Upcoming
(NEW) MALIBU REBUILDS - STATISTICS
Staff continues to work with homeowners to rebuild. Here are the current Woolsey Fire rebuild statistics. See continuously updated statistics on the Rebuild Portal.
- 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.
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 wi th partner agencies and issuing alerts and notifications regarding changes to the situation. On December 20, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) confirmed 25 new deaths and 3,052 new cases of COVID-19. Other key updates from the County’s COVID-19 Dashboard as of December 20, 2021 include the following:
- 807 confirmed positive cases and 13 deaths in the City of Malibu to date
- 1,570,230 confirmed cases and 27,473 deaths in LA County to date
- 741 current hospitalizations in LA County, an increase of 74 since December 8
(NEW) PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS URGE CAUTION, vaccinations, boosters and masking WHILE TRAVELING AND SOCIALIZING OVER THE HOLIDAYS DUE TO COVID-19 SURGE & OMICRON
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) officials are warning the public about the alarming statewide and nationwide COVID-19 surge, and urge vaccinations, boosters, testing and masking, and additional caution for anyone traveling and socializing over the holidays. New cases had more than doubled in LA County in 24 hours on December 22. Much of the surge is due to the even more highly transmissible Omicron strain. Because Omicron is so highly infectious, LADPH recommends upgrading to a medical-grade, surgical, or KN95 mask when in close contact with others. According to LADPH, fully vaccinated people with boosters are 20 times more protected from infection that unvaccinated people. Find vaccination locations and information at www.VaccinateLACounty.com (English) or www.VacunateLosAngeles.com (español). Those who cannot access the internet can call 833-540-0473 for vaccination help and information. For more information, see the press release.
(NEW) WINTER STORM PREPAREDNESS - SIGNIFICANT rain EXPECTED IN MALIBU
The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts a series of winter storms will bring rain all across Southern California, including Malibu Thursday, December 23 through Tuesday, December 28. There is a potential for moderate to brief heavy rain on Thursday, December 23. Rainfall totals for the entire period are 1.5-3 inches for coasts.
Hazards could include hazardous driving conditions due to water, mud, rocks and debris in the roadway, high wind and low visibility; possible power outages and traffic signal outages due to trees and branches falling onto power lines.
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.
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. Please do not remove sand from the beach to fill sandbags. Sand is crucial for beach habitats, and removing it from the beach is illegal in LA County. Plastic sandbags are prohibited in the City of Malibu (jute, burlap or other natural fiber bags are allowed).
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, 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 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@malibucity.org.
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) Short-Term Rental Permit Program changes starting in 2022
The City's Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit Program went into effect January 15, 2021. STR Permits are issued for one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed annually. As the City enters the second year of the program, property owners should be advised that there are two important limitations on STR permits beginning in 2022. For more information about the STR program, including regulations and deadlines, visit the webpage.
Hosted Short-Term Rental Ordinance: In November, 2020, the City's Hosted STR Ordinance (Ordinance No. 472 ) was adopted to regulate short-term rental of property citywide including requiring the presence of an onsite host during short-term rentals, primary residency requirements and multifamily restrictions. The Hosted STR Ordinance is intended to supersede the short-term rental regulations and permit program currently in place. The Hosted STR Ordinance regulations cannot go into effect until the associated amendments to the City’s Local Coastal Program and Land Use Plan are certified by the California Coastal Commission (CCC). In September 2021, the CCC voted to extend the time limit to schedule the public hearing and take action on the City’s proposed amendments until June 29, 2022, but may act earlier. Current STR permits will no longer be valid once the new STR Ordinance becomes effective and a new permit will need to be obtained.
New Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Requirements Effective January 2023: As of January 1, 2023, in order obtain an STR permit, property owners will need to either: (1) have obtained a valid Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) operating permit for the property that is to be rented as a STR or (2) have entered a compliance agreement with the City. If a property is not in compliance by January 1, 2023, the STR permit will become invalid. Obtaining either of these requirements can take six months or longer.
(NEW) DARK SKY ORDINANCE COMPLIANCE DEADLINE EXTENSIONS
During the December 13 Council meeting, the Malibu City Council approved on first reading an amendment to the City's Dark Sky Ordinance to extend the deadlines for compliance for commercial, residential and institutional districts. The Dark Sky Ordinance is meant to protect Malibu's environment and community quality of life from light pollution. The item will return for a second reading and adoption on January 10, 2022. The City Council also directed staff to begin a public education program as soon as practicable with the goal of helping residents and businesses comply with the regulations and deadlines. The staff report and agenda for the January 10 meeting will be posted prior to the meeting on the website. For more information about the Dark Sky Ordinance, visit the webpage.
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.
MALIBU INN MOTEL PROJECT PUBLIC HEARING, 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) HOLIDAY TREE RECYCLING starting december 27
Malibu residents can drop off holiday trees to be recycled Monday, December 27, 2021 through Monday, 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) MANDATORY ORGANIC WASTE RECYCLING STARTS FOR RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS IN MALIBU ON JANUARY 1
The City is launching a new mandatory organic waste recycling program for residential customers starting January 1, 2022 to help the community reduce its carbon footprint and the impacts of climate change. The program also meets requirements established under California Senate Bill 1383, which establishes the statewide target to reduce the amount of organic waste disposed of in landfills by 75%. Your City-permitted solid waste hauler will provide specific information on how they will collect organics and which cart to use for organics. The program started for businesses and multi-family in October 2021. For more information, including contact information for waste haulers, tips for composting at home and reducing food waste, and an FAQ, visit the webpage. VIDEO - To understand the environmental impacts of organic waste and how to properly recycle it, watch the City’s new video.
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 started 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) CITY HALL ART EXHIBITION FEATURING AUTOMOTIVE ART by tom fritz OPEN THROUGH january 20
The Malibu Arts Commission's newest art exhibition, "Deliver Me," is now open at Malibu City Hall. The exhibition features 30 pieces depicting vintage cars, race cars, and motorcycles from world-renowned artist Tom Fritz. The free exhibition is open to visitors, no tickets or registration needed, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, through January 20, 2022. For more information, visit the Arts Commission website.
(NEW) submissions FOR THE 2022 STUDENT ART EXHIBIT IN CITY HALL accepted through December 31
Local youth are invited to submit original artwork through Friday, December 31 for the City of Malibu’s 2022 Student Art Exhibit in the City Hall art gallery. The annual public art exhibition organized by the Community Services Department in partnership with the Harry Barovsky Memorial Youth Commission offers young artists in our community the opportunity to have their work featured in a public exhibition. It also aims to foster interest in the arts among young people, and promote Malibu’s vibrant arts and culture scene. For more information about submission guidelines, visit the webpage or 310-456-2489, ext. 239.
(NEW) HOLIDAY OPERATING HOURS FOR CITY PARKS AND FACILITIES
City facilities and parks will close in observance of the Christmas and New Year holidays. Dates and times for the closures are listed below, and additional information regarding the Malibu Community Pool schedule can be found on the Aquatics webpage.
- Malibu City Hall will close at 12:00 PM on Thursday, December 23 and Thursday, December 30, and will be closed all day Friday, December 24 and Friday, December 31.
- The Malibu Community Pool will be closed Thursday, December 23 through Sunday, December 26 and Thursday, December 30 through Saturday, January 1. The pool will be open for holiday hours Monday, December 27 through Wednesday, December 29 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM.
- The Michael Landon Center and Temporary Skate Park at Bluffs Park will close at 3:00 PM on Friday, December 24 and Friday, December 30, and will be closed Saturday, December 25 and Saturday, January 1.
- All other City parks and facilities will be open from 8:00 AM to Sunset. For additional information, visit the Facilities webpage or call 310-317-1364.
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.
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 four permitted events from December 17 through December 23, 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