The City of Malibu shares the community’s goal of “getting to yes.” Over the past several months, the City has implemented transformative measures that have accelerated rebuild approvals and permit processing. However, all rebuilds must be based on a foundation of safety, compliance, and sound engineering.
Malibu’s complex terrain and coastal environment create distinct technical, regulatory, and geographic conditions that require a more specialized approach than other jurisdictions. Most rebuilds in the City of Los Angeles or the Eaton burn area, for example, occur on flat sites connected to public sewer systems, and none involve beachfront properties.
Malibu’s Distinct Challenges
1. Complex Terrain and Topography – Many fire-affected Malibu properties sit on steep slopes (often greater than 30%) or active landslide zones. Rebuilding in these areas requires additional stability measures such as retaining walls, grading and deep foundation systems. Several sites are also located within debris-flow hazard zones, adding to the engineering complexity.
2. Coastal Engineering Requirements – Reconstruction near the shoreline involves strict coastal engineering standards. Projects may require seawalls, deep foundation systems, or shoring piles to protect Pacific Coast Highway, along with advanced on-site wastewater treatment systems — all subject to state and federal oversight.
3. Infrastructure Limitations – Narrow parcels, limited access roads, and reliance on individual septic systems further complicate rebuilding efforts and require site-specific design solutions.
4. Environmental Regulations – Compliance with FEMA floodplain boundaries, erosion control measures, and storm surge protection standards involves coordination with multiple regulatory agencies. Each step is critical to maintaining safety and environmental integrity.
The City’s Approach to Geotechnical Review
Malibu’s Final Geotechnical and Coastal Fire Rebuild Guidelines (April 18, 2025) were developed to streamline the review process for eligible fire rebuilds. These guidelines encourage the use of existing data, multiparcel reports, limited studies, and visual assessments whenever possible, which helps reduce both cost and time without compromising safety or regulatory compliance.
Full geotechnical review remains necessary when site-specific risks exist, such as slope instability, lateral spreading, poor drainage, or previous slide activity. In such cases, the City must follow state-mandated building codes and safety standards. Malibu Building Officials have limited authority to waive these requirements, especially when existing data are outdated or incomplete.
The City is in the final stages of selecting two additional geotechnical firms to join our review team. This expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to collaboration, clarity, and efficiency while keeping public safety and environmental stewardship at the forefront.