For Immediate Release: August 26, 2025
(Malibu, CA) — The City of Malibu issued its first Palisades Fire Rebuild Building Permit, allowing this homeowner to begin construction.
“Each permit we issue represents a family’s path home. Rebuilding takes time, not only because of insurance and construction decisions, but also because families are moving through the grieving process. Every Malibu home is unique, and every family must make careful choices about how to rebuild,” said Mayor Marianne Riggins. “The City Council and staff are working hard to streamline the process and provide support, but we know it is ultimately a personal journey. We stand with our community as friends and neighbors return home.”
The City recently reached another important milestone: its 100th planning rebuild submittal, just seven months after the fire. By comparison, following the Woolsey Fire, Malibu reached its 100th application at the eight-month mark. Given the challenges posed by rebuilding after the Palisades Fire, the one-month difference represents significant progress.
The Planning Rebuild Submittal is the first step in the development process. The Planning review process answers the “where and what can I build” question. Planning reviews applications to verify the building pad and reviews for height, setbacks, bulk, and square footage.
The rebuilding process in Malibu is particularly complex due to geological conditions along the coast. Many properties are located on steep or unstable terrain affected by landslides, erosion, and active fault lines. Additionally, narrow, winding roads, limited utility access and impacts to Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) add further difficulty to the construction and permitting process.
“Even with supportive policies adopted by the City Council and the Governor to expedite permitting and ease certain requirements, each property still demands careful, site-specific review,” said Community Development Director Yolanda Bundy. “Every home presents its own unique design, safety, and environmental challenges, which require thoughtful coordination and thorough analysis. While it may feel slow and challenging, our process ensures each rebuild is safe, resilient, and reflective of Malibu’s natural character.”
Despite these challenges, the City is working diligently to process rebuild permits efficiently and thoroughly. Permit reviews incorporate current engineering standards and coastal development regulations, and account for long-term concerns like sea-level rise and storm surge. These factors require more precision and planning to ensure the safety and sustainability of all rebuilt homes.
The City continues to engage with the community about the complexities of rebuilding through regular public meetings and at the Malibu Rebuild Center, offering updates and opportunities for residents to provide input. All meetings and workshops are available for public viewing on the City’s YouTube Channel.
For more information on the City’s rebuilding efforts and homeowner resources, visit Malibu Rebuilds’ website.
