For Immediate Release: March 7, 2025

(Malibu, CA) — After three days of a continued public hearing, the Malibu City Council voted 4-0 with one abstention to approve Disaster Rebuild Ordinances to establish clear processes for rebuilding while preserving community character. The proposed changes to the Local Coastal Program (LCP) and Malibu Municipal Code (MMC) will apply to structures damaged or destroyed by the recent wildfires – primarily “like for like” – as well as future natural disasters that may impact Malibu.

“The City of Malibu is committed to ensuring our residents can rebuild safely and efficiently after disasters,” said Mayor Doug Stewart. “Community participation was essential in shaping these amendments, and we appreciate the thoughtful input from our residents. We have done our due diligence to ensure these changes reflect Malibu’s best interests, maintaining our commitment to sustainability, fire resiliency and public safety.”

Malibu City Council held an extensive Special City Council Meeting and a Workshop from March 4-6. During the workshop on March 4, residents in-person and via Zoom engaged in meaningful dialogue with Councilmembers and subject matter experts, providing valuable feedback on the proposed amendments and next steps in the rebuild process.

Following detailed discussions and careful consideration over three days, the City Council defined height and nonconforming structure regulations and enhanced safety measures for temporary housing and landscaping in fire-prone areas. The LCP amendments include:

  • Replacing “Primary Development Footprint Area” with “Primary Development Pad” to provide clearer definitions for clearer disaster rebuilding guidelines
  • Requiring rebuilt structures to maintain the same use and stay within 10% of the original size
  • Creating permit waivers for necessary upgrades like wastewater systems and FEMA-required height adjustments
  • Restricting Coastal Commission appeals to only specific development types

In addition, the City Council adopted an urgency ordinance to incorporate the changes to the MMC. These amendments are effective today, March 7, in anticipation of the opening of the Malibu Rebuild Center on Monday, March 10. The amendments to the MMC include:

  • Allow rebuilding nonconforming structures at original heights
  • Enhance fire safety standards by broadening landscape defensible space requirements
  • Prioritize sidewards rather than upward expansion for beachfront properties
  • Introduce a streamlined Rebuild Development Permit for disaster recovery projects

These policy changes aim to balance community needs, preserve ocean views and expedite the rebuilding process for disaster-affected homeowners while maintaining the aesthetic and environmental character of Malibu’s coastal neighborhoods. The meetings are available on the City’s YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@CityofMalibu/streams.

The Public Hearing for the second reading of the ordinances and official adoption has been rescheduled for Wednesday, March 12 at 11:00 AM at Malibu City Hall (23825 Stuart Ranch Rd) and via Zoom.

With the code amendments now adopted, the City of Malibu will host a Building Design Professionals Town Hall on Wednesday, March 12 at 4:00 PM at Malibu City Hall (23825 Stuart Ranch Rd) and via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83335453698.

Building and design professionals are invited to discuss key rebuilding topics, like options for residents, the approval process and more. Architects, engineers, expeditors and construction managers are encouraged to attend. To submit questions prior to the town hall, email MalibuRecovers@MalibuCity.org. The town hall will also be livestreamed on the City’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/@CityofMalibu/streams.