California has launched a high-tech initiative to accelerate rebuilding efforts in Los Angeles following the devastating Eaton fire in January 2025, which claimed at least 18 lives and destroyed over 9,000 buildings. The state is deploying artificial intelligence to streamline planning approvals, enabling faster reconstruction for homeowners and builders in the city and county.

Los Angeles National Forest firefighters during the early stages of the Eaton Fire

The initiative, announced by Governor Gavin Newsom on May 7, 2025, involves a partnership with philanthropic organizations, including LA Rises and Steadfast LA, and contributions from companies like Autodesk and Amazon. Newsom stated: “The current pace of issuing permits locally is not meeting the magnitude of the challenge we face.” The AI-powered solution aims to address this by significantly reducing approval times.

Archistar, a software company, is providing its application at no cost to local officials and those submitting planning applications. The app leverages computer vision, machine learning, and automated rules to evaluate building designs against local zoning and building codes. This allows homeowners and builders to verify compliance before submission, minimizing delays and revisions.

Rick Caruso, chair of Steadfast LA, highlighted the transformative potential of the technology, stating: “Working with our coalition partner Mike Hopkins and Amazon, I’m proud Steadfast LA identified Archistar as the right company to develop and apply this game-changing technology. Now we can work with great philanthropic organizations, including LA Rises, to provide this critical tool at no cost to taxpayers.” He noted that the AI system could reduce a process that typically takes weeks or months to just hours or days.

The initiative responds to the urgent need to rebuild communities affected by the Eaton fire, which was fueled by the Santa Ana winds. By offering the Archistar app for free, California aims to support residents and businesses in Los Angeles as they recover from the disaster. The technology ensures that rebuilding efforts comply with regulations while expediting the approval process.

Located in Los Angeles, the project aligns with California’s broader commitment to leveraging innovation for community resilience. The collaboration between state authorities, philanthropic groups, and technology providers demonstrates a unified effort to address the challenges of post-disaster recovery. As the region rebuilds, this AI-driven approach is expected to set a new standard for efficient and accessible planning approvals.