Safety Element
Summary
The City of Malibu Public Safety Department is currently updating the City's General Plan Safety Element in accordance with California Government Code Section 65302 (g). The update will address critical community issues, including wildfire risk, geotechnical safety, climate adaptation, and evacuation planning. In addition to meeting state requirements, the updated Safety Element will help the City qualify for the 2026 Fire Risk Reduction Community List, which provides advantages to Malibu residents when applying for homeowner’s insurance and potential discounts.
Documents
On April 22, 2026, Council-directed changes were incorporated into the Final Safety Element (April 2026).
On April 13, 2026, the City Council adopted the General Plan Amendment to include the Safety Element (March 2026).
Environmental Review
City staff will recommend to the Planning Commission that the proposed General Plan Amendment is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). More information regarding this recommendation is contained in the Notice of Planning Commission Public Hearing Notice.
Background
The State of California requires each county and city to adopt a General Plan, consisting of several “elements,” including a Safety Element. The City’s current General Plan Safety and Health Element has been updated consistent with General Plan and Safety Element state law (Government Code Section 65302 et seq.) and renamed as the Safety Element. The purpose of the updated Safety Element is to incorporate safety considerations into the planning process by establishing goals, policies, and implementation actions intended to minimize the risk of injury, loss of life, property damage, and environmental damage associated with natural and man‐made hazards. This includes emergency preparedness; seismic and geologic hazards; flood hazards; fire hazards; climate adaptation; shoreline protection; and hazardous materials and waste.
Timeline
On April 22, 2026, Council-directed changes were incorporated into the Final Safety Element (April 2026).
April 13, 2026, the City Council adopted the proposed General Plan Amendment to include the Safety Element (March 2026). For more information, view the Staff Report and meeting video.
On March 2, 2026, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 26-12 providing a recommendation to the City Council on its proposed Safety Element Update.
On March 2, 2026, the Planning Commission considered the Safety Element and provided a recommendation to the City Council on its proposed Safety Element Update. For more information, view the Staff Report and meeting video.
Draft Safety Element (February 2026)
On January 14, 2026, the Public Safety Commission considered Item 5A. Staff Report.
On November 24, 2025, the City Council considered Item 7B. Staff Report and Supplemental Staff Report.
Draft Safety Element (October 2025)
On February 24, 2025, the City Council awarded an agreement to Atlas Planning Solutions to update the Safety Element. Staff Report.
On August 12, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 24-41, initiating amendments to the General Plan to update the Safety Element. Staff Report