Rebuilding Construction Begins in Pacific Palisades

AI Tool Launched to “Supercharge” Building Permit Approval

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Rebuilding construction is now underway at some properties following the Palisades fire, while Governor Gavin Newsom announced the launch of a new AI tool to “supercharge the approval of building permits.”

Thomas James Homes announced on April 9 that it broke vertical construction in Pacific Palisades during a launch day attended by area officials, including Mayor Karen Bass.

Bass visited two sites in the Palisades that had been issued building permits by the city on April 9. The first permits were issued 57 days after the start of the fire, according to Bass’ office.

As of May 2, 31 permits for 23 addresses related to rebuilding efforts have been issued for projects in the Palisades, according to Bass’ office.

The TJH team told the Palisadian-Post there are currently two homes actively under construction in the Alphabet Streets, with several permits in the works, all pending approval.

“TJH has been deeply committed to the affected families through forums and consultations, resulting in active discussions with 300 households and 14 signed rebuilding agreements,” a representative said to the Post.

The team reported that site development work has commenced in the form of grading for one home on Kagawa Street, as well as digging the footings for another home’s foundation on Iliff Street in the coming week.

“Pacific Palisades holds a special place in our hearts for over a decade,” CEO Jamie Mead said to the Post. “We’re … humbled to play a role in restoring this resilient community. Our main goal is to help families reclaim a sense of normalcy and hope, and we are committed to delivering certainty to residents and locals.”

Since the Palisades fire started January 7, Thomas James Homes said it has worked closely with the city to navigate permitting and expedited timelines—including directly with Bass to discuss the latest in rebuilding efforts. Thomas James Homes reported the partnership between the public and private sectors has been successful to date.

The state of California will provide Los Angeles City and County with a “new, AI-powered e-check software,” free of charge, to “speed the pace at which local governments are approving building permits,” according to the governor’s office on April 30.

Created by Archistar, the software is available through a partnership between the state and philanthropic partners, including LA Rises and Steadfast LA, with contributions from Autodesk and Amazon.

“Bringing AI into permitting will allow us to rebuild faster and safer, reducing costs and turning a process that can take weeks and months into one that can happen in hours or days,” Steadfast LA Chairman Rick Caruso said. “Working with our coalition partner Mike Hopkins and Amazon, I’m proud Steadfast LA identified Archistar as the right company to develop and apply this game-changing technology. Now we can work with great philanthropic organizations, including LA Rises, to provide this critical tool at no cost to taxpayers.”

Archistar uses “computer vision,” “machine learning” and “automated rulesets” to check designs against local zoning and building codes in the assessment process for building permits, according to the governor’s office.

“This technology will allow property owners to pre-check their building plans before submission to ensure they submit valid plans, thus avoiding frustrating delays and expediting the review process once received by city or county staff,” the governor’s office continued.

Bass announced during her State of the City address on April 21 that she was signing an executive directive to “spearhead an AI pilot program” to “streamline the permitting process for Palisades residents.”

The county has also committed to using the software, according to the governor, and has passed a Board Resolution to “establish a unified permitting authority for the Altadena one-stop recovery center.”

As construction throughout the Palisades continues, Thomas James Homes told the Post it will keep providing updates on progress in the community.

“This is more than just a construction project—it’s a symbol of resilience for Pacific Palisades residents,” Mead said in a statement. “Together, we are rebuilding homes and restoring hope.”