FEMA Expands Debris Cleanup Eligibility and Deadline in California
TL/DR –
FEMA has agreed to expand the scope of cleanup to include owner occupied condominiums, multi-family units, and certain commercial properties that were previously not eligible for debris removal. These properties will now be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, evaluated based on an immediate threat to public health and safety due to debris, barriers to the commercial entity completing debris removal independently, insurance coverage and status of claim, and the economic impact of debris removal on the commercial entity and community. FEMA has extended the deadline for Right of Entry form submissions to April 15 to allow the newly eligible groups time to apply.
FEMA Broadens Cleanup Scope for California, Extends Deadline for ROE Submissions
FEMA issued a letter to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) today, consenting to enlarge the cleanup range to previously ineligible facility types like owner-occupied condos and certain commercial properties.
In a bid to give the newly eligible groups ample time to apply, FEMA pushed the deadline for Right of Entry form submissions to April 15.
Cal OES Director Nancy Ward, in a letter to FEMA yesterday, urged for the inclusion of commercial and multi-family residences in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) debris removal program, particularly small businesses and residential apartments.
Under Governor Newsom’s leadership, bureaucratic roadblocks have been removed to expedite the cleanup process, facilitating faster community recovery after the disasters.
Private commercial property debris removal typically falls on property owners and doesn’t usually qualify for federal programs. Today’s approval places commercial properties under review on a case-by-case basis, taking into account factors like an immediate threat to public health, obstacles to independent debris removal, and the economic impact on the community.
Understanding the State-Federal Debris Removal Process
The federally funded debris removal program requires property owners to complete and submit an ROE form. There is no direct cost to the property owners, but any insurance claims left unused must be provided to offset the cleanup cost. Property owners should either opt into or out of the program by submitting an ROE form by April 15, 2025.
FEMA’s role typically involves the removal of debris from public areas. However, in the wake of the Los Angeles wildfires, the scope has been widened to include single-family residences to help expedite community recovery.
Federal Debris Removal Program Eligibility and Key Dates
Eligible entities include single-family properties, with homeowners required to opt into debris removal by submitting an ROE before the April 15 deadline. Owners of destroyed units in multi-family properties like condos also need to fill out an ROE form for eligibility assessment.
For updates on LA’s recovery and air quality results, visit CA.gov/LAfires.
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