For Immediate Release: April 17, 2025

(Malibu, CA) — April 17, 2025 – Today marks 100 days since the start of the devastating Palisades Fire that deeply impacted our community. While the road to recovery is ongoing, the City of Malibu has laid the groundwork to streamline rebuilding, restore essential services and support local businesses.

“The Palisades Fire has impacted our entire community. It’s been a complex recovery process, but through our regional, state and federal partnerships and community’s resilience, the City of Malibu has made meaningful progress in paving the way toward long-term recovery,” said Mayor Pro Tem Marianne Riggins. “From key policy decisions and funding allocations to centralizing resources and community conversations, the City has taken a multifaceted approach to ensure our community has what it needs to heal, rebuild and move forward.”

On January 27, the Malibu City Council initiated changes to the Local Coastal Program (LCP) and Malibu Municipal Code (MMC) to expedite the rebuilding process and align with the Governor’s executive orders. In early March, City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 524U to immediately implement changes to the MMC and the Disaster Rebuild Ordinance to finalize key updates to the LCP. The California Coastal Commission approved these policy changes on April 10, solidifying the streamlined rebuilding process for properties impacted by the recent wildfires, as well as future natural disasters.

To provide dedicated, in-person support, the City opened the Malibu Rebuild Center on March 10. Since opening, the City has executed:

  • 193 rebuild appointments/site verifications, 64 follow-up appointments
  • 6 approved architectural plans, 13 submitted and pending approval

The City is looking into more resilient sewer service options to properties in the burn area, especially along the beachfront. On April 10, the City Council directed the Public Works Department to explore connecting to LA County and Hyperion systems as an alternative to the City’s existing infrastructure. This study is now underway, and findings — including possible funding options — will be shared at the April 24 Council Work Session meeting.

On April 14, the City Council initiated financial support for residents and businesses. Property owners who owned their property at the time of the fire or their heirs are eligible for waived application fees if they are pursuing “like-for-like” and “like-for-like plus 10%” rebuilds. To boost the local economy, City Council directed staff to create a grant program for local businesses using the City’s General Fund and partner with the Palibu Chamber of Commerce to launch the “Malibu is Open” promotional campaign. In addition, Council enacted a hold on the local minimum wage increase to minimize the financial burden local businesses are facing.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and US Army Corps of Engineers have made significant strides in the hazardous waste and debris removal process. Efforts remain ongoing, and City Council will determine the next steps for Malibu properties that did not complete the Right of Entry (ROE) forms at a future meeting.

Throughout the aftermath of the fire, the City has prioritized community engagement and continues to encourage conversations with affected community members. Since returning home, the City has hosted 27 meetings, including City Council Work Sessions, town halls with partner agencies, localized neighborhood meetings and more. In addition, the City created a dedicated website, MalibuRebuilds.org, and launched its weekly Recovery & Rebuild Newsletter in February to centralize information and share timely updates.

The City will be hosting the following meetings specifically focused on the rebuilding process:

  • Thursday, April 24 at 2:00 PM: Council Work Session Meeting
  • Monday, April 28 (Regular City Council Meeting) at 5:30 PM: Carbon Mesa Fire Flow-Onsite Water Tank Discussion
  • Thursday, May 8 at 3:00 PM: Review of recovery resources

As Malibu continues to move through the recovery and rebuilding phases, the City is focused on developing and maintaining a clear, coordinated path forward for all affected community members. For more information, visit MalibuRebuilds.org.