The City of Malibu has launched a Fee Waiver Program to help property owners rebuild by eliminating City planning and building permit fees for like-for-like, owner-occupied homes. To save residents time and hassle, City staff will prepare the required affidavit on behalf of each qualifying property owner. After notarization, the City will record the affidavit through the City Clerk’s Office, streamlining the entire process. To learn more aboure the Fee Waiver Program, read through the City’s Fee Waiver Handout.

This program waives City planning and building permit fees for properties that were:

  • Damaged or destroyed by the Broad, Franklin or Palisades Fires
  • Used as the primary residence by the property owner
  • Being rebuilt as like-for-like or like-for-like plus 10%

Important Deadlines

  • June 30, 2028 (4 p.m.): Fee waiver applications due
  • June 30, 2028: Planning applications must be deemed complete
  • December 30, 2030: All required building permits must be obtained

Building permits pulled after December 30, 2030 will require full fee payment before issuance.

The fee waiver applies to City-issued permits for:

  • Planning approvals
  • Building permits
  • Temporary housing
  • Wastewater treatment system upgrades
  • Required infrastructure (seawalls, etc.)
  • Temporary water tanks/suppression systems
  • Accessory structures
  • Hardscaping and landscaping

Note: Only City fees are eligible, other agency fees are not covered.

Property Type

  • Single-family homes
  • Duplex structures (both units must be owner-occupied)
  • Multi-parcel structures eligible
  • No commercial rebuilds eligible

Fire Areas & Dates

  • Broad Fire: Primary residence as of November 6, 2024
  • Franklin Fire: Primary residence as of December 9, 2024
  • Palisades Fire: Primary residence as of January 7, 2025

Ownership Requirements

  • Legal property owner or heir
  • Controlling interest in entity (LLC, etc.)
  • Property used as primary residence
  • Like-for-like or like-for-like plus 10% rebuild only

Required Documentation

  • Government-issued ID
  • Proof of primary residence (voter registration, driver’s license)
  • Property ownership documents
  • Notarized affidavit (prepared by City staff)

  1. Pre-qualify: Email required information to MalibuRecovers@malibucity.org or visit the Malibu Rebuild Center with your name, property address, government ID, and proof of primary residence.
  2. Notification: City staff will review your information and notify you if you qualify. If approved, staff will prepare the Fee Waiver Program affidavit on your behalf.
  3. Notarize Affidavit: Pick up the prepared affidavit from City staff and have it notarized by a third-party notary (not provided by City). Return the notarized document to City staff.
  4. Recordation: As a courtesy, the City Clerk’s Office will submit your affidavit for recording and provide you with a copy for your records. Service/recording fees may apply.

  • Fee waiver applied when applications are submitted
  • Fees paid prior to qualifying are eligible for reimbursement
  • Refund checks issued within 4 weeks of qualifying
  • No income limits or restrictions
  • Post-approval revision fees not eligible for waiver

If property is sold before Certificate of Occupancy, waived fees must be reimbursed within 90 days. Development will be halted until reimbursement is complete.

LLC/Corporation Ownership

  • Managing member and member must both execute affidavit
  • No shares can be sold/transferred during rebuild
  • Second affidavit required at Certificate of Occupancy
  • Covenant recorded against property

Owner-Occupied Duplexes

  • Both owners must have occupied their units as primary residence
  • Each owner must attest under penalty of perjury
  • Joint affidavit recorded against property
  • Both parties must meet all requirements

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