1. Submission of ROE Forms: The Los Angeles County provides Right of Entry (ROE) forms on its official website at Los Angeles County Debris Removal. Homeowners and parcel owners can submit these forms either online or in person at a designated Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).
2. Verification of Information: Once a completed ROE form is submitted, Los Angeles County – in collaboration with affected cities – reviews and verifies the information provided, including validating the legal/rightful owner of the parcel/property.
3. Transfer to USACE: Upon receiving approval from LA County, the ROE is transferred to the Corps of Engineers for execution. The Army Corps of Engineers plays a vital role in managing debris removal operations.
4. Categorization of Work: The Army Corps of Engineers contractor reviews the ROE form and categorizes the work required based on the condition of the properties. This categorization includes:
- Completely destroyed properties.
- Properties with considerable damage, including remaining walls.
- Other categories, as applicable.
5. Site Visit Scheduling: The Army Corps of Engineers contractor schedules a site visit with the designated contact person listed on the ROE form.
- This visit is essential for a thorough assessment of the property.
6. Assessment: During the Site Visit, the Army Corps of Engineers further categorizes the property based on their assessment, which may involve:
- Identification of additional work required.
- Review of asbestos testing results
- Other assessments, as necessary.
7. Scheduling the Work: Following the site visit, the Army Corps of Engineers contractor schedules the start of the debris removal work.
8. Debris Removal Work: The Army Corps of Engineers contractor conducts debris removal, which includes:
- Removal of hazards to operators, such as surface ash (up to 6-inches of incidental soil) to remediate remaining imminent threats to public health and safety.
- Burned debris, including burned structural remains, furniture, personal belongings, white goods, household appliances, and patio furniture (excluding burned or partially burned stone, concrete, landscaping features, or statues outside the structural footprint).
- Household hazardous waste (HHW) and/or other hazardous materials and pollutants associated with private residences and public properties.
- Removal of chimneys, trees, and unsupported walls that pose a hazard to debris removal crews.
9. Corps of Engineers Quality Assurance: The Army Corps of Engineers conducts a final quality assurance check to confirm that all work has been completed satisfactorily and meets the required standards.
10. Transfer of Parcel Back to County: Upon successful completion of the debris removal and all associated work, the Corps of Engineers transfers the parcel back to the County, marking the conclusion of the ROE process. The County returns the parcel back to the landowner.