By LE Construction · Published October 6, 2026
The Mountain Fire started on November 6, 2024, crossed State Route 118 into Camarillo Heights and Somis, burned 19,904 acres and destroyed 243 structures. For families who lost homes, rebuilding is a long process with a lot of decisions. This guide covers the steps and the local help available.
This is general information as of October 2026. Check with the County of Ventura or the City of Camarillo for current rules on your parcel.
Step 1: Confirm your jurisdiction
Most of the burned area around Somis is unincorporated, which means the County of Ventura handles permits. Homes in Camarillo Heights are inside the City of Camarillo and go through the city. The process, forms and fees differ, so confirm this first.
Step 2: Debris removal and site evaluation
Before rebuilding, the burned debris must be removed and the site cleared. Then:
- An engineer evaluates any remaining foundation. Heat can weaken concrete and steel.
- A survey confirms property lines and setbacks.
- On rural parcels, septic and well systems are checked.
Step 3: Use the County fee waivers
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved permit fee waivers for property owners affected by the Mountain Fire, estimated at about $20,000 per dwelling. They cover a range of fees, including building permits, wastewater treatment systems, grading, floodplain management and landscape plan reviews for defensible space. The County said they would remain in effect through December 31, 2026, with possible extensions.
The County also simplified the path: fire rebuilds in unincorporated areas no longer need a separate zoning clearance and can go straight to Building and Safety, and wildfire recovery applications are expedited.
Step 4: Design to current code
A rebuild is new construction under current codes, including:
- Chapter 7A wildfire standards for roofing, vents, siding, eaves, windows and decks.
- Automatic fire sprinklers, required in new one- and two-family homes in California.
- The 2025 Energy Code for permits applied for in 2026.
Building to these standards produces a house far more resistant to the next fire.
Step 5: Construction
Foundation, framing, roof and windows come first, then systems, insulation, drywall and finishes, with inspections at each stage. Timing depends on design decisions, approvals, insurance and material availability.
Working with your insurance
Insurance settlements and timelines shape most rebuilds. Keep records of your home’s features, get written estimates, and ask your adjuster how code upgrades are handled under your policy.
How we help
We build custom homes and fire rebuilds from foundation to finish, pouring our own foundations under our C-8 Concrete license. See our fire rebuilds page and our pages for Somis and Camarillo.
Frequently asked questions
Do Mountain Fire rebuilds need a zoning clearance?
For rebuilds in unincorporated Ventura County, the County announced that fire rebuilds no longer require a separate zoning clearance, so owners can go directly to Building and Safety for the building permit. Homes inside the City of Camarillo follow the city process.
How long are the County fee waivers available?
The County of Ventura said its Mountain Fire fee waivers would remain in effect through December 31, 2026, with possible extensions depending on the pace of rebuilding. Check with the County for the current status before relying on them.
Can I rebuild a different house than the one I lost?
Generally yes, subject to current zoning, setbacks and codes. Some owners rebuild a similar home; others change the layout or size. Larger changes may involve more review, so discuss your plans with the County or city early.
Should I reuse my burned foundation?
Only after an engineer evaluates it. Fire can weaken concrete and reinforcing steel. Even a sound foundation may need changes to meet current code. The evaluation is one of the first steps in a rebuild.