LA threatens to tow storage containers used by rebuilding Pacific Palisades residents
Residents of Pacific Palisades, still recovering from last year’s devastating wildfires, may face another hurdle in their rebuilding efforts.
According to reports, the City of Los Angeles has threatened to tow storage containers that local families are using to store furniture, personal belongings, and construction materials. The city reportedly warned that residents would be charged if the containers are not moved within 48 hours.
Many residents say these containers are essential as they work to rebuild homes lost in the fires. Others, however, argue that the containers create traffic problems and block streets, causing local congestion.
Mayor Karen Bass’ office has pushed back against the 48-hour removal deadline. A spokesperson told The California Post that no citywide notices have been issued by the Bureau of Street Services targeting storage containers for removal. Bass also confirmed to NBC Los Angeles that the directive did not originate from her office and has instructed the Bureau of Street Services to halt any enforcement actions involving storage containers in the Palisades until the situation is clarified.
Local officials are calling on Bass to address the issue quickly.
“I’ve personally discussed this matter with Mayor Bass, and we will ensure it gets resolved,” Councilmember Traci Parks told NBC LA. “It’s possible to manage street access while still supporting residents who are trying to rebuild their homes.”
Community groups in Pacific Palisades have expressed frustration over the city’s approach, saying the problem started after a city official, Charles Smith, communicated with the storage company PODS.
“Throughout the Palisades, these containers have been sitting in front of homes during fire recovery, holding furniture, personal items, and building materials. Now they’re being treated as violations,” a post from Palisades HQ said. “At a time when residents need support to rebuild, the city is adding unnecessary obstacles.”
The group said PODS was informed that containers in the area needed to be removed within 48 hours or face enforcement action. Emails shared with The California Post indicate that the city requested at least one POD container be removed, and the company confirmed to KTLA that it received multiple notices concerning its units.
One resident told KTLA that her container remains on the street because her backyard was destroyed in the fire and her home is not yet ready to move into. She added that it does not interfere with traffic.
“There’s no traffic here,” she said. “Who would be coming through? There’s nothing to come for unless you live here or are working on your house.”
Social media users criticized the city and Bass for targeting the containers, noting that similar structures disguised as RVs or homeless encampments would likely face no restrictions.
The California Post also reached out to the LA Department of Public Works for comment.
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