Housing Resources: For Builders

AFFORDABLE HOUSING OVERLAY (AHO)

The City’s affordable housing overlay (AHO) identifies specific sites where affordable multifamily housing is permitted at a minimum 20 dwelling units/acre, with by right approval parameters for Sites 1 and 2 as set forth in the City’s Local Implementation Plan (LIP) and implementing ordinances. The AHO applies to three designated sites along Pacific Coast Highway and a portion of the La Paz Civic Center property. See background and development requirements in the certified Housing Element and MMC § 17.42.020(L) and LIP § 3.4.5 (Affordable Housing Overlay District). Amendments to the AHO implementing the Housing Element are contained in Ordinance No. 523, which is pending certification, as of November 2025, by the California Coastal Commission. 

AHO District Sites , 

2021-2029 Housing Element

Site Number

APNs

Address

1

4467-013-022 and 4467-013-023

28517 Pacific Coast Highway and adjacent vacant lot

2

4467-012-005

28401 Pacific Coast Highway

3

4458-022-908

23467 Civic Center Way

DENSITY BONUS IN MALIBU

Under California Density Bonus Law (Gov. Code § 65915), qualifying projects that include deed restricted affordable units may receive increased density, incentives/concessions, parking reductions, and, where necessary, waivers of development standards. The City implements density bonus consistent with state law, Local Coastal Program, and the California Coastal Act. See MMC § 17.41.1.010 and  LIP § 3.7.1(K) (Residential Density Bonus). Amendments to the density bonus implementing the Housing Element are contained in Ordinance No. 523, which is pending certification as of November 2025, by the California Coastal Commission.

FUNDING & INCENTIVES (County, State, and Federal)

County (LACDA)

  • HOME funds - Low-interest loans to developers, including Native American Entities and state-certified Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) operating in State-eligible jurisdictions. For more information, visit LACDA.
  • Project Based Vouchers (PBV) - Offers rental housing options at specific housing locations. Assistance is attached to particular rental units. For information, visit LACDA PBV.
  • Multifamily Bond Financing - Tax-exempt bonds to provide low-interest loans for developing affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income residents. For detailed information, visit LACDA Bonds.

State (HCD/CTCAC)

  • Multifamily Housing Program (MHP) - Long term, low interest loans for new construction/rehab/preservation. For more information, visit HCD's program page & 2025 Guidelines.
  • Multifamily Finance Super NOFA (MFSN) - Consolidated grant application process that allows developers to apply for multiple state-administered housing funds simultaneously. View the 2025 guidance and awards.
  • Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) - Federal and state credits administered by the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTCAC) to help finance the construction and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing.

Federal (HUD)

HOME Investment Partnerships Program offers flexible affordable housing capital for states/localities. For more information, view the CRS/HUD & Federal Register update.

SURPLUS PUBLIC LAND (SURPLUS LAND ACT)

For publicly owned sites designated as surplus or exempt surplus, California’s Surplus Land Act (AB 1486/AB 1255) requires priority for affordable housing. Developers can consult the state’s guidelines and mapping tools: