Property Recovery Guide: Permit Record Research for Rebuilding
Recovering from loss is never simple, and the path forward can feel overwhelming. At Ilya Engineering, we understand the challenges you face and are committed to providing the knowledge and resources needed to rebuild with confidence, care, and compliance.
This guide, created by Ilya Engineering, a trusted firm specializing in Civil Engineering, Land Surveying, and Land Planning, is designed to help homeowners and property owners streamline the process of gathering essential records for rebuilding after fire damage.
Why Is Record Research Important?
When rebuilding after a disaster, many municipalities allow property owners to reconstruct on a “like-for-like +10%” basis. This means you may rebuild what was legally permitted before the fire, with an allowance for a 10% increase in size.
However, it is the property owner’s responsibility to prove what was previously permitted. This proof comes through permit record research. Below, we outline the steps and agencies you can contact to collect these critical documents.
Step 1: Confirm Your Property’s Location
Before submitting any requests, confirm which jurisdiction your property falls under:
Be sure to note the Assessor Parcel Number (APN) associated with your property.
Step 2: Request Tax Assessor Records
The LA County Tax Assessor’s Office provides verified details such as building square footage.
- Visit: LA County Assessor Records Request
- Complete the form with property information
- Attach a copy of your driver’s license
Step 3: Review Digitized Public Records
LA County
- Visit: LA County Building Records Viewer
- Search by address or APN
- Toggle between Scanned Documents and Permit History Tabs
City of Los Angeles
- Visit: LADBS Document Search
- Search by address or APN
- Select applicable addresses
- Digital building permits often include plans
Malibu
- Use OnBase System for geology and property records
- Choose ESD – Geology Files from the dropdown
- Enter street number and select street name
- See printer-friendly instructions for searching OnBase
Step 4: Submit Requests for Hard Copy Records
If digital files are incomplete, you may need to request hard copies.
LA County
- Public Works: DPWPRRS@dpw.lacounty.gov | (626) 458-6990
- Planning: PRA@planning.lacounty.gov | (213) 974-6533
Include in your request: property address, APN, specific documents (all permits/plans), and contact information.
City of Los Angeles
- Email: ladbs.custodianofrecords@lacity.org
- Clearly state in the subject: Public Records Act Request
- Provide property details, requested documents, and your contact information
Malibu
- Submit an electronic records request online
- Create an account or sign in
- Indicate that the request is fire-related
- Staff will respond within 10 days
Step 5: Coastal Zone Properties – California Coastal Commission
If your property is within the Coastal Zone, additional records may be required.
City of LA
- Email: PRA@coastal.ca.gov
- Include APN, owner’s name, and property address
- Records available back to 1972
- Office: 301 E Ocean Blvd Suite 300, Long Beach, CA 90802 | (562) 590-5071
Malibu / LA County
- Email: Julie.Reveles@coastal.ca.gov or diana.gonzalez@coastal.ca.gov
- Include APN, ownership details, and property address
- Records available back to 1977
- Office: 89 South California Street, Ventura, CA 93001 | (805) 585-1800
Step 6: Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs)
For properties within HOAs, you may also need CC&Rs.
- Request directly through your HOA
- Or obtain a preliminary title report from a title company, which typically includes CC&Rs
Moving Forward with Ilya Engineering
At Ilya Engineering, our team is dedicated to helping property owners through every stage of recovery. By guiding you through record research, permits, and planning, we ensure your rebuilding process is supported by reliable expertise.
