What is your timeline?

While our timeline is partially dependent on some external factors like the County's pre-approval process and resources available to support the Foundation, it is our goal to have an initial collection of pre-approved designs ready by the end of the summer. More information on the initial home types will be released over the next several weeks.

As of the beginning of May 2025, we currently have one permit set under review for preapproval by LA County Planning and Building & Safety.

Our mission and goal is to offer an attainable option for rebuilding, especially to those who may feel like they don’t have one. Whether or not you decide to move forward with a Catalog plan, we hope to remain a valuable resource for you in the future.

What will the cost be?

A TFCF Licensing Fee (estimated at $5/SF) supports the contributing architect/designer, engineer, and insurance/liability costs. It also allows The Foothill Catalog Foundation to provide rebuilding plans at low or no cost to severely underinsured or uninsured homeowners. Supporting the community rebuild is the founding mission of TFCF.

From a construction standpoint, early collaboration with builders and the integration of modular and prefabricated elements can lead to more efficient, cost-effective designs. By introducing savings at each stage, and leveraging the repeatable nature of Catalog Home, we aim to make rebuilding a more affordable and attainable option for as many affected homeowners as possible.

To learn more about our process, visit Rebuild with TFCF.

Will TFCF’s plans be customizable?

Per LA County, a preapproved plan cannot be customized without relinquishing its preapproved status. TFCF will not be offering any customizations to the home design outside of finish options.

What if I need a custom solution?

For those looking for custom solutions, we highly encourage you to engage a qualified design professional for your rebuild. We are happy to share referrals for local architects & designers, resources, and to help point you in the right direction.

As a start, we encourage all homeowners to learn more about the design and building process. A great resource is AIA Pasadena Foothill’s “Ask an Architect” program, where you may consult one-on-one with an architect at no cost. More information can be found here.

Will sustainability and fire resiliency be considered in TFCF’s plans?

Yes. While a key pillar of TFCF’s mission is to retain the character of Altadena expressed through architectural style, it is equally important that we are all rebuilding better with resiliency and sustainability in mind. Through material selections, smart detailing, and informed design, we can ensure that resilient, sustainable, and regionally-sensitive design can be accessible and attainable for as many people as possible.

My site has been cleared. While I wait for pre-approved plans from FCF, what other steps can I take to prepare for rebuilding?

Regardless of what rebuild method you chose, consider completing the following tasks to be prepared for the construction phase. Visit LA County Recovers for more information on what tasks may be required before construction can begin.

1. Soil Testing - if you plan to take out a bank loan, a lender may require a soils report to understand the potential for contamination, structural instability, and for liability and risk management. Even if you do not need to take out a loan, a soils test will provide bearing capacity and potential for compaction and instability through a geotechnical report. 

2.  Survey - Hire a surveyor to map "the lay of the land". A Boundary Survey will establish the property lines, ensuring clear ownership boundaries. A Topographic Survey maps the land's surface features, including elevations, contours, and drainage patterns. An ALTA Land Title Survey provides a detailed evaluation of the property's boundaries, easements, encroachments, and other legal features. This is often required by title companies and lenders before closing but may not be as necessary for single family lots.  We recommend visiting an one-stop permit center to understand any site specific requirements you may have prior to completing any site or survey work.

Rebuild LA Architecture offers valuable resources to help homeowners understand the intricacies of the building process. Familiarizing yourself with these details can help ensure your project aligns with your vision and requirements.

Will TFCF’s plans be available to those in the Palisades?

We’ve initiated discussions with the City of Los Angeles to establish a preapproval process similar to that of LA County, with the goal of extending TFCF’s services to homeowners in the Palisades. We hope to have an update on this in the coming weeks.

How can I learn more about the Habitat for Humanity partnership and Plans?

In partnership with San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity, TFCF is in the process of developing three Catalog home designs based around one efficient floor plan, that can be built by SGV Habitat. Each home features 3 beds, 2 baths and ranges from 1160 to 1190 square feet, with an option for a detached garage. While sharing the same floor plan, the character of each home differs, reflecting the variety in architectural identity and regional specificity of the foothill locale. If you are interested in assistance with household items, minor or major home repairs or considering Habitat for Humanity for rebuilding, please visit https://sgvhabitat.org/