UPCOMING
- Friday, August 5, 8:30 AM - Malibu Business Roundtable - virtual
- Monday, August 8, 6:30 PM - City Council Regular Meeting - virtual
- Friday, August 12, 9:00 AM - California Coastal Commission Public Hearing on Malibu's Short-Term Rental Hosted Ordinance - virtual
- Friday, August 12, 6:00 PM - Sunset Hike at Charmlee Wilderness Park
- Monday, August 15, 5:30 PM - Planning Commission Special Meeting - virtual
- Monday, August 15, 6:30 PM - Planning Commission Regular Meeting - virtual
- Tuesday, August 16, 8:30 AM - Las Virgenes-Malibu Council of Governments (COG) Governing Board Meeting - virtual
- Tuesday, August 16, 2:00 PM - Homelessness Task Force Regular Meeting - virtual
- Tuesday, August 16, 5:30 PM - Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting - virtual
- Thursday, August 18, 9:00 AM - LA County Distribution of NOAA Fire Weather Radios - City Hall
(NEW) LA COUNTY TO DISTRIBUTE FREE NOAA FIRE WEATHER RADIOS, August 18
The Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACOFD) are distributing free National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios to Malibu residents at City Hall on Thursday, August 18, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. OEM is authorized to use NOAA alerting signals to alert the public in LA County about wildfires, earthquakes and other disasters by sending out an alert message over the NOAA weather radio frequencies. With an NOAA weather radio, you can receive emergency information power and communications are knocked out. LACOFD Division 7 will be in City hall to distribute free radios to pre-registered residents. To receive a radio, you must register online in advance. For more information contact megan.currier@fire.lacounty.gov.
(NEW) ad hoc committee on school safety to GIVE AN update TO city council, August 8
On August 8, the City Council will receive an update from the School Safety Ad Hoc Committee, which was formed during the June 27 Council meeting. On June 27, the City Council held an in-depth discussion on enhancing safety and security in Malibu’s K-12 schools in light of recent tragic school shootings, with input from Malibu-Lost Hills Sheriff's Station Captain Jennifer Seetoo, teachers, parents, community members and others. At the conclusion of the discussion, Council directed staff to issue Request for Proposals (RFPs) for private security services and a comprehensive school safety assessment and tasked the Ad Hoc Committee with researching school safety issues and reviewing school safety RFPs. The Ad Hoc Committee has been working in partnership with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. For more information, see the staff report.
(NEW) MALIBU MUNICIPAL ELECTION UPDATES
The nomination period for candidates running for Malibu City Council in the November 8, 2022 General Municipal Election ends on Friday, August 12 at 4:30 PM, or Wednesday, August 17 if the incumbent does not file. Nomination packets may be picked up in person from the City Clerk's Office at Malibu City Hall (located at 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu CA, 90265) throughout the nomination period during the City Clerk’s office hours, which are posted on the website. To schedule an appointment to pull nomination paperwork to begin the nomination process, or for questions or assistance, email City Clerk Kelsey Pettijohn at KPettijohn@MalibuCity.org or call 310-456-2489, ext. 228.
(NEW) COASTAL COMMISSION SEA LEVEL RISE WORKSHOP, AUGUST 12
The California Coastal Commission (CCC) will hold a Sea Level Rise Local Government Workshop in partnership with the League of Cities, California State Association of Counties and local government officials to discuss sea level rise adaptation and Local Coastal Program (LCP) updates on Friday, August 12, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. The agenda, viewing and commenting instructions are posted on the CCC website. (Click the "August 12" tab and scroll down to "Local Government Workshop" to find Item 4. The in-person hearing takes place at King Gillette Ranch, located at 26800 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas.
(NEW) TEMPORARY DAY-USE IMPOUND YARD UPDATE
Since the City started operating the Temporary Day-Use Impound Yard on City-owned property at PCH and Heathercliff Road yard on June 18, it has been used for 167 towed vehicles, including 10 last weekend, with no problems or concerns reported. Lt. Chad Watters of the Malibu- Lost Hills Sheriff's Station reported to the City Council that the yard has been helpful to Deputies with traffic safety and parking enforcement, especially around Zuma Beach, Point Dume and Westward Beach.
WOOLSEY FIRE REBUILD OPTION 4 UPDATE
The City’s Planning Department Director gave an update to the Malibu City Council during the July 11, 2022 Council meeting on the issues surrounding California Coastal Commission (CCC) concerns with the City’s Woolsey Fire Rebuild Option 4. The City has been working with CCC on clarification of the relevant policies and processes. Watch video of the update (starts at 6:20:10). The City Council voted to move forward with “Alternative C” in the staff report (pg. 7) and continue accepting permit applications under Option 4 until the deadline to apply for Woolsey Fire Fee Waivers, and to schedule a meeting with CCC Executive Director Jack Ainsworth to further discuss Option 4.
The CCC had notified the City in June that it considered the City’s Rebuild Option 4 to be inconsistent with the City’s Local Coastal Program (LCP). The City wishes to assure those who are going through a fire rebuild that this latest development will not diminish the City’s commitment to the Woolsey Fire rebuild efforts. The City is doing everything possible to help those whose homes were damaged or destroyed in the fire to rebuild, recover and get back in their homes. Anyone working on a rebuild project with questions or concerns is encouraged to contact the Rebuild Team for one-on-one assistance at 310-456-2489, ext. 385 or Ashah@malibucity.org.
(NEW) FACEMASKS no longer REQUIRED, but strongly recommended, WHILE INSIDE CITY HALL
Facemasks are no longer required, but are strongly recommended in City Hall as of August 1, 2022. On July 1, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) notified the City that, due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in the County and resulting positive cases among City staff, all visitors and staff must wear facemasks while inside City Hall. City Hall remains open and all City services continue. The City of Malibu is committed to protecting the public health of the community and the safety of the visiting public and the City staff in City Hall, and follows all Los Angeles County Department of Public Health COVID-19 guidelines. For more information visit the webpage.
CITY HALL REMAINS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON A LIMITED BASIS
City Hall remains open to the public on a limited basis. Regular City Hall hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Fridays 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Members of the public may come to City Hall without an appointment during public counter hours. An appointment will be needed for in-person assistance during any other hours. Visitors will be asked to remain outside the building until they can be helped by staff. Appointments can be made online.
Public Counter Hours
- Planning: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, walk in. Other times by appointment only.
- Permit Services: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, walk-in and appointment. Other times by appointment only.
- Building Plan Check: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, walk-in and appointment. Other times by appointment only.
- Environmental Health: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, walk-in and appointment. Other times by appointment only.
- Geology / Coastal Engineering: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, walk-in and appointment. Other times by appointment only.
- Public Works: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, walk-in. Other times by appointment only.
To make virtual appointments with City staff and Departments, please call or email:
MALIBU SENIOR CENTER AT CITY HALL OPEN FOR IN-PERSON SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES
The Senior Center is open for general and various in-person services and programs Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Facemasks are no longer required, but are strongly recommended while inside City Hall. Seniors can use the general use areas of the Center, including the computer lab, library and various recreation programs. Staff is also available to assist with Dial-A-Ride questions and program registrations. Fresh coffee is available daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. For more information, call 310-456-2489, ext. 357 or visit the 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 August 2, 2022, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) confirmed 17 new deaths and 3,227 new cases. Other key updates from the County’s COVID-19 Dashboard as of August 2, 2022, include the following:
- 2,586 confirmed positive cases and 13 deaths in the City of Malibu to date
- 3,309,285 confirmed cases and 32,763 deaths in LA County to date
- 1,242 current hospitalizations in LA County, a decrease of 86 since July 19
(NEW) COMMUNITY MEMBERS GRADUATE FROM FIRST IN-PERSON CERT CLASS
The first in-person Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training that the City held since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic was completed Saturday, July 30. The seven-week CERT class included a simulated disaster for the final drill, and covered search and rescue, disaster psychology, and first aid. Four community members graduated from the class. CERT training is one of the best ways for community members to be prepared for wildfires, earthquakes or other disasters. Anyone interested in taking the CERT training may email publicsafety@malibucity.org to be notified when the next class is scheduled. Learn more about the CERT program.
FIRE CONDITIONS UPDATE
As of July 13, the Live Fuel Moisture (LFM) in the Santa Monica Mountains is at 71%, down from 74% two weeks ago and about the same level as this time in 2021. As part of continuous wildfire preparedness, the City tracks Live Fuel Moisture (LFM) in the Malibu area as an important part of determining current fire conditions. LFM is the percentage of water content to dry matter in live vegetation. 60% LFM and below is considered critical. The Los Angeles County Fire Department Forestry Division conducts sampling approximately every two weeks and posts the results on its website.
SCHEDULE YOUR FREE HOME WILDFIRE HARDENING ASSESSMENT
Malibu homeowners can schedule a free home wildfire hardening assessment with the City’s Fire Safety Liaisons to learn how to protect your home from the millions of burning embers that can fly up to two miles out ahead of a wind-driven wildfire. Flying embers are a leading cause of homes burning down during wildfires. The 30-60 minute inspections follow the Fire Code and nationally recognized best practices. You can learn simple and often inexpensive steps, such as maintaining good brush clearance, keeping dead vegetation and flammable materials such as wood furniture away from the house, and covering up eave vents with metal mesh. Schedule an appointment by emailing FireSafety@MalibuCity.org or calling 310-456-2489, ext. 388 or visiting the Fire Safety webpage.
ANNUAL HOMELESS CONNECT DAY IN MALIBU, SEPTEMBER 22
On September 22, the annual Homeless Connect Day returns to the Malibu Library to offer people experiencing homelessness free one-stop services including food stamps, Medi-Cal enrollment, affordable housing opportunities, social services, legal assistance, and more. The event will take place from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and is being organized in conjunction by the City of Malibu, LA County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl’s Office, The People Concern, Malibu C.A.R.T., St. Joseph Center, and the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority (LAHSA). For volunteer opportunities, contact the St. Joseph Center at RVicente@stjosephctr.org or call 323-961-0499.
(NEW) DARK SKY ORDINANCE UPDATES
The City's Dark Sky Ordinance is meant to reduce light pollution through the proper application of outdoor electric lighting to protect Malibu’s wildlife, habitats and quality of life. Requirements include light fixtures that are fully shielded, have low color temperature, and direct light downwards. The deadline for most properties to comply is October 15, 2022. For more details, including resources to help homeowners and businesses comply with the regulations, visit the Dark Sky webpage.
Public Hearing on Dark Sky Ordinance Amendment, August 8
The City Council will hold a virtual public hearing on an amendment to the Dark Sky Ordinance on Monday, August 8, 6:30 PM. The amendment would allow a light trespass limit onto the public right-of-way for commercial and institutional properties. The Planning Commission's recommendations will also be considered. The staff report, viewing and commenting instructions will be posted in advance on the Virtual Meeting webpage. Members of the public are encouraged to submit comments in advance by email to CityCouncil@MalibuCity.org.
Compliance Deadlines Extended
The City Council extended the deadlines for commercial, residential, and institutional zoning districts to comply with Dark Sky Ordinance to October 15, 2022. The extension was in response to concerns about non-compliance and community feedback requesting more time and information about the requirements. The compliance period for gas stations remains October 15, 2019.
Guidance for Commercial Properties
The City is working to help commercial properties be prepared to comply with the Dark Sky requirements in advance of the October 15 deadline. The City held a virtual informational meeting on July 20 to help business owners and managers understand the Dark Sky requirements and what steps they need to take to get into compliance by the deadline. The meeting video is available online. Some key takeaways include that City staff urges property owners to get started designing their updated lighting and submit their plans as early as possible so that staff can guide them through the plan check, inspection and permitting processes to ensure that they get into compliance by October 15. The City will be conducting additional outreach meetings in August.
Coastal commission Public Hearing on Malibu’s Short-Term Rental Hosted Ordinance, August 12
The California Coastal Commission (CCC) will hold a hybrid virtual/in-person public hearing on the City’s Short-Term Rental Hosted Ordinance LCPA on Friday, August 12 at 9:00 AM. (Item F10a). The agenda, viewing and commenting instructions are posted on the CCC website. (Click the "August 12" tab and scroll down to "South Central Coast" to find Item 10a - City of Malibu LCP Amendment No. LCP-4-MAL-20-0083-2 Short-term Rentals). The in-person hearing takes place at King Gillette Ranch, located at 26800 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, CA 91302.
The City’s Short-Term Rental Hosted Ordinance, requires the presence of an onsite host during short-term rentals, primary residency, and multifamily restrictions, is currently under review by the CCC. CCC staff previously notified the City that it was leaning towards denying the City’s proposed Local Coastal Program Amendment (LCPA) for the Ordinance, but indicated that it is willing to work with the City towards a mutually agreeable modification to the LCPA. On June 13, the City Council discussed the CCC's position on the LCPA and moved to: decline the CCC's invitation because it would further weaken the Hosted Ordinance, direct staff to explain to the CCC that the Hosted Ordinance actually increases the availability of short-term rentals in Malibu serving the public’s coastal enjoyment, and that the City will be forced to begin strict enforcement of its existing zoning laws to prohibit short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods if the CCC does not approve the City’s ordinance to enable short-term rentals. City staff is currently preparing a letter to CCC.
(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 - 239
- Single Family Dwellings complete - 89
- Multifamily building permits issued - 18 units
- Multifamily building units complete- 12 units
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 a meeting by phone or online. For ideas about how to get started with your project, as well as numerous handouts, forms and resources, visit the Rebuild webpage.
(NEW) IMPROVEMENTS TO PLANNING PUBLIC COUNTER PROCEDURES
Starting on Monday, August 1, 2022, the Planning Department staff began to provide application submittal requirements and fees on behalf of other City Departments and provide a completed Submittal Checklist to the applicant. The Planning Department, Environmental Sustainability Department and Public Works Department collaborated to create standard submittal requirements and fees for different types of planning applications to eliminate the need for applicants to consult with each City Department during Public Counter hours to determine if review is required by the individual Departments and to obtain a list of submittal document requirements and fees. This process is one of many improvements coming to the Planning Public Counter in coming months, including online submittals of new and revised applications. For the most up-to-date information on in-person and virtual planning services, visit the webpage or review the Planning Services Guide.
How to obtain your Submittal Checklist - In order to provide the applicant with the most accurate information on the Submittal Checklist, a Pre-Submittal Questionnaire is required for projects that require an Administrative Plan Review or Coastal Development Permit. Submit the Pre-Submittal Questionnaire at the Planning Public Counter or email it to mplanning@malibucity.org. The Pre-Submittal Questionnaire is not required for the following types of applications: Over-the-Counter, Solar Permits, Onsite Wastewater Treatment System only, Appeals, Excavation Permits, Outdoor Lighting Review only (Dark Sky Ordinance Compliance), Wireless Permits, Time Extension, Temporary Use Permit, Special Event Permit, Planning or Formula Retail Clearance, Temporary Housing, Vehicle Impact Protection Devices, Archeology Clearances, Primary View Determinations, Tobacco Retailer Registration, Temporary Restaurant Recovery Permit, Cannabis Regulatory Permit, and Zoning Clearance. For other applications, see the Planning Department Forms webpage and visit the Planning Public Counter for input on submittal requirements and fees.
(NEW) ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT PROPOSED ORDINANCE DISCUSSION, AUGUST 22
On August 22, the City Council will receive an update from City staff on the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance. At the March 7, 2022 Planning Commission public hearing on the ADU draft ordinance, the Planning Commission requested staff to prepare a staff report with numerous discussion items, and then postponed the public hearing. Watch video of the hearing (starts at 40:00). The complete list of the issues raised by the Planning Commission is available to view on the website. The state of California has identified ADUs as an important tool to create more affordable housing amidst the statewide housing crisis, and has passed several laws to make it easier to build ADUs. The City is preparing an ordinance to be consistent with State laws, and to ensure the regulations reflect Malibu’s needs and characteristics. For more information about the City's proposed ADU regulations, visit the ADU webpage.
YOU CAN HELP ADDRESS POLLUTION
With summer here and more visitors coming to Malibu's beautiful coast and mountains, City staff is carefully monitoring for potential sources of pollution. Community members can help address pollution by reporting any activity suspected to be a source or contribution to water pollution in Malibu using the City’s phone line at 310-456-2489, ext. 311 or the Pollution Reporting webpage.
MANDATORY WATER USE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT DUE TO DROUGHT
With the current drought estimated to be considerably more extreme than the 2015 drought, the Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts (LACWD) has issued mandatory water use restrictions for communities including the City of Malibu, which is served by Waterworks District 29. LACWD asks all customers to cut back their water usage by 30%. Outdoor and lawn watering is restricted to two days a week based on address numbering and property type:
- Tuesdays and Fridays = residential even number
- Mondays and Thursdays = residential odd number
- Mondays and Fridays = commercial
- 10 minutes per station maximum
- Only allowed between 6:00 PM and 10:00 AM
Separately, the City of Malibu also prohibits spray irrigation between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM, and prohibits any landscape irrigation within 48 hours of significant rainfall. See all of the City’s water conservation rules. See the complete list of LACWD water use restrictions at: LACWaterworks.org.
WATER CONSERVATION REBATES AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE
With mandatory water use restrictions in place due to the drought, residents and businesses are urged to make use of the many rebates and resources available to help save money and water. One of most effective ways to permanently reduce water use is to replace water-thirsty grass lawns with beautiful, drought-resistant landscapes. Malibu residents and businesses can apply for a cash rebate to remove grass lawns of $5 per square foot (up to 5,000 square feet or $25,000 total). Other rebates for Malibu residents include water-saving toilets, laundry machines, sprinkler nozzles, rain barrels and cisterns, weather-based irrigation controllers and soil moisture sensor systems. Rebates and resources for commercial customers include water-saving devices, the Water Savings Incentive Program, the Onsite Retrofit Program, and the Public Agency Turf Replacement and Project Assistance Program. All of the residential and commercial rebates are listed with application instructions on the Socal Water Smart website.
(NEW) SUMMER POETRY READING
Join Malibu Poet Laureate Ann Buxie for Summer Jubilations at Malibu Bluffs Park Wednesday, August 10, 5:00 PM. The event will feature a reading of the poem "Time Sweep" by Carl Sandberg in addition to other original works by local poets. The event is free to attend, and reservations are not required. For more information, visit the Poetry webpage.
(NEW) SUNSET HIKE AT CHARMLEE WILDERNESS PARK
Enjoy a guided sunset hike led by a naturalist at Malibu's Charmlee Wilderness Park Friday, August 12, 6:00 PM. Explore the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains and learn about our local natural history, ecosystem, plants, trees and wildlife, set against stunning views of the coast. Hiking shoes or sturdy closed-toe shoes are recommended. Bring water, sun protection and dress in layers for hot and cold temperatures. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The trails are not stroller friendly. Registration is required on the website (click "Outdoor Recreation" and "Hikes).
(NEW) SPECIAL EVENTS REPORT
Currently, there are permitted events on August 6 and September 17, as well as every Sunday for parking for the Farmer's Market, and June 18 through October 3 for the Temporary Day-Use Impound Yard. The City of Malibu Planning Department posts a weekly report of approved event permits on the website. In order for members of the public to be informed of pending event permit applications and to provide an additional opportunity for public input, the City has changed the Event Permit Report format to include all event permit applications deemed complete for review for consistency and compliance with the requirements of the Malibu Municipal Code and the Planning Director’s action on each application. The updated Event Permit Report has been posted to the City's 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).
DAYTIME WORK CONTINUES ON TRANCAS CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Work on the Caltrans Trancas Bridge Replacement Project continues with daytime pile driving weekdays 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM. The work is expected to be more noisy than usual, although within the limits specified in the project. There will be intermittent lane and shoulder closures on PCH between Guernsey Avenue and Trancas Canyon Road. Motorists, pedestrians and cyclists should proceed with caution, and watch for vehicles, equipment staging, workers, dust, lights, signs in the road and shoulder, and unplanned temporary lane and shoulder closures. The speed limit is reduced to 30 MPH, with signs posted, in the construction zone. Under California law, speeding fines are doubled in construction zones. Sign up for traffic alerts via text or email on the website (scroll to “Alert Center"). Updates and information about the project, work activities and lane closures are posted on the website.
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