What we build in Pacific Palisades
Most work in the Palisades right now falls into three groups.
- Rebuilds of homes lost in the January 2025 fire
- New custom homes on cleared or vacant lots
- Remodels and additions to homes that are still standing
What makes building here different
Three things shape almost every Palisades project: slope, the coast, and fire.
Many lots are on hillsides, which can mean soils reports, retaining walls, deeper foundations, and grading review. Parts of the Palisades are in the Coastal Zone, where a Coastal Development Permit may be needed. And much of the area is a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, so new construction must meet California’s wildland-urban interface standards.
Rebuilding after the fire
Emergency orders issued after the January 2025 fire streamline rebuilds that stay close to the original home’s size and footprint. A larger or redesigned home may go through the full review process. Rules have changed since the fire, so confirm current requirements with LADBS.
Whichever path you take, we build in fire resistance from the start: Class A roofing, ember-resistant vents, ignition-resistant exterior materials, tempered multi-pane windows, and defensible space around the house.
Permits in Pacific Palisades
Pacific Palisades is inside the City of Los Angeles, so permits go through the Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). Coastal, hillside, and fire-zone requirements are layered on top.
Plan check in Los Angeles typically takes 3 to 9 months, and longer for hillside or coastal projects. A complete first submittal saves the most time, since each round of corrections usually adds four to eight weeks.
How we work
We walk the site, write down what is in the job, and give you drawings, a schedule, and a clear price before anyone starts. During construction you get one crew, weekly updates and photos, and a written yes before any change. At the end there is a walkthrough and a punch list, and we stand behind the work.
Frequently asked questions
Do you build custom homes in Pacific Palisades?
Yes. SAS Builds takes on custom homes, rebuilds, remodels, and additions in Pacific Palisades. We are a licensed California general contractor (License #1073990) and have built in Greater Los Angeles since 2004.
Who issues building permits in Pacific Palisades?
Pacific Palisades is part of the City of Los Angeles, so building permits come from the Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). Properties in the Coastal Zone may also need a Coastal Development Permit, and hillside lots may need grading review.
How long does a Palisades rebuild take?
Construction on a ground-up home typically takes 12 to 18 months after permits are issued. Like-for-like rebuilds under the post-fire emergency orders generally move through permitting faster than new designs. Hillside and coastal lots tend to take longer.
What fire-resistant features are required?
Homes in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must meet Chapter 7A of the California building code. That includes Class A roofing, ember-resistant vents, ignition-resistant exterior materials, and tempered multi-pane windows, plus defensible space around the house.
