UPCOMING
- Monday, June 26, 6:30 PM - City Council Regular Meeting - hybrid virtual & in-person at City Hall
- Tuesday, June 27, 9:00 AM - Arts Commission Regular Meeting - virtual
- Wednesday, June 28, 3:30 PM - Public Works Commission Regular Meeting - virtual
- Tuesday, July 4 - Independence Day holiday - City Hall, Senior Center & Swimming Pool closed
- Friday, July 7, 7:00 PM - Harry Barovsky Memorial Youth Commission - virtual
- reminder -
APPLY FOR WOOLSEY FIRE REBUILD FEE WAIVERS BEFORE THE JUNE 30 DEADLINE
The City continues to work to help Malibu residents rebuild homes destroyed in the devastating Woolsey Fire, and urges homeowners to submit applications for rebuild fee waivers before the June 30 deadline. All required Planning Department applications for a project must be deemed complete by June 30, 2023. All required building permits must be pulled by December 30, 2023. Fees will not be waived after December 30, 2023. The fee waivers cover all City planning and building permit fees for properties that are being rebuilt as a “like-for-like” or “like-for-like plus 10%” rebuild and were used as a primary residence by the property owner as of November 8, 2018. The City Council made Woolsey Fire rebuilding its top priority, after public safety, every year since the 2019-2020 Budget, and has voted unanimously every year to extend the fee waivers, which now total $5.7 million in Woolsey Fire rebuild assistance. For more information and resources related to the fee waivers, and to submit an application, visit the Fee Waiver webpage.
WILDFIRE safety
(NEW) CITY FIRE SAFETY LIAISONS ARE TRACKING WILDFIRE CONDITIONS IN MALIBU IN ANTICIPATION OF FIRE SEASON
LIVE FUEL MOISTURE AT 116% AS OF JUNE 9, ABOVE HISTORICAL AVERAGE (60% = CRITICAL)
As part of year-round wildfire preparedness, the City tracks Live Fuel Moisture (LFM), as well as relative humidity, temperature, and dead fuel moisture, to determine wildfire conditions for Malibu. The LFM is the percentage of water content to dry matter in live vegetation and indicates how likely a fire is to grow large and spread quickly. LFM can be as high as 200% and is considered critical at 60% and below. The Los Angeles County Fire Department Forestry Division samples plants in the Santa Monica Mountains approximately every two weeks and posts the results on their website.
This year, several months of above-average rainfall, coupled with cool, cloudy and foggy days in Spring and early summer, have kept moistures levels high for live and dead vegetation. This should delay the traditional wildfire season. Live and dead vegetation has already started to dry out. At its peak this winter the LFM reached 190%, well above the historical average. As of June 9, LFM is at 116%, which is still higher than the historical average. Fuels historically get to the critical 60% level in late August, but fires can grow large even at 80%.
(NEW) START PREPARING FOR WILDFIRE SEASON NOW
Now is the time for everyone in the community, including businesses, to start preparing for wildfire season. Monitor local fire weather conditions and warnings on the National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard website. Create and/or review your family or business emergency plan, including evacuation routes and reunification locations, and gather emergency supplies. Check the expiration dates on food and medication. Keep vehicle fuel tanks above half full. Make sure you are able to open electric gates or garage doors when the power is out. For preparedness guidance, get the Malibu Survival Guide. Sign up for emergency alerts from the City (scroll to Alert Center) and from LA County. Most importantly, make sure flammable materials and vegetation are cleared away from your home. Schedule a free Home Wildfire Hardening Assessment by emailing FireSafety@MalibuCity.org, calling 310-456-2489, ext. 388 or visiting the Fire Safety webpage.
HEAVY VEGETATION FROM RECENT RAINS MEANS THAT BRUSH CLEARANCE IS CRUCIAL - THE CITY IS READY TO ASSIST YOU
June 1 was the LA County brush clearance deadline, but you can still complete your mandatory brush clearance. Many Malibu residents received brush clearance notices from the Fire Department for the first time due to updated maps. Proper brush clearance is required by law and is one of the most important ways to protect your home and property from wildfire, and to slow the spread of fires in our community. If you need guidance, you can contact the Fire Safety Liaisons at FireSafety@MalibuCity.org or 310-456-2489, ext. 388. Our region has received a record amount of rain this winter, which is badly needed for our drought conditions and water supplies. But the beautiful, lush vegetation on our hillsides will soon dry out to become fuel for a potential wildfire next fire season. For information on brush clearance in Los Angeles County, including a list of vendors, a checklist and FAQs, visit the LA County Fire Department webpage.
GET HELP WITH BRUSH CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS - SCHEDULE A HOME WILDFIRE HARDENING ASSESSMENT
Residents can get help with complying with brush clearance requirements by scheduling a free Home Wildfire Hardening Assessment with the City's Fire Safety Liaisons. They will conduct a 30-60 minute inspection that follow the Fire Code and nationally recognized best practices and provide a checklist of simple steps to take, such as good brush clearance, keeping flammable materials like dead vegetation and wood furniture away from the house, and covering up eave vents with metal mesh. Schedule an appointment by emailing FireSafety@MalibuCity.org or calling 310-456-2489, ext. 388 or visiting the Fire Safety webpage.
PUBLIC SAFETY
(NEW) TEMPORARY DAY-USE IMPOUND YARD BEGINS SUMMER OPERATIONS
On Saturday, May 27 the City began operating a temporary day-use impound yard at a new location at the Malibu High School parking on Morning View Dr. Last weekend, the impound yard was used for 18 towed vehicles, and 122 in total vehicles since operations started. Vehicles are removed at the end of each day. The impound yard will continue to be used on weekends and holidays through September 4 for the temporary storage of vehicles that are towed for illegal parking or posing a public safety hazard in Malibu. By not having to take towed vehicles to their regular impound yard in Thousand Oaks, the towing companies can tow away more illegally parked vehicles, helping to ensure beach access, resident and visitor parking, and keeping the roadways safe and clear for emergency responders.
(NEW) july 4 safety - fireworks are prohibited, help keep pch, beaches & canyons safe this holiday
In preparation for the busy July 4 holiday, Malibu is coordinating with partner agencies and putting out public messaging to help keep Pacific Coast Highway, (PCH), canyon roads, beaches and trails safe and clean for all to enjoy and to prevent the use of illegal fireworks. The City's messages on social media include:
- Fireworks are prohibited in Malibu
- Don’t drink and drive - designate sober drivers and use rideshares or taxis.
- Keep your eyes on the road - don’t text and drive.
- Slow down and watch for pedestrians and cyclists on PCH and cars pulling in and out of beach parking.
- Pack it in, pack it out – dispose of your trash in trash containers, and if you see litter, please pick it up and throw it away in a trash container.
- Alcohol, dogs and fires are prohibited on beaches in Malibu.
As of June 22, the LA County Fire Department (LACOFD) reports that no professional fireworks display permits have been issued for July 4
The Fire Department reminds the public that fireworks are illegal in the County except for professionally operated, permitted displays. Illegal fireworks are extremely dangerous and can cause serious injuries, burns and wildfires. The possession or use of illegal fireworks in Los Angeles County can result in fines up to $1,000 and up to a year in prison.
The LACOFD provides a list of public fireworks displays in the County on its website.
The City coordinates annually with the LA County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), LA County Department of Beaches and Harbors, California State Parks, Mountains and Recreation & Conservation Authority (MRCA), and CHP to prepare for summer crowds. The City funds the LASD Beach Team from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Beach Team is an important way to address alcohol consumption on the beaches, which is illegal and contributes to drunk driving on PCH and canyon roads, and they address traffic safety issues around the beaches. State Parks, Beaches and Harbors and MRCA increase maintenance and trash pickup during the summer. Every summer, the City requests additional patrols by LASD and the Sheriff’s Volunteers on Patrol (VOPs). The VOPs are crucial for parking enforcement to ensure beach access and keep the roadways safe, they monitor and report crime and emergencies, and they help direct traffic and ensure safety at accident sites. Residents can report street racing to the CHP by calling 323-259-3200. Report suspected intoxicated drivers by calling 9-1-1.
VIDEO - PRESENTATIONS ON BRUSH CLEARANCE & WILDFIRE INSURANCE FROM PUBLIC SAFETY EXPO
As part of the City continuous efforts to help the community prepare for wildfires, earthquakes, and other disasters, the City held the 5th Annual Public Safety Expo on Saturday, June 10 at City Hall. In addition to emergency supplies vendors, fire extinguisher training, an earthquake simulator, and Sheriff's and Fire Department teams and vehicles, the event featured two presentations which are available to watch below and on the City's YouTube channel.
Los Angeles County Fire Department - Brush Clearance - Ron Durbin from the Los Angeles County Fire Department Forestry Division discussed brush clearance requirements for homeowners. (starts at 0:34)
California Department of Insurance - Wildfire Insurance Issues - Armine Sargsyan, the Community Relations Outreach Analyst from the California Department of Insurance, will be speaking and answering questions on insurance issues that affect homeowners in the Very High Fire Safety Severity Zone, which encompasses all of Malibu. (starts at 28:11)
PLANNING
(NEW) PLANNING COMMISSION TO BEGIN HYBRID VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON MEETINGS JULY 17
The Malibu City Council voted on June 12 to have the Planning Commission begin holding its meetings in a hybrid in-person and virtual format starting July 17, as Los Angeles County continues the trend of low COVID-19 conditions. The City’s other Commissions, Committees and Boards will continue meeting virtually. Planning Commission meetings will take place at Malibu City Hall, located at 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, and will simultaneously be held remotely using the Zoom Webinar tool. Members of the public may make public comment during the meetings either in-person or in the remote meeting. Viewing and commenting instructions will be included in Planning Commission meeting agendas and posted on the website in advance of meetings. For more information, visit the webpage.
(NEW) LECHUZA BEACH ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS PUBLIC HEARING, AUGUST 7
The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) hearing on proposed developments to improve public access at Lechuza Beach, with Americans with Disability Act-compliant parking and bathroom, viewing platforms, advanced onsite wastewater treatment system, and staircase reconstruction, was continued to the August 7 Planning Commission meeting at the request of the MRCA. A project summary is available on the California Environmental Quality Act website. The initial City staff analysis for the project is available on the website. The agenda, staff report and viewing and commenting instructions for the August 7 hearing will be posted on the website in advance.
(NEW) HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE, JULY 10
On July 10, the Planning Department will present a Housing Element Update to the City Council. The staff report will be made available for public review in advance of the City Council meeting in the Agenda Center. The State of California Housing Element Law, enacted in 1969, mandates that local governments adequately plan to meet the existing and projected housing needs of the community at all economic levels. Housing Elements must be updated and certified every five years. Learn more about the Housing Element.
(NEW) USE OF PESTICIDES - LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM AMENDMENT AND CONSIDERATION OF A POLICY INTERPRETATIOn coming to city council JULY 10
On July 10, Planning Department staff will seek direction from the City Council regarding the possible initiation of an amendment to the Local Coastal Program Local Implementation Plan to implement Land Use Policy 3.18 regarding the use of pesticides, including insecticides, herbicides and rodenticides citywide. The staff report, with viewing and commenting instructions, will be available in advance on the website.
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT ORDINANCE PUBLIC HEARING, JULY 10
On July 10, the City Council will hold a public hearing regarding an amendment to the Local Coastal Program and Title 17 (Zoning) of the Malibu Municipal Code and consider Planning Commission recommendations on regulations on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in the City. On March 14, the Planning Commission held a special meeting and adopted Resolution No. 23-12, providing recommendations to the City Council to bring existing ADU regulations into compliance with state law. The agenda and staff report, with and viewing and commenting instructions, will be posted on the website in advance.
(NEW) SPECIAL EVENTS REPORT
Currently, there are permitted events on June 24 and 25; July 4 and 22; August 18, as well as every Sunday for the Malibu Farmers Market and for Farmer's Market off-street parking. The City of Malibu Planning Department posts a weekly report of approved event permits on the website. In order to help the public stay informed of pending event permit applications and to create opportunity for public input, the Event Permit Report includes all event permit applications deemed complete for review for consistency and compliance with the requirements of the Malibu Municipal Code and the Planning Director’s action on each application. To sign up to receive an email or text message when an updated Event Permit Report is posted, visit the e-notifications page (scroll down to the "Special Event Permit Report" category)
city hall / general
CITY HALL HOURS
City Hall is open to the public. Regular City Hall hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Fridays 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Members of the public may come to City Hall without an appointment during public counter hours. An appointment will be needed for in-person assistance during any other hours. Appointments can be made online. The use of facemasks is now "individual preference" while inside City Hall, in accordance with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health guidelines.
Public Counter Hours
- Planning: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, walk in. Other times by appointment only.
- Permit Services: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, walk-in and appointment. Other times by appointment only.
- Building Plan Check: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, walk-in and appointment. Other times by appointment only.
- Environmental Health: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, walk-in and appointment. Other times by appointment only.
- Geology / Coastal Engineering: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, walk-in and appointment. Other times by appointment only.
- Public Works: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, walk-in. Other times by appointment only.
To make virtual appointments with City staff and Departments, please call or email:
MALIBU SENIOR CENTER AT CITY HALL OPEN FOR IN-PERSON SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES
The Senior Center is open for general and various in-person services and programs Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Seniors can use the general use areas of the Center, including the computer lab, library and various recreation programs. Staff are also available to assist with Dial-A-Ride questions and program registrations. Fresh coffee is available daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. For more information, call 310-456-2489, ext. 357 or visit the webpage.
WOOLSEY FIRE REBUILD
(new) - MALIBU REBUILDS - STATISTICS
Staff continues to work with homeowners to rebuild. Here are the current Woolsey Fire rebuild statistics. See continuously updated statistics on the Rebuild Portal.
- Single Family Dwellings building permits issued - 260
- Single Family Dwellings complete - 130
- Multifamily building permits issued - 18 units
- Multifamily building units complete- 12 units
PLANNING CONSULTATIONS AND REBUILD RESOURCES
The Fire Rebuild team is available Monday through Friday at City Hall for complimentary one-on-one consultations about any fire rebuild project. Contact Aakash Shah at ashah@malibucity.org to set an appointment for a meeting by phone or online. For ideas about how to get started with your project, as well as numerous handouts, forms and resources, visit the Rebuild webpage.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY & BUILDING SAFETY
(NEW) CITY OF MALIBU RECEIVES ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD FOR ORGANIC WASTE RECYCLING PROGRAM
The City of Malibu received the California Resource Recovery Association Dave Hardy Leadership in Organics Award on June 6. The City received the award in recognition of its robust Organics Recycling Program outreach events and marketing, including monthly virtual organic waste recycling trainings to the public, in-person trainings for seniors, virtual trainings for the Harry Barovsky Memorial Youth Commission, social media messaging, and advertisements in the local newspaper. These public outreach efforts have helped increase participation in the Organics Recycling Program since October 2022. Learn more about the Organics Recycling Program.
(NEW) INTERNATIONAL PLASTIC BAG-FREE DAY
Join the City in celebrating International Plastic Bag-Free Day on July 3. The global initiative, started by Zero Waste Europe in 2009, is aimed at eliminating the use of plastic bags and finding environmentally friendly alternatives. Recognizing the environmental problems that plastic bags cause, the City prohibited the distribution of single-use plastic shopping bags in 2008. In 2017, the City amended the plastic bag ban to include a pass-through fee for the cost of recycled paper bags and banned plastic sandbags. Celebrate International Plastic Bag Free Day by using your reusable bag on July 3, 2023. For more information, visit the website.
(NEW) NORTH SANTA MONICA BAY COASTAL WATERSHEDS GROUP REPORTS
The North Santa Monica Bay Coastal Watersheds Management Group, consisting of the City of Malibu, Los Angeles County, and Los Angeles County Flood Control, submitted two reports to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board on June 14. The first report, a semi-annual monitoring report for the North Santa Monica Bay Coastal Watersheds (NSMBCW) Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Program (CIMP), consisted of water quality monitoring results for the reporting period of July 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. The second report, a semi-annual watershed progress report for the NSMBCW Watershed Management Program, has been posted on the website under the “North Santa Monica Bay” watershed group.
ARTS, CULTURE & RECREATION
(NEW) HOLIDAY HOURS, JULY 4
Malibu City Hall, the Senior Center and the Community Swimming Pool will be closed for the Independence Day holiday on Tuesday, July 4. City parks will be open from 8:00 AM to sunset. Alcohol, open flames and fireworks are prohibited. For more information on City parks and facilities, visit the webpage.
(NEW) MALIBU BLUFFS PARK MULTIPURPOSE FIELD CLOSED for maintenance, JULY 5 – AUGUST 14
The Multipurpose Field at Malibu Bluffs Park will be closed for bi-annual rest and renovation from Wednesday, July 5 through Monday, August 14. The rest and renovation play an important part in keeping the field safe and playable throughout the year. Other facilities at Malibu Bluffs Park will remain open.
(NEW) SUMMER POETRY WORKSHOP, JULY 15
Join Malibu Poet Laureate Ann Buxie and Dr. Ericha Scott for an afternoon of poetry writing and art on Saturday, July 15, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Malibu Library. Dr. Scott will use prompts and examples to explore different forms of poetry, inspire poetry approaches, and encourage new works while focusing on the theme "Love Letters, Poetry, and Art." The workshop is free, and reservations are not required. For more information, visit the Poetry webpage.
(NEW) CINEMALIBU OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT SERIES continues at MALIBU BLUFFS PARK WITH "E.T.," JUly 15
The City's CineMalibu™ series returns to Malibu Bluffs Park for free, family-friendly outdoor community movie screenings with 1980s films, trivia, games, food trucks and more. "E.T." (1982, PG) will be screened on Saturday, July 15 and "Karate Kid" (1984, PG) will be screened on Saturday, August 19. The movies start at sunset and pre-event activities start at 5:00 PM. Show a City staff member that you follow the Community Services Department on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win great prizes, including gift cards to local businesses and a 30% off coupon for a City of Malibu recreation program. For more information, visit the webpage.
PUBLIC WORKS
CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN ON TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION PROJECT TO IMPROVE SAFETY AND MOBILITY
Construction is expected to start this month on the City of Malibu’s PCH Traffic Signal Synchronization Project, the City’s most significant measure to date to improve traffic safety and mobility on PCH, among the most important quality of life issues in Malibu. The project will take more than one year to complete. Communications lines will be installed between traffic signals on PCH from Topanga Canyon Blvd to John Tyler Dr to synchronize them to existing traffic conditions, and they will be controlled the Caltrans Traffic Management Center. According to CalTrans, during the past 10 years, there have been more than 4,000 collisions on PCH in Malibu. Speeding and improper turns are the most common contributing factors to collisions, both of which will be directly addressed by the Signal Synchronization Project. The system can also be used to help emergency evacuations move quickly and safely. The $34.6 million project is fully funded through County Measure R transportation funds.
The City’s parcel on Civic Center Way and Webb Way will be used for storage of construction vehicles and materials, employee parking, and a temporary construction office, which will make the project more efficient, and reduce vehicle traffic on PCH and Malibu Canyon. Per the City’s requests, the contractor will install screening and has committed to keeping the location clean. For more information, see the staff report.
OUTREACH & FEEDBACK
E-NOTIFICATIONS
The City maintains a robust e-notification system so the community can stay informed about all the City’s activities. Sign up to receive messages by text or email on the City’s e-notifications page.
FURTHER QUESTIONS
For questions or comments, contact the City Manager at SMcClary@MalibuCity.org.
See Past City Manager Updates