If you’re a homeowner affected by the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles County, you may have heard about the Right-of-Entry (ROE) Form required for government-sponsored fire debris removal. This guide will explain what it is, why it’s needed, how to complete it, deadlines, and what happens after you submit it.
📌 What Is the Right-of-Entry (ROE) Form?
The Right-of-Entry (ROE) Form is a legal document that allows the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Los Angeles County, and other agencies to enter your property and remove fire debris at no cost to you.
✔ Gives permission for government crews to remove debris
✔ Ensures hazardous waste is cleaned up safely
✔ Required before you can apply for a building permit
💰 Does It Cost Homeowners Anything?
No. The government pays for the cleanup, but if your insurance covers debris removal, you may have to submit reimbursement to the county (only for debris-related payouts).
📌 Who Should Submit the ROE Form?
✔ Homeowners with destroyed or damaged structures
✔ Property owners who want the government to remove debris for free
✔ Those who need a Final Debris Removal Certification to rebuild
🚫 Who DOESN’T Need to Submit an ROE?
🚫 If you choose to remove debris privately (you must submit an Opt-Out Form instead).
🚫 If your property was not damaged by the fire.
📌 What Happens If You Don’t Submit an ROE?
❌ You must hire a private contractor to remove debris (and pay upfront).
❌ You must follow strict disposal & documentation rules.
❌ No Final Debris Removal Certification = No building permit approval.
📌 Deadline to Submit ROE: March 31, 2025
📌 How to Fill Out & Submit the ROE Form
Step 1: Download the ROE Form
📍 Get the form at: recovery.lacounty.gov
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
🔲 Government-issued ID (Driver’s License, Passport, etc.)
🔲 Insurance Policy (Declaration Page & Debris Removal Coverage Page)
🔲 APN (Assessor’s Parcel Number)
🔲 Signatures of All Property Owners, Trustees, or Power of Attorney
🔲 Notarized authorization (if an agent is submitting on your behalf)
🔲 Property Sketch (showing structures, access points, wells, septic, etc.)
📌 TIP: The property sketch should reflect your previous home’s layout (not the new home design).
Step 3: Submit Your ROE Form
📧 Email: ROE@pw.lacounty.gov
📬 Mail: LA County Public Works, ATTN: Debris Removal Team, P.O. Box 1460, Alhambra, CA 91802-1460
📠 Fax: (626) 458-3569
📍 In-Person: Any Disaster Recovery Center or County Building & Safety Office
📌 Need help? Call (844) FIRE DEBRIS / (844) 347-3332
📌 What Happens After You Submit the ROE Form?
✔ Step 1: LA County Reviews & Approves Your ROE
✔ Step 2: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Removes Debris
✔ Step 3: Soil Testing Ensures the Land Is Safe for Rebuilding
✔ Step 4: You Receive a Final Debris Removal Certification
✔ Step 5: You Can Apply for a Building Permit
📌 Estimated Timeline: Debris removal begins January 30, 2025, and must be completed in 30 days.
📌 What If You Want to Remove Debris Privately? (Opting Out of ROE)
If you don’t want the government to remove debris, you must:
✔ Submit an Opt-Out Form instead of an ROE.
✔ Hire a licensed debris removal contractor (C-21 or A-General Engineering license).
✔ Obtain a Private Debris Removal Permit.
✔ Follow all county disposal regulations & soil testing requirements.
📌 Submit the Opt-Out Form to: optout@pw.lacounty.gov
📌 Pros & Cons of Opting Into the ROE Program vs. Private Debris Removal
| Option | Pros | Cons |
| Government ROE (FREE) | No cost to homeowner, Fast & reliable cleanup, Includes soil testing | Insurance may need to reimburse the government |
| Private Debris Removal | More control over schedule, Potentially faster | Must pay upfront, Strict documentation rules |
📌 Key Takeaways
✅ The ROE Form allows free debris removal by the government.
✅ Homeowners who don’t submit an ROE must hire a private contractor & pay for cleanup.
✅ Submitting an ROE ensures you get a Final Debris Removal Certification (required to rebuild).
✅ The deadline to submit the ROE Form is March 31, 2025.
📌 Need help? Contact:
☎ Los Angeles County Debris Removal Hotline: (844) 347-3332
🌍 Website: recovery.lacounty.gov
📧 Email: ROE@pw.lacounty.gov