Rebuilding After The 2017 Napa Fire Complex

The 2017 Napa Complex Fire also known as a the “Atlas Fire” burned about 51,000 acres. Many people lost their homes and/or businesses due to the fire. The County has taken measures to expedite processing of permits for fire victims. Fire victims are also able to apply for a fee reduction for their required permits. The County has created three review categories that range from 7 to 28 days for review time. The three categories are 7 business day/expedited, quick permit-priority processing over non-fire related permits, and standard permit-priority processing over non-fire related permits. The fee reduction is available for all fire rebuild projects including commercial and residential accessory structures.

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Types of projects that qualify per category:

• 7 business day / expedited: Similar building footprint replacement of legally existing residences, guest houses, and second dwelling units up to 125% size of burned residence in same general location with no increase in bedrooms.

• Quick Permit-priority processing over non-fire related permits: Fire Rebuild accessory structures that meet the Quick Permit criteria. Some examples are single story Ag buildings, carports, gazebos, pump house, storage buildings, and all demolition permits.

• Standard Permit-priority processing over non-fire related permits: All other permit applications that are not covered under the first two categories.

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Things to consider:

Your property must be cleared for rebuild. This means all debris and ash must be removed and soil testing completed. A letter from the County Environmental Health Division certifying completion must be on record before a building permit will be issued.

If the fire damaged property previously had a septic system that you plan on utilizing for your new home. You will need to complete an evaluation of your system. If you plan on rebuilding with a similar foot print that does not exceed 125% of the previous structure, you may utilize the existing septic system as long as the inspection reveals that it is in good working condition and not considered a cesspool. If you plan to rebuild with a footprint exceeding 125% of the original structure, the system will need to meet current Napa County Code requirements.

Napa County has also developed a Fire Rebuilds dashboard. This is a near-live view of issued and pending permits in Napa County. You can access the dashboard by clicking on this link: http://bit.ly/firerebuilds
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Planning your rebuild project

​The BC Engineering Group staff has developed numerous fire rebuild plan sets and can guide you through every step of the rebuild permitting process. As a leading civil engineering design firm, feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have regarding your fire rebuild project. Take advantage of our experience and contact us today for your land development needs, we are here to help.
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For more information on fire rebuild permitting or other land planning services, please contact us at 707-542-4321, or find us on Facebook and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our blog to receive stay up to date with civil engineering and land planning issues.