Santa Clarita / Antelope Valley : ‘One-Stop Permit Center’ Opens for Santa Clarita Quake Victims

City officials on Tuesday opened a “one-stop permit center” to aid residents planning to rebuild their quake-damaged homes or businesses.

The center, housed in trailers in the City Hall parking lot, will offer permits for rebuilding, information for those planning to do their own construction, and a list of licensed contractors. City inspectors also will be available to examine repairs or improvements.

Earlier this month, the City Council voted to waive permit and inspection fees for residents rebuilding after the Northridge earthquake, a move that could save builders up to $1.5 million.

Officials estimate there are 5,000 houses, apartments and businesses in need of repairs requiring permits.

City spokeswoman Gail Foy said the new center will smooth the road to recovery.

“This is not just a matter of eliminating fees,” Foy said. “Basically, we want to do whatever it takes to get people through this period as quickly as possible.”