Upcoming
(NEW) MALIBU REBUILDS - STATISTICS
Staff continues to work with homeowners to rebuild. Here are the current rebuild statistics:
- Single Family Dwellings building permits issued - 211
- Single Family Dwellings complete – 62
- Multifamily building permits issued - 18 units
- Multifamily building units complete- 12 units
CITY HALL OPEN to the public - PUBLIC COUNTER HOURS
City Hall remains open to serve the public during the COVID pandemic, though certain public counters have reduced hours of operation. Appointments are not necessary but can be made on the webpage or by phone.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY DEPARTMENT - Appointments: 310-456-2489, ext. x390
Permits: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM -12:00 PM, and 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM for walk-ins and appointments. Other times by appointment only.
Building Plan Check: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00 AM -12:00 PM, for walk-ins and appointments. Other times by appointment only.
Environmental Health: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00 AM -12:00 PM, for walk-ins and appointments. Other times by appointment only.
Geology/Coastal: Tuesday and Wednesday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, for walk-ins and appointments. Other times by appointment only.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT - Call for appointments: 310-456-2489, ext. 391
PLANNING DEPARTMENT - General information: 310-456-2489, ext. 485
Public Counter: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM for walk-ins. Other times by appointment only.
Biology Counter: Tuesdays, 9:00 AM -11:00 AM. Other times by appointment only.
Make an appointment for a planning submittal using the Online Appointment Scheduler.
For details on Planning Counter services, see the In-Person & E-Services Guide.
(NEW) CITY COUNCIL MAKES THE REPORT OF THE INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGATIONS OF city CORRUPTION AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC
During the November 30, 2021 Council meeting, the Malibu City Council voted unanimously to make the report of the findings of the investigation into former Councilmember Jefferson Wagner’s allegations of corruption available to the public. The report stated that the investigation did not find corruption or wrongdoing. The report can be viewed at: www.MalibuCity.org/WagnerAffidavitReport. The cover letter to Mayor Grisanti accompanying the report can be viewed at: www.MalibuCity.org/WagnerAffidavitLetter. Additional materials will be released as they become available.
CITY COUNCIL EXTENDS FEE WAIVERS ON WOOLSEY FIRE ANNIVERSARY TO HELP RESIDENTS REBUILD
On November 8, the anniversary of the worst wildfire in the City’s history, the City Council voted to extend the permit fee waivers the Council enacted to help residents rebuild homes destroyed during the Woolsey Fire. The deadline was extended for another 18 months. All required Planning Department applications for a project must be deemed complete by June 30, 2023. All required building permits must be pulled by December 30, 2023. Fees will not be waived after December 30, 2023. The City’s Rebuild website and forms have been updated and are available on the Rebuild website. The City Council has made Woolsey Fire rebuilding its top priority after ensuring public safety starting in the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Budget, and has voted every year to extend the fee waivers, which now account for a total of approximately $5 million in Woolsey rebuild assistance. To date, 56 homes destroyed during the fire have been rebuilt and their owners received their Certificate of Occupancy to be able to move in, and 317 homes have been approved by the Planning Department for rebuilding. See the complete press release.
MALIBU REBUILDS - PLANNING CONSULTATIONS AND REBUILD RESOURCES
The Fire Rebuild team is available Monday through Friday at City Hall for complimentary one-on-one consultations about any fire rebuild project. Contact Aakash Shah at ashah@malibucity.org to set an appointment for phone or online meeting. For ideas about how to get started with your project, as well as numerous handouts, forms and resources, visit the Rebuild webpage.
(new) COVID-19 RESPONSE UPDATE
City staff continues to monitor and respond to the pandemic by participating in regular briefings and conference calls with partner agencies and issuing alerts and notifications regarding changes to the situation. On December 8, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) confirmed 15 new deaths and 1,718 new cases of COVID-19. Other key updates from the County’s COVID-19 Dashboard as of December 8, 2021 include the following:
- 745 confirmed positive cases and 12 deaths in the City of Malibu to date
- 1,541,886 confirmed cases and 27,288 deaths in LA County to date
- 667 current hospitalizations in LA County, an increase of 17 since October 26
(NEW) LIVE FUEL MOISTURE & FIRE CONDITIONS UPDATE - lfm 74%, significant rain expected next week
As of November 18, Live Fuel Moisture (LFM) in the Santa Monica Mountains is at 74%, up from 61% two weeks earlier. While this is a strong improvement for fire conditions, the Santa Monica Mountains still have a buildup of dry, dead fuel that could post a wildfire threat when aligned with strong wind, low humidity or topography. Our region is moving into what appears will be a colder, wetter cycle, with a storm expected to bring significant rainfall on Monday and Tuesday, December 13 and 14.
The City tracks LFM as an important part of determining current fire conditions for our community. LFM is the percentage of water content to dry matter in live vegetation. LFM can be as high as 200%, and 60% and below is considered critical and can cause extreme wildfire behavior. The Los Angeles County Fire Department Forestry Division conducts sampling approximately every two weeks and posts the results on their website. For current and forecast fire weather conditions and warnings for the Malibu area, visit the National Weather Service, Los Angeles/Oxnard website (type "Malibu" or "90265" in the search box).
(NEW) WINTER STORM PREPAREDNESS - SIGNIFICANT RAIN EXPECTED IN MALIBU EARLY NEXT WEEK
The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts multiple storms to bring significant rain to Southern California, including Malibu Monday, December 13 through Tuesday, December 14. NWS forecasts widespread moderate to heavy rain (1-3 inches, and 3-5 inches in mountains). Hazards could include possible debris flows in recent burn areas; hazardous driving conditions due to flooding, mud, rocks and debris in the roadway, high wind and low visibility; possible thunderstorms; possible power outages and traffic signal outages due to trees and branches falling onto power lines. The storm may bring a small craft advisory due to wind and waves. Beaches hazards could include high surf, rip currents, beach erosion and flooding, storm debris in the water. The LA County Dept. of Public Health advises the public to avoid contact with ocean water near discharging rivers, creeks and storm drains within 72 hours of significant rainfall due to high levels of bacteria and pollution. See more winter storm preparedness tips and updates on conditions on the website at www.MalibuCity.org/WinterStorm.
City and County Public Works crews and Caltrans will be monitoring PCH and canyon roads in Malibu for hazards and using bladetrucks to keep the roadways free of rocks and debris, checking and clearing drainage culverts and storm drains, and pre-placing equipment.
Sandbags are available at Los Angeles County Fire Stations. Call stations to find out if filled sandbags and sand are available. To search for sandbag locations in LA County use the LA County Department of Public Works sandbag locator.
For more information, visit NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard and search for "90265" or "Malibu." To sign up for weather, beach or emergency alerts via text or email from the City of Malibu, visit the webpage, scroll down to "Alert Center," and choose the alerts you wish to receive.
(NEW) PSPS POWER OUTAGE PREPAREDNESS TRAINING FOR SENIORS AND AT-RISK ADULTS, DECEMBER 14 AND JANUARY 13
The City will provide free virtual trainings to help seniors and at-risk adults be prepared for Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) on Tuesday, December 14, 3:30 PM and Thursday, January 13, 2022 at 3:30 PM. A free backup battery is available to participating Malibu residents who complete the training, a quiz and provide a copy of their photo ID. Limit one per household. The training is open to all, but the backup batteries are available only to residents who live within city limits. RSVP online for this free virtual training. If you have any questions or would like to schedule training for you neighborhood or community group, please email publicsafety@malibcity.org.
(NEW) VIDEO AND REPORT ON SCE PUBLIC SAFETY POWER SHUTOFFS (PSPS) OVER THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
Video is available of the presentation given by a representative from Southern California Edison (SCE) to the City Council during the November 30 virtual Council meeting about the Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) that SCE implemented during the Red Flag fire conditions before and during the Thanksgiving holiday to prevent its equipment from starting fires. Watch the video. See the City's report on the Red Flag fire conditions and the power outage, and the incident response.
(NEW) PROGRESS UPDATE ON HAZARD TREE REMOVAL PROGRAM
The City’ Fire Hazard Tree Removal Program continues in to its second month. The new grant-funded program is part of the City’s efforts to help homeowners be better prepared for and protect their homes and properties from wildfires, and reduce fire hazards throughout the community. So far, the program has removed: 6 large dead pine trees, 4 large dead pepper trees, 2 dead Sycamore trees, 16 dead Ficus trees, 13 dead Sequoia trees and 8 dead Eucalyptus trees. Watch a video of hazard trees being removed in Malibu.
During last week’s powerful Santa Anna wind event, three tress identified for removal were blown over. Due to strong interest in the program and the high number of hazard trees already identified, not all tree removal requests can be fulfilled under the current grant funding. However, all of the trees identified through the program are being prioritized based on risk, so that the most hazardous trees will be removed. Trees identified as hazards may also be removed by the homeowners at their own cost at any time. For more information, visit the webpage.
(NEW) EFFORTS TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS
Public Safety staff and members of the City’s Homelessness Working Group and Homelessness Task Force visited the Tiny Home Village in Wilmington, CA on December 9. While there are no proposals for a tiny house village in Malibu, the group wanted to gain a better understanding how this transitional housing strategy works as part of an overall effort to learn about all strategies that are being used to address homelessness. The tour was hosted by the Office of LA City Councilmember Joe Buscaino and the on-site service provider, The Salvation Army. The tour provided an opportunity to learn how the Tiny Home Village operates and how any impacts on the surrounding community are managed and mitigated.
HOME WILDFIRE HARDENING SEMINAR AVAILABLE TO VIEW ONLINE
You can watch video of the Fire Safety Liaison's Home Wildfire Hardening Assessment service online. The video instructs residents about the dangers of flying embers that can rain down on a home and property during a wildfire, a leading cause of homes igniting and burning down during wildfires like the Woolsey Fire. If these embers land in receptive fuels or become lodged in something easily ignited on or near a house, like dry wood decking and fencing, dead vegetation, lawn furniture or uncovered attic vents, the home can burn down. The seminar demonstrated the simple and often inexpensive ways residents can harden and protect their homes and other structures against the threat of flying embers ahead of time.
SCHEDULE YOUR HOME WILDFIRE HARDENING ASSESSMENT
The City continues to offer its no-cost Home Ignition Zone Assessment Program for homeowners. The Fire Liaisons will visit your home and give you a checklist of simple, often inexpensive steps you can take to harden your home against flying embers, a major cause of homes igniting during wind-driven wildfires like the Woolsey Fire. To schedule an appointment or for help with wildfire preparedness, email Firesafety@malibucity.org or call 310-456-2489, ext. 387 or visit the Fire Safety webpage.
(NEW) DARK SKY ORDINANCE HEARING DECEMBER 13
The Planning Commission, per the City Council direction on September 27, held a public hearing on November 1 to consider amending the compliance deadlines of the Dark Sky Ordinance. The Commission recommended the Council approve a staggered schedule to achieve compliance as follows: March 30, 2022 for development within commercial zoning districts, June 15, 2022 for development within an institutional zoning district, and October 15, 2022 for development within residential zoning districts. On September 27, when the Council initiated the amendment proceedings, it initially proposed all zoning districts to come into compliance by October 15, 2022. The City Council will hold a virtual public hearing on this matter on December 13, 2021. The staff report will be available online prior to the hearing. For more information about the ordinance, visit the project webpage.
(NEW) DRAFT HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE HEARING JANUARY 10
A City Council public hearing to consider the Housing Element Update is tentatively scheduled for January 10, 2022. On November 15, the Planning Commission held a public hearing and recommended the City Council adopt the 2021-2029 update of the City of Malibu General Plan Housing Element which establishes and implements specific goals, policies and objectives relative to the provision of housing for all income levels consistent with the state housing element law. For more information visit the Housing Element webpage.
(NEW) MALIBU INN MOTEL PROJECT POSTPONED TO JANUARY 11
The Planning Commission public hearing on the Malibu Inn Motel project environmental document and project entitlements has been postponed to a Special Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday, January 11 at 6:30 PM. The January 11 staff report will be available on the website prior to the meeting. Based on the required entitlements and because no code amendments are required, the project only requires a hearing before Planning Commission. The project is subject to a local appeal period and is within the appeal jurisdiction of the California Coastal Commission. If the project is not appealed, the Planning Commission's decision will be final. For more information about the project, visit the webpage.
(NEW) RYOKAN PROJECT PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD THROUGH JANUARY 3
The 30-day public comment period for the proposed Ryokan project is from December 2, 2021 through January 3, 2022. On December 2, 2021, the Malibu Planning Department issued an environmental document and a Notice of Intent to Adopt a Negative Declaration for the Ryokan Project located at 22752 and 22762 PCH. The Ryokan Project consists of a General Plan, Zoning Map and Local Coastal Program mapping amendments from Community Commercial to Community Visitor-Serving-Two for the existing Ryokan Hotel (22752 PCH) and Tide Pool building (22762 PCH), Conditional Use Permit for the conversion of the existing non-conforming uses to a bed and breakfast inn, and a lot tie to maintain the two parcels together. A Planning Commission hearing to consider the project has not been scheduled. Due to the code amendments associated with the project, public hearings before the City Council and California Coastal Commission are required. City staff reports will be available online https://malibucity.org/agendacenter prior to the meetings. For more information, or to submit comments during the comment period, contact Adrian Fernandez, Assistant Planning Director, at 310-456-2489, ext. 482, or at AFernandez@malibucity.org.
(NEW) LA COUNTY HHW/E-WASTE DRIVE-THRU COLLECTiON, DECEMBER 11
Malibu residents can drop off used motor oil, paint, household chemicals, batteries and used electronics at the LA County HHW/E-Waste collection on Saturday, December, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Malibu Library (23519 W. Civic Center Way). The drop-off site is behind the library. Please note that the collection event at City Hall on December 18 has been cancelled. All attendees must wear a mask and remain in their vehicles with windows closed for COVID-19 safety. For more information, including a list of accepted materials, visit the webpage.
(NEW) HOLIDAY TREE RECYCLING starting december 27
Malibu residents can drop off holiday trees to be recycled December 27, 2021 through January 10, 2022 at the Chili Cookoff Lot (23575 Civic Center Way) 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturdays and Sundays. The lot will closed at 11:00 AM on December 30, and will be closed all day on December 31 and January 1. This is a self-serve event. Please do not leave trees on the ground or outside the gate. For more information, visit the webpage.
(NEW) VIDEO ABOUT MALIBU’S NEW ORGANIC RECYCLING PROGRAM
The City of Malibu has launched a mandatory organic waste recycling program to help Malibu businesses and residents reduce their carbon footprint and the impacts of climate change, and to meet state requirements. To understand the environmental impacts of organic waste and how to properly recycle it, watch the City’s new video. City-permitted haulers will provide specific information about how to sort different materials into the appropriate carts. For resources on composting at home and reducing food waste, visit the webpage.
(NEW) FREE RAIN BARREL PROGRAM
West Basin Municipal Water District is launching its 2022 free Rain Barrel Program on time for rainy season. Rain barrels, valued at $80 each, are a great way to save water and reduce stormwater runoff by collecting and reusing rainwater. A rainwater capture feature, such as a rain barrel, is also a requirement for West Basin’s grass replacement rebate program, which starts at $3 per square foot of grass replaced. Malibu residents can register for free home delivery which starts Friday, December 10. For more information and to sign up, visit the webpage. Barrels may also be picked up at a drive-through event on Saturday, January 29, 2022, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility in El Segundo; or Saturday, February 5, 2022, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM at West Basin Municipal Water District Headquarters in Carson.
(NEW) COMMUNITY NIGHT AT THE HOLIDAY TREE LOT, DECEMBER 10
Join the Community Services Department for Community Night at the Malibu Tree Lot Friday, December 10, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM at 23575 Civic Center Way, just east of Webb Way. Stop by for a photo opportunity, games and a free gift.
(NEW) CITY HALL ART EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION, DECEMBER 11
The Malibu Arts Commission's newest art exhibition, "Deliver Me," opens Monday, December 13, in the Malibu City Gallery. The exhibition features 30 pieces of artwork from world-renowned fine artist Tom Fritz, depicting vintage and race cars. Community members are invited to attend the in-person opening reception at City Hall on Saturday, December 11, 1:00 to 4:00 PM featuring a Q&A with the artist at 2:30 PM, a display of collector cars in the parking lot, and refreshments. The gallery is located inside Malibu City Hall at 23825 Stuart Ranch Road. The exhibition is open to visitors Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. For more information, visit the Arts Commission website.
(NEW) SENIOR CENTER WINTER GIVEAWAY, DECEMBER 17
The Malibu Senior Center will host its Winter Giveaway on Friday, December 17, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Malibu Bluffs Park, located at PCH and Malibu Canyon Road. Participants will receive a winter-themed gift bag including a mug, hot chocolate, cozy socks, a holiday potholder and an oven mitt. To RSVP, please call 310-456-2489, ext. 357.
(NEW) MALIBU BLUFFS PARK MULTIPURPOSE FIELD CLOSED DECEMBER 13 - FEBRUARY 2
The Multipurpose Field at Malibu Bluffs Park will be closed for its bi-annual rest and renovation Monday, December 13 through February 2. The rest and renovation play an important part in keeping the field in safe and playable condition throughout the year. The park's other facilities will remain open.
(NEW) FULL MOON HIKE AT CHARMLEE WILDERNESS PARK, DECEMBER 17
The next Full Moon Hike at Charmlee Wilderness Park is scheduled for Friday, December 17, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Hikers will learn about Malibu's rich nocturnal wildlife, landscape and lunar phases. The hike is free and open to all, ages 14 and up. Pre-registration is required. Register on the webpage.
(NEW) DROP OFF DONATIONS FOR THE SPARK OF LOVE HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE
Drop off new, unwrapped toys, sports equipment and other gifts at City Hall to help the Spark of Love Toy Drive deliver gifts to brighten up the holidays for underserved children and teens in Southern California. Now in its 29th year, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, ABC7, Toys for Tots, and Southern California firefighters have successfully collected and distributed nearly 10 million toys. City Hall is located at 23825 Stuart Ranch Road and is open Monday through Thursday 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Fridays 7:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Facemasks are required inside. For more information about the Spark of Love Toy Drive, visit the website.
WINTER RECREATION GUIDE AVAILABLE ONLINE
The Winter 2022 Recreation Guide is available on the Community Services Department web page. The Recreation Guide highlights upcoming programs offered December 2021 through February 2022, including Winter Break Day Camps, Student Art Exhibit, Afterschool Enrichment Programs, Senior Programs and facility hours. The Guide also includes informative articles and contact information for City departments and services. Online registration for recreation programs begins Monday, November 15 at 8:00 AM on the Registration web page.
(NEW) SPECIAL EVENT PERMITS ISSUED FOR UPCOMING WEEK
There are seven permitted events from December 10 through December 16, 2021. The City posts a weekly report of approved event permits on the website. To sign up to receive an email or text message when an updated Event Permit Report is posted, visit the e-notifications page (scroll down to the "Special Event Permit Report" category).
E-Notifications
The City maintains a robust e-notification system so the community can stay informed about all the City’s activities. Sign up to receive messages by text or email on the City’s e-notifications page.
Further Questions
For questions or comments, contact the City Manager at SMcClary@MalibuCity.org.
See Past City Manager Updates