Steps to Rebuilding Together

CA Dept of Insurance protections for wildfire victims

In response to requests from the City of Malibu, the California Department of Insurance (CDI) provided important information on insurance protections in place for victims of the Woolsey Fire and other wildfires since September 21, 2018.

CDI Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued two notices in September and November 2019 to insurance companies, adjusters, and brokers regarding State law on residential property policies related to a declared State of Emergency. The notices explain that California Insurance Code Section 2051.5 includes two subsections providing wildfire victims with 36 months, plus extensions, for getting both Replacement Cost and Additional Living Expenses.

The Insurance Code specifies that, effective September 21, 2018, in the event of a covered loss relating to a state of emergency declared by the Governor, coverage for additional living expenses must be for at least 24 months from the date of the loss. In addition, insurers are required to grant an extension of up to 12 additional months, for a total of 36 months, if the insured encounters a delay(s) in the reconstruction process as a result of circumstances beyond their control. Additional extensions of six months must be provided to policyholders for good cause.  

For additional wildfire resource information, visit the CDI website at Insurance.CA.gov. 

CITY URGES CONSTRUCTION WORKERS TO FOLLOW CITY OF LOS ANGELES COVID-19 SAFETY GUIDANCE FOR CONSTRUCTION SITES

The City of Los Angeles announced guidance on COVID-19 safety for construction sites based on the Interim CDC’s Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), OSHA’s Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19, and other publications. All construction sites in Malibu are urged to follow this guidance. View City of LA Notice.

1. Prepare Your Plans

START BY MEETING WITH THE REBUILD TEAM

Rebuild Project staff can help gather information that may influence your design choices and explain which process will work best for you and your property.

Visit the City’s Rebuild Help Desk during normal business hours to discuss your project or email Rebuild Project staff to schedule a free appointment with a senior planner.

2. Obtain Permits

Prior to obtaining permits, review your project with City departments and outside agencies. All proposed work must be permitted by the City through a two-step process to comply with the City’s zoning and building codes. Start with Planning for zoning approval, then move onto Building Safety for project review. City staff is available to assist residents before and during project review.

  1. Zoning Code Approval
  2. Building Code Approval

Zoning codes primarily deal with where a structure can be placed on a site, its square footage and its height, among other things. Meet with City staff and review the various rebuild options in order to determine which Planning application is the right fit.

The City is offering a free pre-submittal consultation to property owners whose homes were damaged or destroyed by Woolsey Fire. No plans or designs are necessary before scheduling this meeting.

Visit the Rebuild Help Desk at City Hall to discuss your project. Email Rebuild Project staff to schedule a free appointment with a senior planner.

  • Location: Malibu City Hall, Rebuild Help Desk in the upstairs lobby
  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. To make an appointment, email Rebuild Project staff.

3. Construction and Inspections

CONSTRUCTION

The California State Department of Consumer Affairs maintains an online tool to Check a Contractor License. 

This residential Construction Type V Sheet is to make quick processing of your application, useful in avoiding code compliance problems during construction, and efficient in keeping you, your family, and/or client safe and healthy during construction. Residents interested in more complex rebuild options can find additional Building Safety forms and information.

INSPECTIONS

Request your inspection with the convenient online scheduling system and receive a confirmation number via email.

Inspectors must be allowed access to the property between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

4. Move In

During construction, inspections will be made to ensure your home is being built to plan and will be safe to live in. After passing final inspection, a certificate of occupancy will be issued and you can move in!

Fire Rebuild Policy for OWTS Operating Permits

If a property has been impacted and rebuilt as a result of the Woolsey Fire, the OWTS Operating Permit must be obtained within 60 days after the owner receives a Certificate of Occupancy. 

If there is an active OWTS Operating Permit issued prior to the Woolsey Fire (11/08/2018), the City will issue a new permit after the owner receives a Certificate of Occupancy contingent upon the following: 

  • The former permit expiration date is within one year of the Certificate of Occupancy issuance date 
  • Installation of a new advanced onsite wastewater treatment system
  • Replacement of a septic tank or seepage pit

CURRENT REBUILD STATUS

Visit MalibuCity.org/RebuildStats to view the most up-to-date statistics related to Woolsey Fire single-family rebuild projects, with numbers of projects in Planning Review all the way to Completed Homes, as well as the various types of projects and numbers of permits issued.