This page provides key regulations, policies and resources for rebuilding properties damaged or destroyed by the Palisades Fire, Franklin Fire and Broad Fire. Find links to relevant ordinances, policy interpretations, special provisions for fire-affected areas and more.

Current Malibu Policy Status

At the Aug. 27, 2025 City Council meeting, City Council approved 15 of 16 policy items to help residents rebuild disaster-damaged homes. Building on previous July 22 discussions, key decisions include clarifying “like-for-like” definitions, “lawfully erected” structure standards and water tank/pool firefighting requirements. See our “Policy Interpretations” section below for more info.

Outstanding Items:

  • Beachfront development and sea level rise policy (September review)

View Staff Report | Watch Meeting Video

Local Ordinances

The Malibu Municipal Code — the City’s comprehensive collection of local ordinances and regulations — contains development standards, permit requirements, temporary housing provisions, fire safety landscaping rules and nonconforming structure regulations that govern disaster rebuilding

  • Disaster rebuild standards for Malibu Municipal Code and Local Coastal Program
  • Allows “like-for-like” rebuilding plus 10% additional square footage, height, and bulk
  • Certified by California Coastal Commission (April 10, 2025)

Since Malibu is entirely within the California coastal zone, the LCP (certified by the California Coastal Commission) supersedes city zoning when there are conflicts, in order to protect sensitive coastal resources and public access. For rebuilding, it defines coastal development permit exemptions for disaster replacement structures and “like-for-like” criteria allowing up to 110% of original size.

State Executive Orders

Suspends CEQA and California Coastal Act for rebuilding properties damaged by Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Lidia, Sunset and Woodley Fires; directs 30-day permit processing goals; allows rebuilding up to 110% of original structure size

Suspended CEQA and Coastal Act requirements for Palisades Fire rebuilds; established “rebuild plus 10%” allowances and structures existing “immediately before emergency” criteria

Suspends environmental regulations for electric, gas, water, sewer and telecommunications infrastructure rebuilding projects to expedite utility restoration and upgrades

Directs California Coastal Commission to avoid interference with rebuilding processes allowed under other executive orders.

  • “Like-for-like” rebuilding: Replacement structures within 110% of the same height, bulk, and square footage of the previous structure; design may change (e.g., craftsman to modern style)

  • “General location” requirements: Replacement structures must be within 50% of the previous structure’s footprint and envelope to be considered “substantially” in the same location

  • Bulk calculation methods: Cubic volume (bulk) shall not exceed 110% of the previous structure’s volume, measured from exterior surfaces

  • “Lawfully erected” structure criteria: Structures with permits or pre-incorporation existence qualify; special provisions for 2025 Palisades Fire and 2024 Franklin Fire allow structures existing just prior to fires (excluding open code violations)

  • Basement square footage calculations: New basement square footage must be included in the 110% calculation; cannot be excluded from size limits

  • Water tank and pool allowances: Water storage devices required/recommended by government agencies for fire protection don’t count toward Total Development Square Footage

  • Multiple structure combination rules: Structures 10 feet or less apart may be combined, but must maintain same use and uninhabitable areas (like garages) must remain uninhabitable.

  • No net loss housing density compliance: Converting multifamily to single-family requires replacement units via Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

  • Current zoning regulation requirements: 10% increases must comply with current zoning; increases above 18 feet require Site Plan Review; setback encroachments need approval

  • Beachfront wave action report requirements: Replacement structures are not considered “new construction” so don’t require comprehensive wave action reports; FEMA flood regulations apply instead

  • Rooftop deck standards: Allowed for both beachfront and non-beachfront rebuilds with conditions (no furniture above railing height, no use after 10 PM, lighting/music restrictions)

  • Survey requirements: Updated surveys required when discrepancies exist between available records (assessor data, historical plans, etc.)