March 12 Building Design Professionals Town Hall Meeting Slides

The permitting process will vary depending on the changes to the design, size, and footprint of the original structure. There are a number of development options for properties affected by the fire, which determine the type of application that should be submitted to the planning department.

Visit the Malibu Rebuild Center or schedule an appointment to discuss the best option for you and your project.  You can also submit a request to initiate your planning application through the City’s Development Portal.

Rebuild Code Amendments were reviewed by the Planning Commission on February 20, 2025 and recommendations were made to the City Council.

This application is for those rebuilding legally permitted structures in substantially the same footprint, with an increase up to 10% in height, square footage, and volume. An Administrative Plan Review and a Site Plan Review may be required where the new area is either above 18 feet, on land steeper than 3:1, or encroaching into required side yard, rear yard, or front yard setbacks.

This option requires completion of the Planning Verification form or an Administrative Plan Review Submittal Checklist. Once completed, submit your form through the Development Portal.

Planning Verifications:

  • Planning Fees: $200
  • Public Notice: None required
  • Appealability: Not applicable
  • Timeline: One week per review

Administrative Plan & Site Plan Reviews:

  • Planning Fees (Administrative Plan Review): $1,590 plus applicable Department Review fees.
    Planning Fees (Site Plan Review): $3,499 (if reviewing height) or $2,981 (if reviewing work on steep slopes or to reduce setbacks); applicable Department Review fees.
    Public Notice: An Administrative Plan Review does not require a public notice. However, a 21-day notice is required for a Site Plan Review to increase in height above 18 feet, reduction in setbacks, or development on slopes steeper than 3:1.
    Appealability: If a Site Plan Review is proposed, the Planning Director’s decision is appealable to the Planning Commission within 10 days following issuance of the decision. Administrative Plan Reviews may be concurrently submitted for Building Plan Check; for those including a Site Plan Review may concurrently submit their project to Building Plan Check during the noticing period. Check with the Planning Department if your project qualifies for concurrent review.
    Timeline: Generally, three to six months, depending on the project. Administrative Plan Reviews require review by all relevant departments and agencies prior to noticing and issuance of the Planning Director’s decision. Site Plan Reviews add an additional layer of review of impacts to environmental resources, safety, and protected views.

This application is for those choosing to rebuild a structure more than 10% larger or in a new location on their lot. Accessory dwelling units that were previously constructed without the benefit of permits may also be legalized with this option.

This option requires completion of the Coastal Development Permit Submittal Checklist. Once completed, submit your form through the Development Portal.

  • Planning Fees: $11,579 base, additional fees for discretionary requests such as Site Plan Reviews, Minor Modifications, and Variances, may be added as required.
  • Public Notice: Coastal Development Permits are subject to a 10- or 21-Day Noticing Period, depending on if there are discretionary requests involved. Following the noticing period, the project is either reported to or discussed by Planning Commission and public during a public hearing.
  • Appealability: A Coastal Development Permit, if issued by the Planning Director and reported to the Planning Commission, may be appealed to the Planning Commission. Any decision issued by the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council. If the property is located in an appealable zone, it is also appealable to the California Coastal Commission. To find out if the proposed work would be conducted within the appeal zone, look up your property using the City GIS, and select Appeal Zones from the available layers.
  • Timeline: 12 – 24 months, depending on the project. CDPs require review by all relevant departments and agencies prior to noticing and scheduling a hearing date for the reporting or public discussion of the Planning staff recommendation or decision.