Paradise officials say a surge in end of year building permit applications shows rising confidence and interest in reconstruction.
After the catastrophic Camp Fire more than a year ago, the resurrection of Paradise was anything but assured. Despite the odds, Colette Curtis spokeswoman for the Town of Paradise said many residents are moving quickly in an effort to rebuild.
“We had expected 200 applications, and to have received 700 really shows how much this community and our residents want to come home,” she said.
The town had 26,218 residents before the fire, according to the 2010 Census. While off to a solid start, Paradise will have many fewer residents for a while.
So far, the town has issued 448 permits and contractors have finished 27 new homes that now house families, Curtis said.
Hoping to demystify and expedite reconstruction, Paradise will host an evening workshop Tuesday, Jan. 7, on navigating the town’s new reconstruction checklist.
Building department officials will answer questions about timelines, deadlines and the sequence of steps needed to get plans off the drawing board and into reality.
“We will also have PG&E available to talk about the temporary power process, in addition we will have some local contractors who have availability in the coming year in case anyone is looking for a contractor,” Curtis said.
The meeting gets underway at 6 p.m. at the Paradise Alliance Church, 6491 Clark Road.