Permits Office Closes as Quake Cases Dwindle

Dwindling requests for post-earthquake residential building permits has resulted in the closing of the temporary walk-up West Valley public permit counter in Reseda.

The closing is a bittersweet event, said Karen Constine, chief of staff for Councilwoman Laura Chick. It marks another step in earthquake recovery and the return of a handful of building inspectors to field duties, she said.

West Valley residents seeking simple permits--such as those required for chimney repair or the addition of a water heater--must now travel to the Valley’s only building and safety permit office in the Van Nuys Civic Center.