City of Malibu Environmental Sustainability Department - Building Safety Division Wins Prestigious “Department of the Year” Award
The City of Malibu Environmental Sustainability Department (ESD) - Building Safety Division has been honored by California Building Officials (CALBO) with the prestigious Building Department of the Year Award.
“This Department has taken the lead in demonstrating Malibu’s profound commitment to protecting the environment, safety and quality of life in Malibu,” said Mayor Steve Uhring. “Director Bundy and her team work very hard, and it is a well-deserved honor to receive this award. Their efforts embody the vision in Malibu’s General Plan that tasks us to be responsible custodians of the area’s natural resources for present and future generations.”
CALBO is a professional association with more than 500 city and county building department members throughout California. CALBO’s mission is to promote public health and safety in building construction through responsible legislation, education, and building code development.
The Department of the Year award recognizes cities that have made significant strides in promoting building safety, innovation, and community engagement. The award is presented annually to a Building Department that has demonstrated exceptional work in six categories. CALBO noted Malibu’s accomplishments in all categories:
- Commitment to Building Safety: ESD’s quick response to, and adoption of, new legislation shows remarkable focus on community safety.
- Innovation in Permitting Processes: Building Safety introduced online payments, project and development tracking portal, electronic applications, expedited reviews, and enhanced communication channels. In 2023, Building Safety productivity increased by 20% and processing times were reduced.
- Community Engagement and Education: The Department actively engages the community through outreach programs, workshops, and informational sessions. In 2023, the Department conducted more than 20 Town Hall meetings and used electronic and print media to conduct outreach and education to the community. The Department also produced a video explaining the development process: https://youtu.be/-CbYugR2uog.
- Disaster Response and Recovery Expertise: The Department has proven its ability to respond quickly and effectively to wildfires, mudslides, flooding, and earthquakes. In response to the 2023 winter rains, staff developed the Emergency Slope BMP Checklist, visited over 60 critical slide sites, and developed a working email group for the response team.
- Proactive Measures for Environmental Sustainability: In 2023, a total of 5,944 tons of construction debris was recycled for a program diversion rate of 87%, significantly exceeding the State mandate. Additionally, ESD was honored with the 2023 Dave Hardy Leadership in Organics award from the California Resource Recovery Association.
- Ongoing Professional Development: Because ESD consists of Building Safety and Environmental divisions, all staff attends a wide array of training courses including building code updates, permit technician essentials, State laws, safety assessment, solid waste and recycling initiatives, stormwater compliance, and wastewater protocols. This ensures staff remains dynamic, well-informed, and prepared for new challenges.
Staying true to the mission of building safety departments, the Malibu ESD - Building Safety Division, provides oversight for activities including permitting, public counter, building plan check, inspections, grading and drainage, geotechnical and coastal engineering, environmental health, and wastewater. Serving just over 10,300 constituents efficiently and effectively, ESD provides an example of how a department can go above and beyond its duties by increasing collaboration both internally and externally, being flexible and able to adapt to an ever-changing building industry and having an all-embracing commitment to its community.
To learn more about the Environmental Sustainability Department, Building Safety Division, visit www.malibucity.org/ESD.