Family Faces Setback in Home Rebuilding
A family devastated by the Palisades Fire is determined to rebuild their home, yet they find themselves in a frustrating standstill with the city of Los Angeles over a seemingly minor 5-foot setback requirement.
Since losing their residence to the fire, the Pasternak family expressed their disappointment and confusion regarding the city’s regulations. Jesse Pasternak articulated their feelings, stating, “I’m just really disappointed. I feel like the city let us down, and we’re just trying to get back to normalcy.” The family, who has cherished the property since 1990, had their house, built in 1972, destroyed during the fire.
After submitting their rebuilding plans in April, the family is disheartened by the lack of approval, primarily due to the city’s insistence on moving the new home 5 feet further from the street. This adjustment would significantly impact their backyard space. Glorrie Pasternak voiced their frustration, noting, “Our house was legal for all these years. Thirty-something years, just for sidewalks. There have never been sidewalks here.”
Emotional Toll and Financial Strain
The Pasternaks believe they should be allowed to rebuild on the same footprint that their home occupied for decades. “We didn’t choose to lose our home. This fire happened, and we didn’t want to lose our home. So we should be able to rebuild exactly where our home was before,” Ellie Rose Pasternak stated passionately.
As recovery efforts expand across the area, with some local businesses reopening, the home rebuilding process remains painfully slow. Recent stats indicate that about 6,000 homes were lost to the fire, yet only 43 have received occupancy permits thus far. “We’ve been waiting since April just for our rebuilding permits to go through,” Ellie lamented. Furthermore, they learned that adjustments to the garage may be necessary, further complicating their situation.
Financial pressures are mounting for the family, especially as their rent insurance ceases to cover their temporary living arrangements. Jesse Pasternak expressed the toll these delays are taking on them, saying, “The city can’t lose anything by waiting, but we do lose a lot just sitting and waiting for it. It’s costing our family a lot.”
The family is not alone in facing these challenges, as others in the neighborhood are also burdened by the city’s requirements. Jesse highlighted how a nearby friend succumbed to similar pressures, prioritizing a quicker resolution for her home.
The city has indicated that an appeal is a possibility for the Pasternaks. A representative from Councilwoman Traci Park’s office has stated they are aware of the situation and are looking into it.
