• OWTS – Onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), sometimes called septic systems, need to be inspected by a City-registered OWTS practitioner to verify their functionality before they can be used for either a permanent rebuild or a temporary trailer. Most of the components of an OWTS are located below ground and are typically more resistant to fire damage. Damage to an OWTS may have occurred due to high heat, exposure to flames, smoke, ash, and power outages or equipment failure. Heavy firefighting equipment and heat from fires may also damage underground OWTS components, such as fiberglass tanks, piping, and old system components. In addition, fire materials may have contaminated the contents of tanks, and the liquid and waste may need to be pumped out. A City-registered Practitioner must inspect the OWTS for signs of damage and functionality of components and submit an OWTS inspection form prior to utilization of the system.
  • FOUNDATIONS – The re-use of other structural elements, such as existing foundations in fire-damaged buildings and structures require a feasibility review by the City’s Environmental Sustainability Department. This review only considers the durability and soundness of concrete foundations, including slabs, footings, piles, and retaining walls, based on the testing data described below. Find out more information about foundation feasibility reports by viewing the Foundation Feasibility Report for Fire-Damaged Structures and Foundation Re-Use after a Wildfire.
  • CHIMNEYS AND FIREPLACES – The re-use of chimneys and fireplaces still standing after the completion of the debris removal process requires the confirmation of structural stability by a structural engineer. Fireplaces and chimneys destroyed or removed may be replaced per the permit process described below however, note that all new fireplaces must be gas-burning, as state law prohibits the construction of new wood-burning fireplaces.