Rebuilding in California has been slow due to restrictions and rising construction costs. (Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images)
Of those homes and businesses lost, construction has begun on fewer than 600, leaving more than 96% still untouched.
"There are people who are certainly determined to come back and build right away and have the financial resources and the insurance coverage to do that," Jamie Mead CEO of Thomas James Homes explained to Fox News national correspondent William La Jeunesse.
MAPS SHOW EXTENT OF WILDFIRE DEVASTATION, HOMES DESTROYED
Construction has begun on fewer than 4% of destroyed homes and businesses. (Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images)
Even when homeowners are ready to move forward, the clock is working against them.
Compass Realtor Mark Marquez says that even after permits are approved in a process that can take about two months, it can take another eight to nine months to build a move-in-ready home.
But most insurance policies cover temporary living expenses for about 18 months, a window that often closes before rebuilding is complete, especially with permitting delays.
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"All these lots that you see empty, people are not getting insurance money to rebuild," said Sue Pascoe, a Pacific Palisades resident.
Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
For many fire survivors, the choice is becoming increasingly clear: rebuild quickly or walk away.
Amanda covers the intersection of business and politics for Fox News Digital.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/one-year-after-la-fires-politicians-promises-permits-appear-paltry