LA City Council Rescinds Bill Targeting Victims Of Pacific Palisades Fire

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA — The Los Angeles City Council Friday rescinded a bill notice related to brush clearance noncompliance that was issued to Pacific Palisades residents who had their property damaged or destroyed in the January 2025 fire.

In a unanimous vote, the City Council approved a motion introduced by member Traci Park, which was a response to fire survivors speaking out against the $31 bill for noncompliance with brush clearance by the Los Angeles Fire Department in February.

Subscribe

If the bill was not paid prior to a March due date, Pacific Palisades residents would be subject to steeper fees. Under the council's direction, any fees collected will be refunded, and the LAFD is expected to stop any process for escalating fees or penalties associated with brush clearance on these properties.

"While these notices are issued by an automated system, it is unacceptable to send these notices to Palisades fire victims. The majority of these lots are vacant, and have no structures or vegetation of concern," the motion states.

"These property owners should not be fined for brush clearance issues while they are in the rebuilding process, and the city should ensure that these notices are rescinded, and any fees collected refunded," the motion continued.

The council further directed the LAFD to report in 30 days on the feasibility of creating a customized program for brush clearance and maintenance in the Palisades disaster zone, including private properties, as well as outreach, notification and collaboration with the local community regarding compliances, deadlines and fees.

In September 2025, a KCAL News investigation found that more than 300 citations were given to property owners whose buildings were either partially or completely destroyed by fires.

LAFD used outside inspectors from other departments for brush inspection, which resulted in the citations being issued.