) will be reviewing setback distances to structures, water bodies, wells and property lines. A soils report may also be required as part of the certification review. Cesspools cannot be certified and must be properly abandoned; a new septic system design will be required for properties that have a cesspool.
There are limitations to building a home with a septic system. Rebuilding a larger home with more bedrooms or plumbing fixtures than the previous structure may require that a larger septic tank to be installed or additional leach lines or seepage pits may be necessary. The certification review will determine if the system is properly sized and meets current Building Code requirements. At the design phase, it is recommended that you contact the Environmental Health Division Liquid Waste program to consult with project manager or review information on our website.
EHD counter hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm
Message Line: (805) 654-2432
Will my existing water well be automatically approved as my water source when I rebuild?
No, a Certification of Water Quality approved by Ventura County Environmental Health will be required prior to issuance of a building permit for any new structures which require potable water. Please visit this web page for more information on the Certification of Water Quality process.
Your water well should be checked for damage. Visually check the water-supply system, including plumbing, for any damage, signs of leaks, or changes in operation. You can check for positive pressure loss by turning on a faucet or valve at the well head or water storage tank to see if water flows. The flow of water should be steady and uninterrupted. If you hear air escaping with water intermittently spurting out, that is an indication that your well and/or plumbing had a loss of pressure and may have been damaged.
Permitting
How do I obtain a Demolition permit for removing debris and demolishing any standing remains of my fire-damaged building?
If you choose to utilize the state funded program for the debris removal, a demo permit will be issued retroactively after the debris removal is completed. If you choose to hire a private debris removal company, you will need to submit an application for a Demo permit at the B&S public counter before starting the debris removal process. The permit will be issued to a properly-licensed contractor. The permit application must include a site map showing the location of the building(s) to be removed. Prior to obtaining the permit, the applicant must obtain clearance from the Environmental Health Division (EHD), the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD), and from the Integrated Waste Management District (IWMD). EHD will inform the applicant of their responsibilities for soils testing to ensure hazardous substances are properly identified, handled and disposed. IWMD will inform the applicant of the necessary tracking procedures for material recycling by the contractor. This permit is issued over the counter provided that the required clearances from EHD, APCD and IWMD are obtained.
How do I obtain a building permit for temporary housing on my property?
To obtain the necessary permits for temporary housing prior to reconstruction, please follow these steps:
- Obtain a Temporary Housing Prior to Reconstruction Zoning Clearance through the Planning Division. The application and associated FAQ sheet can be found here. A site plan is required as part of a complete application. A permit can be obtained at the public counter or online through Citizen’s Access.
- Submit for a Building Permit through the Building and Safety Division accompanied by a site plan that includes:
- Location of the proposed temporary housing unit
- Point of connection to public utilities including water, electricity, and sewer
- Any other pertinent information if applicable
How do I obtain an electrical permit for a temporary power pole for my property?
You need to submit an electrical permit application for a temp power pole, with a site plan showing the approximate location where the utility company will place it. Permits for temp power poles are usually issued over the counter.
Is a Tree Permit required for the removal of or encroachment into non-protected/hazardous trees?
No application is required to remove or encroach unprotected/hazardous trees.
Does the County waive any fees for permits associated with reconstruction of fire-damaged/destroyed buildings?
Yes. The County waives a number of fees in order to assist the victims of the Mountain Fire. These fees are anticipated to be waived until December 31, 2024. It’s important to note that the fee waivers only provide financial relief to those property owners who experienced loss and would not apply to those who subsequently purchased a vacant lot to rebuild. Please see the listing of fees that have been exempted from fire reconstruction projects by the Board of Supervisors here. The County follows a fiscally responsible cost recovery policy and therefore cannot waive all of its permitting fees because these fees pay for the permitting and inspection services, which are not funded by tax revenue or other funding source.
Please see the listing of fees that have been exempted from fire reconstruction projects by the Board of Supervisors here.
My home was destroyed in the fire, but the septic system is functioning. Will I be able to use my existing system when I rebuild?
Yes, you may be able to use your existing septic system with a newly built structure. However, it must be sized properly and meet current code requirements. A septic system certification is required by the Environmental Health Division (EHD):
- Proof that the septic system is in good working order (septic tank pumping report) and an accurate site plan is required with a septic system certification application. A geotechnical/soils report may also be required.
- If the previous structure and/or septic system was not code conforming, for example a cesspool was used for sewage disposal, the system or any components may need to be replaced or upgraded before EHD can certify your sewage disposal system. A permit to construct (repair permit) will be required by EHD.
- If you are planning to build a larger structure, add bedrooms or add plumbing fixtures, a larger septic tank or disposal area may be required to account for the additional waste water load.
My septic system was damaged in the fire and is not usable. What permits will I need?
If the existing septic system, or any components, are damaged, the septic system must be properly abandoned, and a newly designed septic system must be installed. The new septic system is required to meet current building code standards.
Please visit this webpage for information on septic system requirements, permits and certifications.
EHD staff are available during counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm.
Message Line: (805) 654-2432
My private water well system and/or components (pump, electrical, piping, etc.) were damaged in the fire. What do I need to do to begin repairs?
Contact Ventura County Public Works Groundwater Resources to obtain well repair permits.
Contact Ventura County Building and Safety to obtain electrical and plumbing repair permits.
Will my well water quality need to be certified for my house that was only partially damaged?
Fire damaged structures which were not completely destroyed do not need to obtain a Certification of Water Quality. However, disinfection of the water well and water system components is recommended following a disaster, well head or component repairs, maintenance or replacement of the pump, or if a power loss may have possibly caused loss of pressure. Also, it is strongly recommended the water be tested for the presence of bacteria before it is used for drinking or cooking.
Read more information and guidance on this here.
