Thomas Fire Information

Rebuilding after the Thomas Fire

General Information

In December 2017, the Thomas Fire ignited north of Santa Paula and traveled quickly through unincorporated County of Ventura lands to the City of Ventura. An unprecedented disaster, the Thomas Fire moved at record speed and caused immediate damage to the City, which swiftly launched a tremendous response effort.

  1. Rebuild Process

City Resources for Homeowners

Below are City Resources for Homeowners including information needed for the rebuilding process such as design, permitting and review, as well as the residential building permit checklist.

Required Review Process Documents

Documents below include information on the pre-submittal review process, residential plan check submittal screening checklist, and the construction permit application.

Temporary Utilities

Thomas Fire recovery guidelines for setting up temporary utilities at your property.

Building and Safety Standard Sheets 

The documents below provide information on the standard requirements for your new home. These documents include information on the landscaping requirements, green building code requirements, and materials and methods to make your new home more wildfire resistant.

Planning

Thomas Fire Rebuilds Land Development Grading Permits

A Grading Permit IS Required When:

  • Removal and recompaction of soil to a depth greater than five feet;
  • New building footprint extends more than five feet from old footprint;
  • Property in the Ondulando area identified with settlement issues;

Grading Permit MAY Be Required When:

  • New areas of cut or fill proposed;
  • New retaining walls three feet or greater in height with surcharge.

For additional information please download our Land Development Grand Permit Triggers form (PDF).

Impacted Swimming Pool Information

Guidelines to ensure your pool is safe to use after the Thomas Fire.

Other Information Items

The documents below provides building material recommendations for homes built in high fire zones.


  1. After Action Review
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