Recovery in Malibu: A Community Journey
By Yolanda Bundy, Community Development Director
Serving Malibu is not just a role; it is a calling. Every action taken by the City, every process improved, and every challenge met is guided by a commitment to the people and the community we serve. Recovery here is about more than rebuilding structures; it is about restoring lives, nurturing resilience, and creating a future where every family feels supported, safe, and empowered.
Recovery in Malibu has never been about statistics alone. It is about ensuring that every home is rebuilt safely, responsibly, and in harmony with the City’s unique natural environment. Progress is measured not just in permits, but in the dedication of residents, volunteer, City staff, design professionals, and contractors who have spent countless hours turning devastation into renewal.
Rebuilding Malibu is more than a municipal responsibility; it is a shared commitment born of care, hope, and community. Residents have faced unimaginable loss, yet their courage and resilience light the path forward. The City is here to stand with them every step of the way, easing processes, advocating for fair insurance outcomes, and ensuring that each home rebuilt is not just a structure, but a place where families heal, dreams are renewed, and the community grows stronger together.
What defines Malibu is not the fires that swept through it, but the spirit that rose from the ashes. From neighbors helping neighbors to volunteers lending expertise, and City staff working tirelessly behind the scenes, this recovery has been—and will continue to be—a testament to Malibu’s heart, strength, and perseverance. Every action, big or small, is a step toward hope and healing.
Throughout this process, the City of Malibu remains committed to transparency, accountability, and ongoing progress. Information is shared openly, public input is valued, and residents are engaged at every stage. As of mid-November, Malibu’s rebuild progress includes:
- 421 building permits issued for repairs, damages, and rebuilding activities
- 180 planning submittals received, with 106 planning applications approved
- 16 single-family home permits issued, with more expected before month’s end
- Malibu’s rebuild progress is updated live on the dashboard at: MalibuRebuilds.org/rebuild-dashboard
Each number represents a home, a family, and a tangible step toward recovery. These are not just statistics—they are milestones of hope and proof that Malibu is coming back stronger.
Building in Malibu is uniquely challenging, with steep hillsides, coastal bluffs, and environmentally sensitive terrain. Projects are subject to rigorous state and federal environmental laws, as well as geotechnical and coastal regulations designed to ensure long-term safety. These are not “red tape” burdens; they are life-safety protections that safeguard families and the community for generations.
The City continues to take every step to reduce administrative barriers and support residents in rebuilding:
- Adopting Disaster Rebuild Ordinances to simplify permitting and strengthen resilience
- Implementing the Fee Waiver Program to eliminate City planning and building permit fees for like-for-like, owner-occupied homes
- Launching Archistar, an AI platform to speed plan review and ensure consistent approvals
- Creating MalibuRebuilds.org, a one-stop online hub guiding homeowners through every step of the process
- Holding weekly coordination meetings with neighborhood zone captains help resolve issues promptly, while the Rebuild Center offers one-on-one assistance from our chief building official
- Merging the Planning and Environmental Sustainability Departments into a single Community Development Department to improve efficiency and communication
Each initiative is designed with one goal: to help our families rebuild faster, more affordably, and more safely.
The road to full recovery is not a sprint; it is a climb. We see the heartbreak, the struggles, and the determination of every family rebuilding their lives. With each foundation laid, each roof raised, and each family returning home, Malibu is not just restoring structures—it is restoring hope, community, and belonging. The City stands ready to help every step of the way. Together, we are proving that Malibu can recover, rebuild, and emerge stronger than ever.