Insulating a Pacific Palisades Fire Rebuild in 2026: Code, Rebates and Timing

Short answer: get your insulation plan settled before construction starts. The 2025 California energy code took effect January 1, 2026, wildfire-area rules affect vents and exterior materials, and the SoCalGas Fire Rebuild rebate (up to $3.00 per sq ft for ceilings) only pays if you apply before you build, using the R-values on your Title 24 report.

1. The energy code changed on January 1, 2026

California's building code, Title 24, is updated every three years. The 2025 edition, which includes the energy code, took effect January 1, 2026. Insulation levels, air sealing and how the attic is treated are all part of the energy report (the CF-1R) your energy consultant prepares for the permit.

Which edition applies depends on your permit application date, so your architect or energy consultant should confirm. Our job is to install exactly what's on that report, and to flag early when a different choice would perform better or cost less.

2. Wildfire-area rules affect the outside of the house

Most of the Palisades falls under California's wildland-urban interface (WUI) rules, which moved into their own code (Title 24, Part 7) in 2026. They focus on how embers get in: roofs, eaves, vents, gutters and underfloor areas. That matters for insulation in two ways:

• Vents: attic and foundation vents need to meet ember-resistance requirements. That affects how the attic is ventilated, or whether it's sealed and insulated at the roof deck instead.
• Materials: mineral wool is noncombustible, which is why it shows up more often in exterior assemblies on rebuilds.

The WUI code sets minimum standards and doesn't guarantee a home survives a fire. Your local building department confirms what applies to your lot.

3. The SoCalGas Fire Rebuild rebate: apply before you build

SoCalGas pays per square foot for high-performance insulation in new homes in 2025 fire-area zip codes, including 90272:

• Ceiling insulation above R-38: $2.30 per sq ft
• Above R-44: $2.50 per sq ft
• Above R-60: $3.00 per sq ft
• Qualifying wall insulation: $1.65 per sq ft

The home needs qualifying natural gas equipment, and you apply before construction starts with your Title 24 energy report. The R-values on the approved report are what gets paid, so the insulation decision has to be made early. On a typical rebuild, ceiling and wall insulation can add up to a five-figure rebate. Building all-electric? Different programs apply; ask us.

More on 2026 rebates is on our rebate page.

4. Common insulation choices on Palisades rebuilds

• Closed-cell spray foam (about R-7.2 per inch) where space is tight or moisture is a concern, and on roof decks for sealed attics.
• Open-cell spray foam for roof decks and interior walls where sound control matters.
• Mineral wool for noncombustible exterior assemblies and soundproofing between rooms.
• Havelock wool for owners who want a natural, non-synthetic insulation.
• Batts and blown-in where they meet the report at lower cost.

See our spray foam page for how open and closed cell compare.

5. Where insulation fits in the build schedule

1. Design: insulation spec on the Title 24 report; rebate application filed.
2. Framing and rough-in: plumbing, electrical and HVAC go in.
3. Insulation: installed after rough-in inspections, before drywall.
4. Insulation inspection and HERS verification where required, then drywall.

Builders and architects can email plans and the energy report to westside@koalainsulation.com for a takeoff and bid.