Planning Department

Woolsey Fire info at MalibuRebuilds.org

Planning Department update

We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during the current COVID-19 situation. 

The Planning Department continues to provide all services online, by phone, or by appointment. The declared emergency is an evolving situation and, as a result, the Planning Department is working to adapt to this situation. Check this webpage regularly for updates on planning services.

Planning Department staff have developed alternative solutions, which are being reported here as they are implemented. Monitor this site for the latest information.  

Announcements as of June 30, 2020

• NEW City Hall - City Hall continues to be open to the public by appointment with protocols in place to protect public health and prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). 

To make an appointment with Planning staff, call 310-456-2489, ext. 485 or email mplanning@malibucity.org. All Case Planners are working remotely and at City Hall. You may email or call your Case Planner directly (staff directory), and your Case Planner will return your message by phone or email.

To facilitate the appointment process and make it easier for residents to book in-person services, the City has developed  a new online scheduling system to allow members of the public to make appointments. for in-person consultations with Building Safety, Environmental Health, and Public Works.

• New Hours - All Planning staff are currently working Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 

• Fire Rebuilds - Staff continues to process fire rebuild projects. Contact Aakash Shah at ashah@malibucity.org or 310-456-2489, ext. 385 to submit your planning application. You may also submit your Woolsey Fire fee waiver request and refunds to Aakash Shah.

• Planning Actions & Notices - The Planning Director is issuing approvals (such as administrative plan reviews) for existing applications using an electronic format and mailing out associated notices. 

• City Biologist - The City Biologist continues to review projects, issue determinations, and conduct inspections. Contact the City Biologist at dcrawford@malibucity.org or at 310-456-2489, ext. 277 to schedule your final inspection. 

Planning Department FAQs during COVID-19

NEW - Are City Departments holding counter hours? 

While City Hall is accessible by appointment only, staff is answering the City’s main phone line (310-456-2489) Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Anyone wishing to contact staff may do so using the following departmental extensions or emails:

In addition, in-person consultations with Building Safety, Environmental Health, and Public Works staff may be scheduled using the City’s new online scheduling system to allow members of the public to make appointments.

To make an appointment with Planning staff, call 310-456-2489, ext. 485 or email mplanning@malibucity.org.

NEW - How can I drop off materials for my project or to my Case Planner? 

An appointment is required to drop off any materials at City Hall. Project-specific materials for any department should be submitted to Planning online at mplanning@malibucity.org so that they can be logged and routed. Hard copy materials should also be submitted through the Planning counter by appointment.

How can I submit a new project application?

The Planning Department has transitioned to electronic application submittals, permits, and invoices, and is now accepting all new applications. As a convenience to applicants, staff has replaced the in-person City Department consultations to obtain submittal application materials and fees (also known as getting sign-offs for your Submittal Checklist) with an internal staff routing process. Once this information is obtained, City staff, within a week, will provide you with completed Submittal Checklist filled out with fees and submittal requirements from each City Department for your project. Planning staff will then coordinate with you on the e-submittal process for your application. We look forward to your feedback as we use this new process together. To start an electronic application submittal, email the following information to mplanning@malibucity.org: 

  • Project site legal address
  • Description of scope of work
  • Project Plans

Fire Rebuilds - Contact Aakash Shah at ashah@malibucity.org or 310-456-2489, ext. 385, to submit your planning application for a fire rebuild. 

Existing Applications -  For existing applications, contact your Case Planner directly via phone or email (both are being monitored by the Planners).

How do I pay outstanding fees? 

E-Payment by Credit Card: To pay fees related to a Planning application or Code Enforcement case by credit card, email the following information to the Planning Cashier at MPlanning@malibucity.org:

  • Case project number(s)
  • Project address
  • Fees that will be paid
  • Payor’s information (First Name, Last Name, Address, and email address)

Once received, you will be provided instructions on how to pay your fees online. 

Payment by Check: Mail checks along with the statement provided by staff to: City of Malibu, Planning Department, c/o Patricia Salazar, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA 90265.

Is the Planning Department requiring documents to be notarized? 

Recorded Documents: Documents that require recordation with the County Recorder’s Office require notarization. This requirement cannot be waived. Staff is currently able to process the recording of documents electronically. Contact your assigned Case Planner for more information.

Affidavit of Acceptance of Conditions: Due to the nature of this document, a notarized copy is required to be submitted to the Planning Department. 

Letter of Authorization to Submit an Application: This form requires the property owner(s) to sign in front of staff or to obtain notarization. The Planning Department is now offering in-person appointments to witness the signature of property owner(s) in lieu of obtaining a notarization. To schedule an appointment, contact staff at mplanning@malibucity.org or call 310-456-2489, ext. 485.

How do I file an Appeal of a Planning Director or Planning Commission action? 

A decision of the Planning Director or Planning Commission may be appealed by an aggrieved person by written statement setting forth the grounds for appeal. An appeal shall be filed with the City Clerk within ten days following the date of action (15 days for tentative maps) for which the appeal is made and shall be accompanied by an appeal form and filing fee, as specified by the City Council. Appeals should be emailed to psalazar@malibucity.org and the filing fee mailed to: City of Malibu, Planning Department, Attn: Patricia Salazar, 23825 Stuart Ranch Rd, Malibu, CA 90265. Payment must be received within 10 days of the appeal deadline. Appeal forms are available at malibucity.org/planningforms. If you are unable to submit your appeal via email, contact Patricia Salazar at 310-456-2489, ext. 245 at least two business days before your appeal deadline to arrange alternative delivery of the appeal. 

How do I file a Time Extension Request for a Planning Approval? 

A time extension request must be timely received by the Planning Department either by mail or in person prior to the expiration date listed on the Planning Director Notice of Decision or Planning Commission Resolution. Email your Time Extension Request to psalazar@malibucity.org and mail the filing fee of $506.00 to: City of Malibu, Planning Department, Attn: Patricia Salazar, 23825 Stuart Ranch Rd, Malibu, CA 90265. Payment must be received within 10 days of expiration date. Time Extension Request forms are available online at malibucity.org/planningforms. If you are unable to submit your form via email, contact Patricia Salazar at 310-456-2489, ext. 245 at least two business days before your expiration date to arrange alternative delivery of the extension request. 

I received a public notice mailer. How do I submit my comments?

You may contact the Case Planner listed on the notice directly via email, or the planner’s direct phone number, or call 310- 456-2489, ext. 485, and a planner will return your call. 

How do I submit comments or participate in an upcoming Planning Commission meeting? 

Written comments may be submitted electronically to PlanningCommission@malibucity.org before the meeting begins. 

To participate in an upcoming Planning Commission virtual meeting, check the posted meeting agenda. The public may also participate telephonically to provide oral comments. Information regarding participating telephonically or electronically is posted on malibucity.org/virtualmeeting.