
What You Need to Know About the Los Angeles County Debris Removal Program
The Los Angeles County Debris Removal Program is designed to assist property owners in safely and efficiently clearing debris following disasters such as wildfires. Understanding how the program works and how it interacts with your insurance policy can help ensure a smooth recovery process.
Program Overview
The debris removal process consists of two key phases:
Phase 1: Hazardous Material Removal
This phase involves the automatic removal of hazardous materials by agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Property owners do not need to take any action for this phase. More details can be found on the LA County Recovery website.
Phase 2: Debris and Hazard Tree Removal
Property owners can opt into a government-sponsored program to clear non-hazardous debris and hazard trees. To participate, owners must submit a Right-of-Entry (ROE) form, allowing debris removal teams access to the property. The ROE form and additional information are available on the LA County Recovery website.
How the Program Works with Insurance
If you agree to participate in the program, in most cases, you should not have any out-of-pocket costs beyond the insurance proceeds provided by your policy for debris removal.
For Those with Debris Removal Coverage
If your insurance policy specifically includes coverage for debris and hazard tree removal, you must assign these benefits to the County. However, this assignment is limited to the actual cost of the debris removal services. Find out more in the official Opt-In Form.
For Those Without Specific Debris Removal Coverage
If your policy does not explicitly cover debris removal but includes it within a broader category, your payment to the County is limited to any unused insurance benefits remaining after rebuilding your home. Check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage. More details are available in the Opt-In Form.
Opting Out of the Program
Property owners may choose to opt out of the government-sponsored debris removal program and handle the cleanup independently. If you choose this option, you must:
Obtain necessary permits and approvals from the County before starting debris removal.
Hire licensed and certified contractors.
Cover all associated costs, as private debris removal is not reimbursed by federal or state disaster funds.
For more details, visit the Phase 2 Debris Removal page.
Next Steps
If you decide to participate, complete and submit the Right-of-Entry (ROE) form by the specified deadline. For assistance or further information, you can contact the Fire Debris Hotline at 844-347-3332 or visit the LA County Recovers website.
By understanding the debris removal process and how it works with your insurance, you can make informed decisions to facilitate a cost-effective and efficient recovery process.
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