PLANNING DEPARTMENT

Woolsey Fire info at MalibuRebuilds.org

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 FAQs during COVID-19

NEW How can I submit a new planning application or submit revised plans or materials for an existing application? 

The Planning Department has transitioned to electronic application submittals, permits, and invoices. To initiate your submittal with the Planning Department, please fill out the Initiate Submittal Form and email it to mplanning@malibucity.org. It will be routed to the appropriate staff member for processing. For more information on the Planning Departments digital submittal process, view the Planning Submittal Guide. 

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

I have been temporarily displaced by the Woolsey Fire and am having difficulties receiving public notices. How can I ensure that I receive public notices that may affect my home in Malibu? 

If you would like to receive all public notices via email or receive notices for a specific parcel, send your request to Patricia Salazar at psalazar@malibucity.org. Also, to receive messages regarding public meetings, sign up at malibucity.org/news.

Are City Departments holding counter hours? How do I schedule an appointment? 

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.

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. P

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 $523.00 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.