Temporary housing after a wildfire: 24-month ALE laws, on-lot permits, and what month 36 looks like

Key facts

• California, Colorado, Oregon: 24-month ALE minimum after a declared emergency, extendable to 36; California adds a four-month advance on request; Colorado pays within 20 days of a signed lease.
• LA County: RV or manufactured unit on the lot under a Disaster Recovery Permit, closing by January 16, 2028. Maui County: 42 months plus 18, after debris clearance.
• 50-amp units are 15 percent of reporting units in California and 14 percent in Colorado (measured 2026-09-18).
• Marshall Fire: 75 percent of homes had a certificate of occupancy 47 months after the fire; the statutory maximum is 36.

What do the three statutes require?

At least 24 months of ALE after a declared-emergency loss, extendable to 36 for delays outside your control. California adds a four-month advance on request. Colorado pays within 20 days of a signed lease and 65 percent of contents coverage without an inventory. Every state's row is on ALE time limits by state.

Can you live on the burned lot?

In LA County under a Disaster Recovery Permit closing January 16, 2028, and in Maui County for 42 months plus 18, both after debris clearance. The conditions are on the RV lot feasibility checklist. Ask the county before clearance is complete.

What power should the temporary service provide?

A TT-30 receptacle serves most of the reachable fleet; only 8 percent of California units and 14 percent of Colorado units are 50-amp.

What happens at month 36?

The policy stops unless the insurer allows more. Marshall Fire homes reached 75 percent occupancy at 47 months. Request both extensions in writing before month 20 and plan housing past month 36 from other resources. The method is on how long insurance pays for temporary housing.

State desks

California, Colorado, Oregon and Hawaii.

Questions people ask

How long will insurance pay for housing after a wildfire?

At least 24 months in California, Colorado and Oregon after a declared emergency, with two six-month extensions available for delays outside your control. Elsewhere, the policy form sets the limit.

Can I live on my burned lot while I rebuild?

In LA County and Maui County, yes, under a published permit, after debris clearance and with wastewater, fire code and licensed trades conditions met. Elsewhere, ask the county permit office.

What power should the temporary service provide?

A TT-30 receptacle serves most of the reachable fleet; only 8 percent of California units and 14 percent of Colorado units are 50-amp. A 50-amp pedestal is not wrong, but it is not what most units plug into.

What happens when the 36 months run out?

The policy stops paying unless the insurer allows more. Request both extensions in writing before month 20, and plan housing past month 36 from your own resources or a FEMA program if one applies.

What to do next

1. Cite the statute section in your first written request: the 24-month minimum, the advance and the extensions.
2. Ask the county for its on-lot permit conditions before debris clearance is complete.
3. Quote a TT-30 receptacle for the temporary service.
4. Put both extension requests on the calendar before month 20.

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How we know

Each finding below names its source, what we did to it, what it means for you and what it costs to ignore. Figures marked measured decay and are re-measured before they are 60 days old.

Reviewed by TempHome Finder editorial. Published 2026-09-06. Updated 2026-09-07.