Fire Rebuild FAQ

What Does an APN (Assessor Parcel Number) Mean for My Property?

An APN (Assessor Parcel Number), sometimes called an AIN (Assessor Identification Number), is the unique number the County Assessor assigns to each parcel of land. It’s used for property records, taxes, and legal documentation. Both terms are interchangeable.

How Can I Find My Property’s APN Number Quickly?

You can locate your APN in several ways:

  1. Use our property survey tool, which automatically provides your APN.
  2. Look on your property tax bill.
  3. Search the LA County Assessor’s database: Property Search.

How Do I Confirm Which City or County Jurisdiction My Property Falls In?

Our survey tool will show your property’s jurisdiction. You can also confirm by using these official GIS mapping systems:

How Do I Check If My Property Is Inside the California Coastal Zone?

Our survey tool can identify if your property is in the Coastal Zone. You can also confirm directly through these steps:

  • Malibu: All properties are automatically within the Coastal Zone.
  • City of Los Angeles:
    1. Visit ZIMAS
    2. Enter your property address
    3. Open the “Additional” tab on the left
    4. If “Coastal Zone” says anything other than None, your property is within the Coastal Zone.
  • LA County:
    1. Visit LA County GIS
    2. Search by address or APN
    3. If it lists Santa Monica Mountain Coastal Zone, your property is included.

Why Is Collecting Property Records Essential for Fire Rebuilding?

Cities and counties allow fire-impacted property owners to rebuild under a “like-for-like +10%” rule. This means you can reconstruct what was legally permitted before the fire, with up to a 10% increase in size.

It’s the owner’s responsibility to prove what was previously permitted. The only way to do this is through permit record research.

What Are the Best Ways to Obtain My Property Records?

There are five main ways to collect records:

  1. Tax Assessor Records – Request documentation from the County Assessor.
  2. Digital Records – Search scanned permits and plans through local government systems.
  3. Hard Copy Records – Submit a public records request online or in person.
    • In Malibu, you may also complete a Public Records Request Form (page 2) and submit it at City Hall during regular business hours.
  4. California Coastal Commission – If your property is in the Coastal Zone, request additional documentation here.
  5. HOA Records – If in an HOA, request Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) through your HOA or order a preliminary title report.

How Do I Get a Right of Entry (ROE) Form to Access My Property After a Fire?

To allow government crews to enter your lot for federally managed debris removal, complete the Right of Entry (ROE) form: ROE Form.

What Are the Approved Options for Debris Removal on My Lot?

Official debris removal information, including program details and requirements, can be found here: Debris Removal Program.

How Can I Track the Progress of Fire Debris Removal on My Property?

You can check cleanup progress by parcel using the EPA’s interactive wildfire recovery map: Debris Removal Status.

Can I Lower My Property Taxes After a Fire? (Disaster Tax Relief Explained)

Yes. Property owners affected by fire may qualify for Misfortune and Calamity (Disaster) Tax Relief, which temporarily reduces assessed property values. Learn more here: Disaster Relief Information.

Which Licensed Design Professionals Do I Need for the Fire Rebuild Process?

Depending on the complexity and location of your rebuild, you may need some or all of the following specialists:

  • Civil Engineer – Oversees site grading, drainage, and infrastructure design to ensure compliance with safety and code requirements.
  • Licensed Land Surveyor – Provides precise property boundaries, topographic mapping, and measurements needed for design and permitting.
  • Land Planning Specialist – Coordinates zoning, land use, and permit processing, often expediting approvals with local agencies.
  • Structural Engineer – Designs and certifies the structural framework to meet modern building codes and safety standards.
  • Architect or Residential Designer – Creates building layouts, elevations, and aesthetic design while integrating functionality and compliance.
  • Geotechnical Engineer – Evaluates soil and geological conditions, including slope stability and seismic considerations.
  • Wastewater / OWTS Consultant – Designs and reviews onsite wastewater treatment systems where sewer connections are not available.
  • Landscape Architect – Plans outdoor spaces, vegetation, and erosion control while balancing aesthetics and environmental requirements.
  • Coastal Engineer (for beachfront properties) – Addresses shoreline conditions, wave action, and coastal permitting for properties near the ocean.
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