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1. What is the process once a complaint is submitted?

The handling of complaints is done on a system of priority, based on the nature of the alleged violations. Highest priority is given to septic system overflows, building without a permit, and grading without a permit. Other complaints are prioritized based on a variety of factors, including impact on public health and safety. Please note that staff does not provide status updates. Open Code Enforcement Cases

2. How do I submit a septic system complaint?

The City places a high level of response priority to Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (septic system) overflows and failures. The Pollution Prevention Hotline is the appropriate communication source for the public to provide immediate notification of such events to the City. The hotline is staffed 24/7 with bilingual (English & Spanish) operators to assist callers. Operators will immediately notify appropriate City staff to respond to the incident. Depending upon the type of incident reported, City staff may contact the caller to obtain additional information. All caller information will be kept confidential.

Water Pollution Hotline: 310-359-8003

Examples of prohibited activities include:
• Sewage discharges onto the ground, into storm drains, or surface waters (creeks and oceans)
• Overflowing onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS, also known as septic systems)
• Septic or greywater (soapy water from washing machines or car washing) flowing towards storm drains or surface waters
• Pollution entering storm drains or surface waters
• Contamination to creeks, lagoons, or the ocean
• Dry-weather discharge from pipes
• Dumping into drains and/or surface waters
• Construction site soil or debris entering the streets, storm drains, or surface waters
• Polluted runoff from construction storage or leaking dumpsters

You can also notify the City of suspected violations by filing an Online Pollution Report.

3. Are building permits always required?

Construction and development without required Building Permits or Planning Department approvals is prohibited by the Malibu Municipal Code. Although some construction projects do not require building permits, exempt projects may still require Planning Department approval. For example, fences which are six feet or less in height, and storage sheds 120 square feet or less, do not require Building Permits but do require approval from the Planning Department. If you are not sure whether your project requires a building permit or Planning Department approval, contact the Planning Department or Building and Safety Division staff at 310-456-2489, ext. 484.

If you are found to be engaged in construction or development without required Building Permits or Planning Department approval, a Stop Work Order will be issued. This is a notice which requires that you cease all work on the property. Continuing to work after issuance of a Stop Work Order is a misdemeanor violation of the Malibu Municipal Code.

4. What are the construction hours allowed in the City of Malibu?

You may work from 7:00 AM until 7:00 PM on weekdays, and from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM on Saturdays. Construction is not allowed on Sundays or holidays (New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.)

To report a violation, contact the Code Enforcement Office at 310-456-2489, ext. 484.

5. What are the beach ordinances in Malibu?

Malibu adopted Title 17, Chapter 12 of the Los Angeles County Code regarding beach activities. The following are some of the restrictions applicable to local beaches:

• Alcohol - The consumption of alcohol on any beach in Malibu is strictly prohibited. Violation of this law is a misdemeanor. A No Tolerance policy for alcohol on Malibu beaches has resulted in a decrease in alcohol-related accidents on Pacific Coast Highway, as well as a decrease in alcohol-related water rescues.
• Animals - Animals are not allowed on any public beach in Malibu. Owners on private beaches may have their dogs on their own beach, but dogs must always be on a leash. Even on private beaches, dogs are not allowed on the public part of the beach below the mean high tide line.
• Fires - Fires, including barbecues, are not allowed on any Malibu beach.
• Nude Sunbathing - There are no nude beaches in Malibu. Violation of this ordinance is a misdemeanor.

Enforcement of these beach ordinances is by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Questions can be directed to the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station at 310-456-6652.

6. What are the rules regarding habitable trailers on a property?

Trailers may be lived in only in a designated trailer park or at a construction site, with approval from the Planning and Building Departments. Refer to Malibu Municipal Code Section 17.40.040(A)(18). Malibu Municipal Code

7. What are the laws related to abandoned and non-operative vehicles?

The Malibu Municipal Code prohibits abandoned and non-operative vehicles from being stored where they are visible from a street or neighboring property. To report a suspected violation, submit an Investigation Request Form. Investigation Request Form

8. What can the City do about animal noise complaints?

Excessive animal noise is regulated by California Penal Code Section 373A, Los Angeles County Code Title 10, Section 10.40.010D, and Malibu Municipal Code Section 8.24.050.J. If you have a problem with a neighbor's barking dog, it is recommended that you first speak with your neighbor about the problem. It is possible that the neighbor is not aware of the problem.

If you are unable to resolve the problem with your neighbor, you may submit an Animal Noise Complaint form with Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control at AnimalCare.LAcounty.gov.