(Malibu, CA) — The City of Malibu continues to take proactive steps toward supporting property owners impacted by the 2025 Palisades Fire, 2024 Franklin Fire and 2024 Broad Fire to rebuild and recover.

At its February 20 Special Meeting, the Malibu Planning Commission reviewed proposed amendments to the Local Coastal Program (LCP) and Malibu Municipal Code (MMC) and unanimously recommended City Council’s adoption of the ordinance. The recommended changes will streamline the rebuilding process for residents and businesses affected by the wildfires.

“We’ve made a good start on an ordinance to help the community rebuild quickly and in a fire-safe way – ideals that are sometimes at odds with each other,” said Malibu Planning Commission Chair Kraig Hill. “But it’s clear that the City would still benefit from a few interactive workshops, in which residents and design and building professionals can share ideas among each other and City staff. Taking an extra week or two now to get it right could save residents months or even years down the line.”

During the meeting, the Planning Commission advanced key policy modifications aimed to expedite the rebuilding of homes and businesses lost by recent wildfires. The amendments to both the LCP and MMC seek to expedite the approval process and align local regulations with the Governor’s Executive Orders that suspend certain California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and California Coastal Commission (CCC) regulations. The adjustments would extend relief to residents and businesses impacted by the recent fires.

As part of their consideration, the Planning Commission approved a new Rebuild Development Permit, providing important direction for Malibu’s rebuilding guidelines by:

  • Allowing owners to build replacement homes and other damaged or destroyed structures how they were with up to a 10 percent increase in size.
  • Exempting new structures from certain Coastal Act provisions,
  • Providing a streamlined process for replacement structures and necessary new structures, such as seawalls, driveways, and wastewater systems, while ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws.

These changes are exempt from CEQA review because they do not directly authorize new development or cause environmental changes.

On March 4 at 3:00 PM, the Malibu City Council will hold a Special Meeting to take action on the proposed ordinance changes at City Hall and virtually via Zoom. The meeting agenda, staff report, and participation instructions will be available advance on the website: MalibuCity.org/AgendaCenter.

The February 20 Planning Commission meeting is available to view on the City’s YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@CityofMalibu/streams.

The City will also host a Building Professionals Town Hall on Wednesday, March 12, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at City Hall and virtually via Zoom, where experts will offer guidance and answer questions about the rebuilding process. Meeting details will be posted in advance at MalibuRebuilds.org and social media.

Residents can stay informed by signing up for email and text updates on rebuilding efforts at MalibuCity.org/RebuildUpdates. For more information on upcoming events or the rebuilding process, please visit MalibuRebuilds.org or contact MalibuRecovers@malibucity.org.