MALIBU MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT APPROVED ON FIRST READING. SECOND READING AND FINAL ADOPTION SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 12
The Malibu City Council approved on first reading the Malibu Middle and High School (MMHS) Specific Plan Project (Ordinance No. 501 which adopts changes to the Malibu Municipal Code and Local Coastal Program), with some amendments on August 8, 2022. Amendments included a clarification that the illuminated signs must be turned off within one-half hour of the end of all school events. The City will submit the Local Coastal Program (LCP) Amendment to the California Coastal Commission for certification review. The second reading and adoption is scheduled for the September 12, 2022 Council meeting. The agenda and staff report will be posted in advance of the meeting. Members of the public are encouraged to send public comment in advance to the City Council at CityCouncil@MalibuCity.org. For more information, see the staff report.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
SMMUSD Project Webpage
On December 17, 2021, the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) submitted the draft Malibu Middle and High School (MMHS) Specific Plan for processing. Implementation of the Specific Plan is planned in four phases between 2022-2031 for the continued reconstruction of the middle and high school facilities, restoration of the creek, etc. The Specific Plan also proposes to modify several development standards including the Environmentally Sensitive Habitat (ESHA) setback, height, and grading quantities.
The required coastal development permit for Phase 1 of the Specific Plan has also been submitted and is being processed concurrently. The proposal for Phase 1 includes abatement and demolition of the school facilities associated with the former Juan Cabrillo Elementary School, a lot merger, new parking areas, ESHA restoration, and associated development. At the January 26, 2022, SMMUSD Board of Education meeting, the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) was certified and the MMHS Specific Plan was approved.
Under the California Environmental Quality Act, the City of Malibu serves as a responsible agency for this project and will be relying on the Final EIR recently certified by the Board of Education. The project requires review by the City Environmental Review Board, Planning Commission, and approval by City Council before it is forwarded to the California Coastal Commission for final certification of the Specific Plan.
For more project information, including environmental review documents, technical studies, City comment letters, and staff reports from past meetings, visit the project webpage.