Environmental Documents & Notices

State law (California Environmental Quality Act) requires that all cities evaluate and consider the potential effect on the environment of projects they undertake directly, such as a capital works project, or for a private entity where the City approves an application.

If the City determines the project may have a significant effect on the environment, the City must prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR):

  • Describing the effect of the project on the environment
  • Suggesting "mitigation measures" to reduce the effect
  • Evaluating alternatives to the project which may have less effect on the environment

If the City determines the project will not have a significant effect on the environment, a (Mitigated) Negative Declaration is prepared stating the reasons why the project will not have a significant effect and suggested mitigation measures.

The EIR or (Mitigated) Negative Declaration must be certified or adopted by the City’s decision-making body. Before the document is certified or approved, the City must:

  • Provide a draft copy for public review
  • Include comments that the City received on the draft, and the City’s response to them

Resources

California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines and Statutes
Planning Director Memorandum to Planning Commission

PUBLIC REVIEW

(Mitigated) Negative Declarations and EIRs that are subject to a public review/comment period. 

MRCA Lower-Cost ACCOMMODATIONS Public Works plan 

The Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority (MRCA) is proposing the Malibu Lower-Cost Accommodations Public Works Plan. The Plan proposes a variety of park facility improvements and public outreach programs at the Malibu Bluffs Open Space and the existing campground at Ramirez Canyon Park. The public comment period for input on the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) ended on December 16. The Malibu City Council considered a draft letter and report from staff on November 28 and submitted its comment letter to the MRCA on December 12, 2022. See details about the Plan, including maps, background, and potential environmental impacts in the Notice of Preparation and on the project website. 

Nobu Ryokan Motel & Malibu Tidepool Health Club

The Nobu Ryokan Motel & Malibu Tidepool Health Club Project consists of a General Plan, Zoning Map, and Local Coastal Program mapping amendments from Community Commercial to Community Visitor-Serving-Two for the existing Ryokan Hotel (22752 PCH) and Tide Pool (22762 PCH), and the conversion of the existing non-conforming uses to a bed and breakfast inn. On December 28, 2023, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 23-46 recommending the City Council adopt the Negative Declaration and Initial Study, associated code amendments, and entitlements. A City Council hearing has not been scheduled. For additional information, including public meetings, visit the project webpage at https://malibucity.org/1142/23840/Nobu-Ryokan-Motel-Malibu-Tidepool-Health

MRCA Coastal Accessways public works plan

The Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority (MRCA) is proposing a Malibu Coastal Access Public Works Plan (PWP) for public beach accessways in Malibu. The PWP includes 17 publicly-owned sites along the coast in the City (See Initial Study Table 1-List of Project Sites). The City is currently processing Coastal Development Permits for several of these projects. In response to a Notice of Preparation of an Environmental  Impact Report prepared by MRCA, the City submitted a comment letter. For additional project information and to review the environmental documents, visit the MRCA project web page.

Escondido Canyon Park to Murphy Way Connector Project 

The Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority (MRCA) Draft Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration for the proposed trail project (CDP No. 16-074) public review and comment period ended April 4, 2019. The Initial Study and its appendices can be viewed online: 

Seaboard Road Extension Project

Visit the Seaboard Road Extension project webpage for updates on the EIR.