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 learn more about 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)

The Fee Waiver Program requires two affidavits to be processed:

  • Affidavit-1 – Attests to the validity of your identification and proof of primary residence at the time of the fire.
  • Affidavit-2 – Declares compliance with the program and must be notarized and recorded.
  1. Get Started: Submit the following by email to MalibuRecovers@malibucity.org or in person at the Malibu Rebuild Center: a valid photo ID, proof of primary residence at the time of the fire, and completed and signed Affidavit-1. Note: Affidavit 1 does not require notarization or recordation.
  2. Notification: City staff will review your materials and notify you if you qualify. If approved, staff will prepare Affidavit-2 on your behalf. This document can be provided: in person at the Rebuild Center, by mail, or by email.
  3. Notarize Affidavit: Affidavit-2 requires original (“wet”) signatures and notarization. Sign your name exactly as it appears on the form. All property owners must sign.
  4. Recordation: As a courtesy, the City Clerk’s Office will submit your Affidavit-2 for recording and provide you with a copy for your records. Service/recording fees do not apply.
  5. Waived / Refunded Fees: Once recordation is complete eligible fees for your project will be waived and previously paid eligible fees will be refunded.

  • 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