Quick recap
The meeting began with residents sharing their experiences with insurance claims following property damage, discussing challenges with documentation, reimbursement processes, and varying levels of service from different insurance providers. The group then focused on home design and construction topics, including permit submissions, architectural planning, and building code requirements, while also addressing concerns about fire safety and solar installation requirements. The discussion concluded with conversations about post-fire recovery efforts, the formation of a nonprofit HOA to address safety and aesthetic concerns, and debates about short-term rental restrictions in the community.
Next steps
- Insurance Committee: Create a universal list of new building code requirements that applies across all insurers
- All rebuilding homeowners: Submit rebuild project fee waiver/refund request form to recovery@planning and resubmit with plans
- All property owners: Visit sheriff’s station to complete Letter of Agency for property protection against squatters
- Roger: Submit plan before January 1, 2026, to avoid being subject to new building codes
- Michael: Continue following up with insurance company regarding remediation testing results and vendor requirements
- Michael: Continue pursuing SBA loan qualification process for rebuilding
- Michael, Kev, and Mike: Follow up on the video monitoring/CCTV system installation project for the neighborhood, including researching companies and costs
- All fire victims without structures: Check tax bill and question fire inspection fee with tax collector as fire department is not inspecting empty lots
- Janie’s: Visit Walk Your Plans in Culver City on Monday with architect to review and potentially modify house plans
- Robby: Call water company on Monday regarding the water leak near Barbara’s property and Jeff and Val’s property
- Roger: Submit question to Board of Supervisor meeting regarding compilation of new building code requirements list, specifically about solar installation requirements
- Roger: Proceed with structural engineer’s proposal without self-certification option to avoid higher fees and maintain regular review process
- Darrell: Submit question about fire hydrants at the next LA County meeting
- Darrell: Complete scanning and upload the HOA documents for all community members to review
- Mendes: Research legal requirements and limitations for establishing a new HOA, including restrictions on short-term rentals and building specifications
- Community Members: Review the HOA template and consider forming a new HOA with updated rules regarding building heights, views, and short-term rentals
Summary
Insurance Claims and Property Damage
Barbara recently returned home after 5 days, finding that her bookcases were taken and her furniture destroyed, while Janie shared her daughter’s experience with smoke damage that required throwing out damaged couches and mattresses, though she’s still fighting for reimbursement from State Farm. The group discussed varying insurance experiences, with Barbara noting good service from Allstate, while Janie and others described challenges with reimbursement processes and the emotional toll of documenting personal property losses. Mendes mentioned working on their own insurance claim, noting it’s a time-consuming process that requires working a few hours weekly.
Insurance Claims Documentation Challenges
The group discussed their experiences with insurance claims following property damage, particularly focusing on challenges with documenting personal belongings and receiving full compensation. Janie shared that she and her husband refused to sign an insurance settlement agreement with a 24-month clause due to concerns about their ability to assess damage to their home, while Karen raised issues about access to her cleaned belongings stored in a pod by State Farm. The conversation concluded with a brief mention of an upcoming “walk your plan” event on Monday related to total loss situations.
Home Design Layout Review Meeting
Janie discussed her upcoming visit to Walk Your Plan in Culver City on Monday afternoon to review the architectural layout of her new home, which will project up to 2,000 square feet and allow her to walk through the floor plan. Leslie shared her experience using a 3D model to visualize room layouts and sun exposure, while Darrell suggested watching YouTube videos on architecture for design inspiration. The group emphasized the importance of considering room flow, natural light, and privacy when designing the home.
Permit Submission and Fee Waiver
The group discussed permit submission status, with Michelle and Mark having recently submitted their plans, while Angela’s plans were submitted earlier but awaiting progress. Janie shared new information about a form requirement for fee waiver requests, which must be resubmitted with plans and includes a letter of agency that needs to be obtained in person at the sheriff’s station. Karen provided details about her experience with the letter of agency process, explaining it allows the sheriff to act on behalf of property owners and can be customized for specific monitoring periods. Darrell mentioned he would pose a question about this process at the next LA County meeting.
Water and Fire Safety Concerns
The group discussed concerns about non-functioning fire hydrants, which Robby clarified are covered but operational, with the water company keeping plastic covers to deter water theft. Barbara reported a water leak across the street creating a pond, which Robby agreed to follow up on Monday. The discussion then shifted to water billing issues, with several residents noting unusually high bills, though Leslie explained these were likely due to tiered billing based on consistent usage patterns. Finally, Leslie raised concerns about fire department inspections and associated tax fees, noting that while homes are inspected, lots are not, despite wildfire risks.
Trail Maintenance and Fireworks Impact
Leslie and Robby discussed the recent trail maintenance activities in the area, with Leslie mentioning that volunteers are working on the trail entrance in Rubio Vista and that the trail may reopen soon. Robby shared his observations about increased trail activity, including people accessing the area for Fourth of July fireworks views. The group also talked about the high air quality index in Los Angeles after the holiday due to fireworks, with Darrell and Karen sharing their experiences in different parts of the city.
Solar Installation for New Construction
The group discussed solar panel installation and battery storage for a new construction project. Darrell mentioned they recently signed with an architect and will begin design work in a few weeks. Robby advised considering south-facing roof lines for solar efficiency, while Darrell noted that solar installation is now required before occupancy. The discussion highlighted the importance of quick solar installation due to planning department requirements, and Leslie raised concerns about battery placement and fire safety. The conversation concluded with Leslie warning about potential changes to solar rebates and financial incentives at the federal and state levels.
Solar Installation Insurance Challenges
Roger discussed challenges with insurance adjusters regarding solar installation requirements and costs. He noted that while solar is not a legal requirement, it is effectively mandatory for passing Title 24 energy efficiency tests. Roger is seeking clarity from the Board of Supervisors and insurance departments about universal building code requirements. He also shared that a structural engineer’s self-certification would cost approximately $1,000 more due to higher liability insurance requirements, which he views as a systemic issue.
Building Code and Self-Certification
The group discussed building code requirements and self-certification for structural engineers. Leslie shared insights about Title 24 energy efficiency requirements, including the need for proper HVAC systems and ember-resistant materials. Roger informed the group that the new building code would take effect on January 1, 2026, and submitting plans before that date would subject them to the current code rather than the stricter new requirements. The group concluded that the additional liability requested by the structural engineer for self-certification was unnecessary.
Post-Fire Recovery Progress Update
Michael shared updates on his post-fire recovery efforts, noting frustration over slow progress six months after the incident. He mentioned ongoing challenges with testing and remediation, delays in receiving insurance results, and the potential use of SBA loan funds to address issues. Michael expressed hope for further compensation from Edison and gratitude for support from the team, while Darrell confirmed that a copy of the HOA would be shared with everyone once scanning is complete.
Community Safety and Aesthetic Planning
The community discussed forming a nonprofit and HOA to address safety and aesthetic concerns, with a focus on establishing rules for new construction and tree management. Michael expressed willingness to personally fund tree removal to preserve views, while the group explored options for installing a video monitoring system at the Rubio Crest entrance, with costs ranging from $600 to $4,000 for equipment. The discussion concluded that while the HOA would need 85% resident agreement to be legally binding, they should first focus on creating a template for structure and plant size restrictions before addressing larger infrastructure changes like gates.
Airbnb Rental Restrictions Discussion
The group discussed concerns about short-term Airbnb rentals, particularly on Lower Rubio Crest where issues with parties had occurred in the past. They explored legal options to restrict such rentals, noting that while mansionization is not prohibited, the area is subject to restrictive building regulations under the West San Gabriel Valley plan and Alta DNA Community overlay District. The discussion also covered building limitations, with Roger explaining that house sizes are restricted to 25% of the lot size plus 1,000 square feet, and Darrell mentioning that sloped lots could allow for multi-story construction.
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