2024 Mountain Fire Property Owner Obstacles to Rebuilding

The Mountain Fire that destroyed 100's of Camarillo homes in November 2024 is having new complications.  Homeowners who got permits approved right away are well on their way to completion.  Some have even moved in.  However, some who waited or the process took longer than expected have found the County of Ventura planning department and permits department have hired a third party engineering firm who is demanding very strict building codes.  These codes have stricter regulations than the state of California.  One owner has been told they need 45 caissons, due to a steep barranca behind their building pad, which will cost $1.5M in addition to the $900+ per foot cost to rebuild.  They have reduced the size of the original home by 2,000 square feet in order to stay in budget, but then were told they need additional structural engineering with 45 caissons.  This puts them way over budget and is causing them to have to sell the lot and buy elsewhere.  The next gut punch is that they will have to disclose the caisson report to any  potential buyer of the land.  No one who wants to rebuild on their dream property would think they wouldn't be able to rebuild.  They bought proper fire insurance but are left unable to rebuild within a reasonable budget.  Many of the owners move to the Las Posas Estates and Camarillo to retire and finish out their golden years in a quiet, safe community with many amenities such as golf courses, social groups and consider living in Camarillo as a "stay-cation."