Rancho Santa Fe Association
Member Assistance Program

List of Steps for Recovery / Rebuilding Damaged Homes
List of Steps for Recovery / Rebuilding Destroyed Homes
Links to Fire Recovery and Rebuilding Resources

Fire Rebuild Permit Processing
November 5, 2007

Unfortunately, several homes within the Covenant were destroyed or damaged during the recent Witch Creek Fire.  If your home was damaged, the Rancho Santa Fe Association would like to assist you with your rebuilding process by offering the following services:

Priority Processing

Building permit applications from fire victims whose homes were destroyed or damaged will be given priority processing.  While Art Jury review and approval are still required, applications from fire victims will be processed ahead of other applicants.

• Priority processing means first priority for staff review, plan check, agenda scheduling etc.
• There will be no lowering of review standards
• All fire damaged properties receive priority processing

• For the exact rebuilding of a home or other structure; only a Final application will be necessary. Art Jury approval of construction plans will be necessary (per the Covenant) –with a subsequent staff plan-check of County stamped plans. 

The criteria for this process are as follows:

• Same location and orientation on the lot
• Same square footage
• Same floor plan
• Same exterior elevations

• For rebuilding of a different design; application requirements may vary based on the extent of the rebuild. Please contact Building Commissioner Robert Green for exact submittal requirements.

The County of San Diego and Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District will also require that any new home or structure meets current Building and Fire Codes.

Building Permit Fee Waivers

The Association will waive application fees and building permit fees for homes and other structures that were destroyed or damaged by the Witch Creek Fire subject to the following limitations;

Fee waivers will apply based on the square footage of the previous home or structure.  For example, if a home that was destroyed was 5,000 square feet in size, fees will be waived for a new home up to 5,000 square feet.  Using the same 5,000 square foot home as an example, if a new 8,000 square foot home is proposed, fees will be charged only on the additional 3,000 square feet.

Outside Agency Review

The County of San Diego has established a similar process to expedite building permit processing for fire victims including a waiver of fees.