LATEST UPDATES
March 4-6 Special City Council Meeting and Rebuild Workshop
The Malibu City Council held a Special Meeting and Rebuild Workshop on March 4-6 at City Hall on the proposed City code amendments to define the fire rebuild process for property owners impacted by the recent fires. On March 4, more than 95 community members, architects and other building professionals joined the City Council at City Hall and via Zoom for a collaborative workshop to examine the proposed rebuild code amendments, ask questions and discuss ideas to further enhance the proposals.
On March 5 and 6, the Malibu City Council held a Public Hearing on the proposed City code amendments to the Local Coastal Program (LCP) and Malibu Municipal Code (MMC). Following extensive discussions and careful consideration, the City Council voted 4-1 to approve comprehensive updates to the Local Coastal Program (LCP) and Malibu Municipal Code (MMC), establishing clear processes for rebuilding while preserving community character. The proposed changes will apply to structures damaged or destroyed by the recent wildfires, as well as future natural disasters that may impact Malibu.
As part of City Council’s action, 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 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.
Beware of Fraudulent Emails Claiming To Be From City of Malibu
A fraudulent email is circulating, falsely claiming to be from the City of Malibu’s Planning & Community Development Department. The email, sent from planning.malibucity@usa.com, requests payment for a “city compensation fee” related to wastewater treatment system approvals. The City of Malibu does not request payments via unsolicited emails. Stay vigilant and protect your personal and financial information from scams. If you receive an email from this sender, do not reply, click links or send payments. To verify communications, call City Hall at 310-456-2489.
DEBRIS REMOVAL UPDATES
PHASE 1 – EPA Removal of Household Hazardous Materials Complete
On February 26, the USEPA completed the Phase 1 removal and disposal of household hazardous materials from properties in Malibu impacted by the fires. More than 1,700 staff cleared hazardous materials from properties in Palisades and Eaton fire footprints, including over 1,000 lithium-ion batteries, asbestos, household and automotive batteries, compressed gas cylinders, household chemicals, electronics, fuels and oils, and medical waste.
The community may see continued activity at Topanga State Beach and Will Rogers State Beach Phase 1 Transfer Sites, as EPA is processing lithium-ion batteries collected during Phase 2 Debris Removal. EPA will conduct post-operations soil sampling at each staging area to ensure that there was no impact.
PHASE 2 – Debris Removal
On March 3, Phase 2 debris removal was completed on the first Malibu properties in the Palisades Fire burn area. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) continues to expand Phase 2 debris removal on other Malibu properties.
Do not miss the deadline to submit your Right of Entry (ROE) form by the March 31, 2025 deadline. Progress can be viewed on their interactive map.
Contact Information:
- LA County Public Works Fire Debris Hotline: 844-347-3332
- US Army Corps of Engineers Debris Call Center: 213-308-8305
Opt-In/Opt-Out Forms & Information
UPCOMING EVENTS
| MARCH 8 |
Insurance Support Workshop 10:00AM – 6:00 PM at Skirball Cultural Center (2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles) The California Department of Insurance is hosting a free workshop to help fire survivors understand their insurance policies and the claims process. To schedule a one-on-one appointment with a Department of Insurance expert, please call 800-927-4357. |
| MARCH 9 |
Army Corps of Engineers Q&A on Debris Removal 2:00 – 4:00 PM at Surf Canyon (3728 Cross Creek Rd) Join the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for an engaging Q&A session the Phase 2 debris removal process. Learn about the process, equipment and benefits of opting in to the government-run debris removal program on time for the March 31. No RSVPs needed. Click here for more information. |
| MARCH 12 |
Building and Design Professionals Town Hall 4:00 PM at Malibu City Hall and via Zoom Join the City’s rebuilding team to gain a comprehensive understanding of the step-by-step reconstruction process. The City’s technical experts will present various rebuilding options, outline the process and explain streamlined procedures. Click here for meeting details, viewing and commenting instructions. The Town Hall may be viewed live or later on-demand on the City’s YouTube channel. |
UPCOMING DEADLINES
| MARCH 9 |
SBA Assistance Deadline (Nonprofits and Faith Groups) Apply Now |
| MARCH 10 |
SBA Loan Assistance Deadline Apply Now |
| MARCH 10 |
FEMA Assistance Deadline Apply Now |
RESOURCES
Countywide Eviction Protection for Workers and Business Owners Through July 31
On February 18, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion by Supervisor Lindsey Horvath to enact limited eviction protections countywide to benefit workers and business owners impacted by the January wildfires. The motion includes a six‐month eviction moratorium through July 31, 2025 and directs $10 million for rent relief with additional philanthropic support.
Click Here for More Information
FEMA Assistance: What To Do If You Are Ineligible
If you received a letter from FEMA stating you’re ineligible for assistance, there may be simple fixes like providing missing documents or updated information that can change the outcome. Common reasons for ineligibility include duplication of benefits, insufficient proof of residency, or a determination that your home remains safe. If your insurance claim is denied or doesn’t cover all damages, or if new damage emerges, update FEMA immediately. You have the right to appeal within 60 days. Submit supporting documents through DisasterAssistance.gov, by mail, fax or at a Disaster Recovery Center. For questions, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
MEDIA INQUIRIES
Please direct all media inquiries to PIO@MalibuCity.org.