Frequently Asked Questions

The City of Malibu adopted the Los Angeles County Code regarding business licenses. That ordinance lists those businesses that must be licensed. For additional information or for a business license application, contact the County Business License Office at 213-974-2011 or go to the County Treasurer's website.

If you plan to run a business out of your home, you must also comply with the Home Occupation Rules.

As of February 2023, the City of Malibu is no longer a Passport Acceptance Facility. To find a Passport Acceptance Facility, visit the US State Department Passport website.

For information regarding what you need to apply for a US Passport, visit Travel.State.Gov/Passport.

Construction is allowed between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM weekdays. On Saturdays, construction is allowed between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Construction is not allowed on Sundays and City holidays.

To report a violation of these hours, you may contact the Code Enforcement Officer at 310-456-2489, ext. 484. On weekends or after hours, you may also contact the Malibu / Lost Hills Sheriff's Station at 310-456-6652.

The City hosts a bi-monthly Used Oil and Paint Roundup in February, April, June, August, and October on the third Saturday of the month at Malibu City Hall (23825 Stuart Ranch Rd). Used motor oil, oil filters, anti-freeze, latex paint, and car batteries are accepted.

An E-Waste Collection Event is held in conjunction with the bi-monthly roundup in February, April, June, August, and October. Items such as computer equipment, old cellphones, radios and TVs, household batteries, and compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFL) can all be safely recycled at this event.

Please do not drop these items anytime other than on the designated day and at the designated location. During rainy weather, these events are generally cancelled.

For more information, contact Environmental Programs staff at 310-456-2489, ext. 275.

In accordance with Malibu Municipal Code Section 2.04.030, City Hall is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and Fridays from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

View the holidays observed by City Hall.

The Areas of Special Biological Significance (ASBS) are coastal areas designated by the State of California where fragile biological and marine communities must be protected. Malibu is adjacent to ASBS No. 24 (designated in 1974), which stretches from Latigo Point to Laguna Point. The regulations set forth by the State to protect these coastal habitats are intended to maintain natural water quality standards by preventing pollution from entering the ASBS.

No. However, residents may not allow fluids to runoff of their property because the runoff can enter the storm drain system or deposit pollution on the street that will be carried to the ocean with the next rain. These runoff restrictions derive from the requirements in the Federal Clean Water Act, the California Water Code Section 13000 et. seq., the California Ocean Plan, and the Los Angeles Region Water Quality Control Plan (also referred to as the Basin Plan).

These regulations are implemented locally through Malibu's Municipal Code (MMC), including the following sections:

• MMC Section 9.08.060, Causing or permitting certain substances to flow onto highways or into drainage channels prohibited
• MMC Section 13.04.060, Stormwater management and discharge control - Prohibited activities
• MMC Section 13.04.080, Requiring good housekeeping practices
• MMC Section 8.28.020, Duty of owner or possessor of property
• MMC Section 9.20.020, Regulation of irrigation practices
• MMC Section 9.20.030, Regulation of exterior washing practices

The requirements for new landscaping can be found in MMC Section 9.22.090, Landscape water conservation design standards.

Living next to the majestic Pacific Ocean comes with a price and, in Malibu, everyone is obligated to do their part to protect the ocean and its fragile marine communities. The key to eliminating runoff is preventing water from leaving your property and flowing into the street. If water is leaving your property, the first step is to locate the water's source. The most common sources of runoff are over-irrigation, car washing, and hosing down sidewalks or driveways, but runoff can also come from broken pipes, greywater connections or pool backwash, among other things. Once the source of the runoff is determined, you can assess the best remedy for the problem.

An Ocean Friendly Garden (OFG) utilizes the concepts of Conservation, Permeability, and Retention (CPR) to keep water onsite and reduce pollution to the ocean from runoff and stormwater:

• Conservation requires reducing irrigation (because 30-70% of a household's water is used outdoors), and reducing the use of garden chemicals. Using less water creates a drier landscape, which allows the garden to hold more rainwater. By reducing or eliminating pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizer, landscaped areas will not contribute toxic chemicals to the water that runs off landscaping after a storm. This can be achieved by using native plants that are naturally adapted to Malibu's climate and require very little water, and by using non-toxic alternatives to traditional fertilizers and pesticides, like compost and integrated pest management.
• Permeability increases a landscape's ability to slow and hold water in order to allow the water to sink into the ground, which feeds the plants and ground water, instead of rushing across a hard impervious surface. Permeability can be achieved by increasing landscaped areas, maintaining healthy soils, and opting for permeable or semi-permeable hard surfaces (brick, stone, decomposed granite) in your yard and driveway instead of concrete.
• Retention involves strategies that allow landscapes to collect water by capturing and storing it for later use. Retention methods often include bioretention basins, infiltration trenches, or rooftop rainwater collection systems.

The State Water Resources Control Board adopted a plan (officially "Special Protections") on March 20, 2012, which provides more detail on how the waste discharge prohibition is to be applied in local communities. These protections specify what concrete actions must be taken to protect California's ASBS.

The protections require the elimination of nearly all non-stormwater discharges to the ASBS. The City applied for and received two grants from the State to install structural Best Management Practices (BMP), structural facilities that can catch and treat polluted runoff before reaching the ASBS. In 2015, the City completed installation of structural BMPs at storm drains on Wildlife Rd and Whitesands Pl in Point Dume, and along Broad Beach Rd. The structural BMPs will improve the water quality of stormwater runoff that drains to those catch basins, which will complement residents' efforts to stop non-stormwater runoff and comply with the Special Protections. The grant also funded the City's Coastal Preservation Specialist position, a two-year staff position dedicated to conducting ASBS education and outreach with the Malibu community. A permanent Environmental Programs Specialist position was added to City staff upon the conclusion of the two-year, grant-funded term.

The California Ocean Plan, adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board, prohibits waste discharges into the ASBS. One way waste is discharged to the ASBS is through pipes that drain directly to the ASBS; another way is through dry-weather runoff (runoff not from precipitation) that flows over the land and eventually drains to the ocean. Runoff, no matter where it starts, may pick up pollutants as it flows over impervious surfaces. That polluted water eventually drains to the ocean through storm drains or natural streams and creeks. This runoff may harm the fragile biological and marine communities, which is why the State prohibits "waste" discharges into the ASBS and why best management practices (BMPs) must be used to prevent such discharges.

Within 365 days after issuance, or if the work is suspended / abandoned for a period of 365 days after the time the work is commenced.

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 City holidays (New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day).

Refer to the Contractor's State License Board website (www.cslb.ca.gov) for an overview of permitting for Owner / Builders.

• Climate Zone - 6 
• Wind speed - 94 mph 
• Exposure velocity – C or D 
• Rainfall - 2.0”/hour 
• Fire – Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) 
• Seismic Design – D or greater

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is an all-risk, all-hazard training. This valuable course is designed to help you protect yourself, your family, your neighbors and your neighborhood in an emergency situation.

CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens may initially be on their own and their actions can make a difference. While people will respond to others in need without the training, one goal of the CERT program is to help them do so effectively and efficiently without placing themselves in unnecessary danger.

Well, it’s like paying for car insurance. You might never need either; you’d hope not to. But if the occasion arises, having the CERT Basic Training, just like having car insurance, means you’re as ready as you can be to help yourself, your family and your neighborhood. You know more than the average citizen does and are more prepared and equipped when disaster strikes the City. Plus, the CERT Basic Training Course is FREE!

Malibu CERT is comprised of dedicated local volunteers who have not only graduated from a CERT Basic Training Course, but also have completed the additional team requirements, including additional training from FEMA and various agencies, shown dedication and commitment to the Team by meeting or exceeding the hour requirement for the team, and has registered with the City as a Volunteer Disaster Service Worker (DSW).

After passing all qualifications, the individual is will undergo a background check, fingerprinting, an administered the Oath of a Disaster Service Worker (DSW). Once completed, the individual is allowed to wear the Malibu CERT Uniform and a City-issued ID Name Badge, and can participate in CERT Deployments. CERT members will not self-dispatch to any incident.

To learn more on how to join, please visit https://www.malibucity.org/1206/Malibu-CERT, or contact the Public Safety Department at PublicSafety@malibucity.org.

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 Building Safety staff or the Planning Department 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.

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, Juneteenth, 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.

• 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.

• You may only irrigate two days per week
• You may not water outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes excess runoff
• You may not irrigate within 48 hours of a rain event
• You may only irrigate between 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM
• Irrigation is prohibited during high winds if over-spray is caused

You may wash your car if the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle and if all water runoff is absorbed by landscaping on the property where the vehicle is washed. Car washing cannot cause runoff into or upon any street, drainage ditch, storm drain, flood control channel, or drainage leading to creeks or ocean.

Mobile car wash companies must use a mat or containment system that prevents water runoff and captures water for reclamation and reuse in car washing, or for disposal at a permitted facility that recycles water.

• You may not wash down sidewalks or driveways
• Fountains or decorative water features must have a recirculating water system
• The operation of fountains or other water features are prohibited during high winds if over-spray is caused
• Restaurants and other food service establishment may only serve water to customers on request
• Hotels and motels must provide guests with the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily and prominently display notice of this option
• Recycled or reclaimed water should be used for grading and construction sites when available. If recycled or reclaimed water is not available, the amount of potable water used must be minimized and may not runoff the site or pond.

Water waste may be reported at www.malibucity.org/waterwaster or by calling One-Call-to-City-Hall after hours at 310-456-2589, ext. 310. Your identity will be kept confidential when a report is submitted by phone or online.

Residents and businesses may conduct an easy self-audit but may also request a free water audit from water retailer Los Angeles County Waterworks District 29 by sending a request for a water audit to wateraudit@dpw.lacounty.gov. There are also easy and practical water saving measures, including using water efficient hardware which is often eligible for rebates. See www.malibucity.org/rebates for more information on rebates.

There are a number of rebates available including for high efficiency washing machines, weather-based irrigation controllers, rotary sprinkler nozzles, rain barrels, cisterns, and more. For information on rebate and incentive programs visit www.socalwatersmart.com.

Any person who is at least 18 years of age on Election Day, a citizen of the United States, or a naturalized citizen, and a resident of the City of Malibu can register to vote with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk by filling out a Voter Registration Form. If you move, change your name, or wish to change your political party affiliation, you must re-register to vote. You must be registered to vote at least 15 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. (NOTE: AB 1436 may allow registration up to and including the date of election if certain requirements are met.) Registration Forms are available at Malibu City Hall, all US Post Offices, or online at

No. The governing body has the discretion to establish a filing fee, but the City of Malibu has not done so. The City provides equal opportunity for all candidates to fully participate by not charging a filing fee.

Yes. The fee covers the cost of printing your statement in the Sample Ballot. The total deposit required for your statement is $418. Should the actual cost be less than the deposit, the difference will be refunded. Should the actual cost be more than the deposit, a bill for the difference will be mailed to you.

Any registered voter in the jurisdiction, the City of Malibu, may sign a nomination paper. This includes the candidate and/or the circulator. If the circulator is different than the candidate, the circulator must also be a registered voter of the jurisdiction. Each seat on the governing board is a separate office. A voter may sign the number of nomination papers as there are seats available. A nomination paper must contain at least 20, but not more than 30 nominations. A minimum of 20 must be verified for your nomination to be valid.

City of Malibu elections are consolidated with the County of Los Angeles. The City Clerk, as the Local Elections Official, assists candidates in meeting their legal responsibilities before, during, and after an election. From election pre-planning to the certification of official election results from the County, and filing of final campaign disclosure documents, the City Clerk manages the process that forms the foundation of our democratic system of government.

To determine the Vote Center closest to you or to obtain voter information, visit the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk website at:

You may withdraw as a candidate at any time prior to the close of the nomination period. After that date, you may not withdraw, and your name will appear on the ballot.

No. Check your candidate’s statement carefully before submitting it, as it will be printed exactly as submitted.

The City Council holds its Regular meeting on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 PM. Other adjourned or special meetings are scheduled as City business necessitates. These meetings are open to the public.

Yes. Pursuant to Malibu City Council Resolution No. 04-48, Councilmembers receive a monthly stipend of $565.68. In addition, Councilmembers are eligible to receive some benefits. A complete list of compensative benefits is available from the Human Resources Department.

The City of Malibu utilizes OnBase, a specialized software product that allows for the scanning and storage of City documents, as well as easy access to those documents by City staff and the public.

You can report flows into the storm drain system (or onto any public street) online or call 310-456-CITY (456-2489) ext. 310.

All onsite wastewater treatment systems (septic systems) in the City must have a permit to ensure they comply with building standards and environmental protection. Operating Permits are valid for the following types of systems: Residential (conventional) 5 years; Residential (advanced) 3 years; Commercial & Multi-Family 2 years.

The City shall issue an operating permits when:
1. Prior to a purchase or change in ownership
2. Repair, modification, replacement, and/or upgrade
3. Construction of new onsite wastewater treatment system
4. Failing system

Email ESD Staff or call 310-456-2489, ext. 390

Find a City Registered Inspector or other registered practitioners such as Designers, Maintenance providers and Installers.

Environmental Health forms and fees are available online.

There are two main types of onsite wastewater treatment systems - conventional and advanced. Conventional systems include a primary tank and distribution of effluent from the tank to the dispersal area. Advanced systems incorporate treatment tanks with devices and disinfection which treats wastewater to a higher degree than conventional systems.

An upgrade of the OWTS may be required for any alteration, modification, remodel, or repair of any structure on the property that involves the addition of bedroom equivalents or plumbing fixture units which increases the wastewater load to the existing OWTS. In addition, an upgrade may be required for any modification to an existing onsite wastewater treatment system (septic system or an inspection of the OWTS shows that the system is failing, an upgrade may be required to protect the environment, and public health.

For any new OWTS in Malibu, a coastal development permit (CDP) from the Planning Department is required. A list of City Registered OWTS Designers is available online.

• To check the general status of your project, contact Planning staff or Building Safety staff.  
• To check the status of Environmental Health review, email ESD Staff or call 310-456-2489, ext. 390

In 2010, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board adopted Resolution No. R-4-2009-007, a Basin Plan Amendment to the State Water Code to

“Prohibit On-Site Wastewater Disposal Systems in the Malibu Civic Center Area.” The City's Policy for Environmental Health Review of Development Projects within the Civic Center Prohibition Area includes the boundaries of the prohibition area (Exhibit A).

Residents may forward letters to the City describing any interaction, unfilled curricular needs, and experiences as a Malibu resident of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD). An online survey is available to easily submit these testimonials.

No, the new district will be funded on its pro-rata share of property taxes and minimum State aid according to already established formulas.

The Malibu City Council approved the effort to establish a locally controlled school district in 2015.  Committees were formed, reports and recommendations submitted, but all were rejected by the SM-MUSD Board of Education. Negotiations between the City and the school district began in 2018. Many financial/revenue proposals were submitted and rejected. The main sticking point was a permanent redistribution of Malibu property taxes to the new Santa Monica School District. After years of negotiations with no agreement, the City decided it would be best to move forward on a petition for school district separation.

With local control, it is expected that enrollment will rise in the newly formed Malibu Unified School District (MUSD). In other California school districts that reorganized, students who were in private schools and/or home schooled enrolled in the newly formed district. It is forecasted that the newly formed district will be a Basic Aid district, or a district that is primarily funded on local property taxes; therefore, it will be less of a burden to the State of California. Because of that, the number of enrolled students will not financially hurt the State/District, making a smaller enrolled student population a non-issue.

Approvals by the Los Angeles County Committee on Reorganization and the California State Board of Education are needed first. In other petitions reviewed throughout the state, traditionally only the affected area was chosen as the voter area. We cannot be sure what the voter area will be until it is decided by the State Board of Education.

Yes, California school districts are funded based upon the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), and no two school districts are the same – many factors go into the formula to determine the funding rate. The great thing is that both new districts will receive funding ABOVE the calculated LCFF amount, making them two of the few school districts in the state to enjoy that level of funding. Once the Districts split, each will have different rates of growth in revenue based upon the assessed valuation growth rate in the property taxes. Malibu and Santa Monica will certainly grow at different rates, thus the differences in the per pupil funding.

The path to unification is a long, winding road. In Los Angeles County, no two petitions are the same. In a best case scenario, it will take several years for the process to conclude, Therefore, it is unlikely that the pandemic will be an issue. 

California law dictates that all employees at the existing school of the newly formed district will have the same employment rights, salaries and seniority as they had in the former District.

No. SM-MUSD’s figures are based on financial projections of Malibu’s future property tax revenue. These projections assume that Malibu’s tax base would triple in the next 10 years. The reality is it hasn’t even doubled in the last 10 years.

No. The federal law requires that a school district provide services to vulnerable populations and the federal government provides dedicated funding for them. SM-MUSD will not see any reduction in the amount of funding for these programs on a per-student basis as a result of the proposed separation.

No. SM-MUSD already has separate K-12 pathways for students in Santa Monica and Malibu. Students in Santa Monica will continue to go to Santa Monica schools and students in Malibu will continue to go to Malibu schools.

SM-MUSD currently receives funding from the State and federal government, property tax, parcel tax, and other local funding sources including sales tax and rents generated from SM-MUSD owned properties. In 2018, the SM-MUSD’s “other funding” sources equaled approximately $50 million, almost 35% of its General Fund Budget.

After the proposed separation, the property and parcel tax revenue generated in Malibu would be allocated to MUSD along with applicable state and federal funding. The proposed Santa Monica Unified School District (SMUSD) would receive property and parcel tax funding generated in Santa Monica, State and federal funding, and its other local funding sources: namely sales tax and rents from SM-MUSD properties. 

The City estimates that SMUSD’s “other funding” sources generate approximately $50 million per year. This is funding which SMUSD would retain after separation and would largely offset the loss of property tax revenue from Malibu. 

Per pupil funding is expected to increase in SMUSD and MUSD as a result of separation. Although it unlikely to be needed, Malibu has offered to provide a 10-year revenue sharing plan in which MUSD would transfer funding to SMUSD to ensure that per pupil funding in both districts remains at current, pre-separation levels.

SM-MUSD is currently ranked 3^rd in per pupil funding in Los Angeles County. The City has proposed a 10-year revenue sharing plan that guarantees that the Santa Monica Unified School District (SMUSD) will remain at lease at its current per pupil funding level. After separation, the City anticipates that MUSD will rank 3^rd and SMUSD will rank 4^th in per pupil funding in Los Angeles County.

In 2021, the greater Malibu area is expected to pay almost $38 million in property and parcel taxes which represented approximately a third of SM-MUSD’s total property tax revenue.

No. Attendance boundaries will not change. Students will still be able to attend their current schools if the split is approved.

Property tax allocations for schools and other special districts are set by geographic Tax Rate Areas (TRAs) locally administered by the County of Los Angeles. There are approximately 40 TRAs in the SM-MUSD territory. As part of the separation, the City is proposing that revenue from the TRAs with Santa Monica be used to fund SMUSD and the TRAs in Malibu be used to fund MUSD. You can find out more about your property taxes and TRAs here: auditor.lacounty.gov

The proposed boundaries extend beyond the Malibu city limits into the unincorporated areas currently served by the SM-MUSD.

No. The proposed MUSD boundaries include the greater Malibu area, including areas of unincorporated Los Angeles County, that are currently part of SM-MUSD.

Currently, SM-MUSD Board Members are elected at-large. Malibu only represents a small fraction of the total voters in the SM-MUSD territory. Malibu voters are outnumbered and there is no guarantee that Malibu will have any representation the SM-MUSD School Board. In fact, there have been times when not one of the seven SM-MUSD Board Members lived in Malibu.  Without representation on the school board, the wishes of the Malibu community have not been adequately addressed by the Santa Monica-focused school board.

Yes. If a MUSD is formed, Malibu voters will elect Schools Board members.

SM-MUSD was formed over 150 years ago to create financial and educational efficiencies at a time when the populations of both areas were relatively small. The district could never be formed under current laws. The state requires school districts to represent contiguous areas. Malibu and Santa Monica aren’t geographically connected. You have to leapfrog parts of the City of Los Angeles, served by LA Unified, to get from Malibu to Santa Monica.

Malibu families have been seeking separation for decades. Organized separation efforts began as early as the 1970s. In 2010, Malibu residents formed Advocates for Malibu Public Schools. In 2015, the community approached the City to get involved on behalf of its residents.

Despite the City’s proposed 10-year revenue sharing plan to ensure that per pupil funding remains at the current, pre-separation levels, SM-MUSD has claimed that educational programs will need to be cut. The City does not believe that the separation will result in the need for program cuts, it is more likely that an existing structural budget deficit will drive the need for such cuts.  Ironically, many of the programs SM-MUSD allege will be cut aren’t even offered in Malibu now including English as a Second Language programs, summer language academy, project based learning, music and art programs.

SM-MUSD is currently a Basic Aid district, meaning they received property taxes in excess of their state calculated Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), school funding amount.   Although they are one of the highest funded school districts in Los Angeles County, on a per pupil basis, in 2020-21, they only collected excess property taxes of approximately $4 million.   This equates to about 4% of their total budget.  The District’s other funding sources drive their high funding levels.

The Malibu community has desired school district separation for decades.   Several citizens groups have attempted to initiate the reorganization process. Due to many complexities related to school district separations, Malibu citizens requested the City to get involved on behalf of its residents.  The law allows for all expenditures made by the City related to school district separation to be reimbursed by the future Malibu USD.

View current permitted hauler list valid through June 30.

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) includes paints, stains, varnishes, solvents, pesticides, antifreeze, transmission fluids, oil filters, cleaning supplies, drain openers, nail polish remover, batteries, pool chemicals, smoke detectors, medications, and other materials or products containing volatile chemicals that can catch fire, react or explode, or that are corrosive or toxic.

Electronic waste (E-waste) includes computers, monitors, televisions, cell phones, printers, fax machines and keyboards. Certain components of some electronic products contain materials that render them hazardous, depending on their condition and density.

Malibu hosts HHW/E-Waste roundups on a bimonthly basis at City Hall. Free collection events hosted by Calabasas and Agoura Hills are also open to residents.

The schedule of LA County’s larger HHW collection events is available at www.CleanLa.com.

Residents can bring the following items. Remember that transportation laws only allow 15 gallons or 125 pounds of hazardous waste per trip.

Anti-freeze
Automotive and household batteries
Compact fluorescent light bulbs (unbroken)
Electronics
Latex paint
Motor oil and filters

Universal wastes are common household wastes considered hazardous that should be recycled and properly disposed of, usually items such as batteries, thermostats, and obsolete pesticides. Each Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulb and fluorescent tube contains a small amount of mercury. Dry-cell batteries (alkaline, button cells, rechargeable) contain many potentially hazardous compounds, such as mercury, cadmium, nickel, lead, zinc, silver, manganese, and alkalines. Mercury thermostatsare also subject to special disposal requirements.

Conceptual drawings for both locations can be viewed here

It is anticipated that this project will begin construction at the beginning of the new year, 2026, and see completion by March 2026.

Roundabouts make residential regions safer by reducing vehicle speeds and eliminating the most dangerous types of crashes, which benefits all road users, including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists as roundabouts significantly lower the frequency and severity of accidents.

A one-lane roundabout is preferred over a two-lane roundabout for several important reasons related to safety, simplicity, feasibility, and efficiency. A single-lane roundabout has fewer conflict points making it much safer. One-lane designs reduce confusion, particularly for unfamiliar or older drivers. The narrower lanes of a one-lane roundabout promote slower driving, which in turn increases pedestrian and cyclist safety. In many areas, especially rural areas, the traffic volume can be handled easily with a single-lane roundabout. In addition to these factors, space along the highway is physically constrained and limited, as it runs the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains. The road is also constrained by bordering residential properties, commercial destinations, and recreational areas, such as beaches and parks. The design of a two-lane roundabout is not feasible within the existing roadway width.

Drivers will be informed of the one-lane roundabout in advance through a combination of road signs, pavement markings, and modified roadway design features. These help prepare drivers to slow down, yield, and enter the roundabout correctly.

Merging bike lanes into the travel lane through a roundabout is a common design in the U.S. and elsewhere for single-lane roundabouts. How it works is before the roundabout, the dedicated bike lane ends and cyclists are directed to merge into the vehicle travel lane. Inside the roundabout, bicycles ride centered in the lane to prevent unsafe passing. After the roundabout, bike lanes resume on the far side.

The roundabouts will provide parking availability along both sides of Pacific Coast Highway, by optimizing space. A one-lane roundabout requires less space than traditional signalized intersections with turn lanes, thus the space saved can be utilized for parking along the shoulder area.

View the flyer here

You can contact the Malibu Outreach Team directly at 310-460-2638 or MalibuOutreach@ThePeopleConcern.org. Be sure to provide as much information as possible regarding the individual and their location. You can provide your contact information or remain anonymous - in either case, an outreach worker will reach out to that individual as quickly as possible to offer any services they may need.

If you have an immediate safety concern about yourself or anyone else, you should immediately call 911 or call the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station directly at 310-456-6652.

One of the largest agencies in Los Angeles County providing services to the homeless population, The People Concern, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Los Angeles,  works to build self-sufficiency, restore dignity, and help the most vulnerable to become contributing members of the community, enhancing the quality of life for everyone concerned. Their ultimate goal is to transition homeless individuals from living on the street to achieving and maintaining permanent housing.

Since 2016, The People Concern has fielded two, full-time outreach workers in Malibu to engage regularly with the City's homeless population. The workers locate, engage and build relationships with each individual and, once they gain their trust, offer appropriate assistance, including necessary social services, medical care, substance addiction treatment, and more. Throughout the process, they work with the individuals to complete the process of being placed in permanent housing. Through mid-2018, the outreach workers have successfully assisted 30 homeless persons in Malibu to get off the street and into permanent housing with another 18 placed in interim housing.

To leave a message directly for the outreach workers of The People Concern, call 310-460-2638 or email MalibuOutreach@ThePeopleConcern.org. For more information about The People Concern, visit ThePeopleConcern.org.

The City’s Homeless Outreach Team, in partnership with City staff and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, works proactively to offer a variety of direct services to the homeless population in Malibu, including temporary and transitional shelter/housing. In 2024, the Outreach Team housed 72 people through their outreach services, and they continue to successfully house multiple people per month this year. 

To proceed with an encampment removal on public property, specific protocols must be followed by both the pertinent municipality and law enforcement. If there is an imminent threat, the process can go quickly but otherwise can take up to two months.

Before clearing any encampment, people experiencing homelessness must be given access to outreach services, and clear warnings must be posted noting the scheduled clean-up day - usually 72 hours in advance. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) helps oversee this process when there are five or more encampments in an area.

Encampments can be reported to the Malibu/Lost Hills Station at 818-878-1808 or the City’s Public Safety Department at 310-456-2489, ext. 236 at any time. However, if you see an encampment fire in the brush or other criminal behavior that requires law enforcement assistance, always call 911 immediately.

The Sheriff’s Department can cite individuals for starting illegal warming or cooking fires, and the Fire Department will extinguish the fire.

City staff, the Outreach Team, and the Sheriff’s Department conduct regular field checks to ensure there are no encampments in the hillsides or other vulnerable areas of the City while strongly advising all people experiencing homelessness of the heightened danger that fires bring at this time of year. Additionally, City staff works with its partners at the LA County Board of Supervisors to ensure the Emergency Centralized Response Center is readily available for immediate shelter placements during fire season while leveraging all other shelter resources readily available to the City.

Encampments on private property are subject to different protocols and should be reported to the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station at 818-878-1808, or the City’s Public Safety Department at 310-456-2489, ext. 236. If you report an encampment on your property, the Sheriff’s Department can cite them for trespassing and remove the individual(s).

If you are reporting an encampment on someone else’s property, the Sheriff’s Department and the City can identify the property owner, check for a Letter of Agency on file, and/or contact the property owner to see if they want them removed. Sheriff's Deputies cannot remove a homeless individual camping on private property if the property owner is not interested in having them removed unless the individual is causing a disturbance or committing a crime.

The City is unable to control transient behavior, but City staff and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department conduct routine field checks throughout the City to ensure that new encampments are addressed promptly. Once an encampment is addressed, people experiencing homelessness are strongly advised against forming another encampment while being informed of local ordinances and penal codes they’d be subject to.

The law is in effect now. The ordinance's effective date is April 27, 2017.

The ordinance applies to any retail establishment, grocery store, restaurant, pharmacy, vendor or non-profit vendor doing business within city limits.

• No plastic bags may be distributed at the point of sale.
• No compostable or biodegradable plastic bags may be distributed at the point of sale.
• Businesses must collect a Recycled Paper Bags Cost Pass-Through fee if providing a paper bag to customers.
• Businesses must charge a minimum fee of 10 cents per paper bag provided.
• Businesses are not permitted to rebate or reimburse any part of the fee to customers.
• Businesses may only use funds collected from the Recycled Paper Bags Cost Pass-Through fee for the purposes stated in P.R.C. § 42283.7.

Malibu stores must comply with the requirements of the City of Malibu Plastic Bag Ordinance, as the state law does not preempt or take precedence over city or county ordinances adopted prior to September 1, 2014.

• The City ordinance does not allow reusable plastic bags to be provided with a 10 cents fee, only recycled paper bags. The State allows for reusable plastic bags and recycle paper bags with a 10 cents fee.
• The City ordinance does not allow bioplastic or compostable bags as compliant bags. The State law does.
• The City ordinance covers all retail stores. The State law does not.
• The City ordinance covers restaurants and eating establishments. The State law does not.
• The City ordinance covers vendors (including nonprofit vendors). The State law does not.
• Violations within city limits are governed by the City's ordinance and enforced by the City Manager. Keep in mind that Malibu stores must comply with the City ordinance, even where different from the State law.

The purpose of the ban is to reduce plastic debris in our creeks and ocean, protect aquatic life, and lessen the economic impact of litter abatement. Plastic bags, bio-based (such as corn or polylactic acid), biodegradable, and compostable plastic bags cause litter and dispersal concerns, and can harm wildlife.

The Recycled Paper Bags Cost Pass-Through fee is intended to provide a disincentive to customers to use single-use paper bags and to promote the shift to reusable bags.

Yes. All reusable grocery bags must be certified as meeting requirements set out in the statute. The requirements vary based upon the kind of material used to make the bags. A reusable grocery bag must:

• Have a handle and be designed for at least 125 uses;
• Have a volume capacity of at least 15 liters (about 4 gallons);
• Be machine washable or capable of being cleaned and disinfected; and
• Have the manufacturer’s name, country, and a statement that the bag is a reusable bag designed for at least 125 uses printed on the bag or on a tag, as well as recycling instructions if the bag is recyclable.

Cities, counties, and the State of California enforce the bag ban. The City is committed to conducting education and outreach to businesses to ensure a smooth transition to safer alternatives. Penalties for non-compliance will be issued as a last resort and may result in fines.

The law is in effect now. The ordinance's effective date is January 1, 2017.

The ordinance applies to anyone who sells or distributes food ware, packing materials, and other specified products.

The ordinance bans the sale or distribution of the following products made, in whole or in part, from polystyrene foam:

• Food ware (including cups, plates, clamshells, and other containers)
• Meat and fish trays, and egg cartons
• Packing materials* (including “peanuts” and shipping boxes, and when using within Malibu to pack items sold, unless packing materials were donated or are reused and not sent to consumer or end user)
• Coolers, ice chests or similar containers*
• Pool or beach toys*
• Dock floats, mooring buoys, or anchor or navigational markers*

* Unless they are wholly encased within a more durable material

Polystyrene foam is extruded, blown or expanded polystyrene (EPS). It is a thermoplastic petrochemical material made with styrene. It is usually white and often used for packaging, such as loose fill packaging “peanuts” or blocks, and food ware.

Packing materials and disposable food ware sold or distributed in Malibu must be compostable or recyclable. Examples include those made with paper, cardboard, molded or rigid pulp or plastic, or certified compostable starch “peanuts”, loose fill or foam. Examples of products not compostable or recyclable include those made with polyurethane or polyethylene foam, or metallized film or paper.

Restricting the use of polystyrene foam and requiring it to be replaced with less hazardous, compostable, or readily recyclable products will further protect the public health and safety of Malibu’s residents, as well as its natural environment, waterways, and wildlife.

Polystyrene foam is one of the most commonly found plastic items on beaches and inland creeks, often breaks down into smaller pieces, making it more challenging to recover, and is easily ingested by wildlife. Polystyrene foam does not biodegrade in the environment and may persist for hundreds of years. It is a pollutant that breaks down into smaller pieces that are often mistaken for fish eggs by seabirds and other marine life. Unlike harder plastics, polystyrene contains a chemical used in the production process called “styrene” that is metabolized after ingestion and contaminates the food chain, including humans who consume contaminated marine wildlife.

Malibu food service providers are already prohibited, under Malibu Municipal Code Chapter 9.24, from using polystyrene foam food containers, and this ordinance extends such prohibition to the sale and distribution of food ware and additional products in the city, where there are acceptable alternatives.

Since 2005, Malibu has had a ban on polystyrene foam food ware for food prepared and served in the city, which has successfully reduced polystyrene litter. However, remaining polystyrene foam is still having a negative impact on the environment in that it is easily transported by wind and water, does not biodegrade, and is ingested by wildlife. This ordinance expands on the success of the food service ware ban in reducing polystyrene foam use and litter.

The City Manager is responsible for enforcement of the ordinance. The City is committed to conducting education and outreach to businesses to ensure a smooth transition to safer alternatives. Penalties for non-compliance will be issued as a last resort and may result in fines.

The City Manager may waive provisions of the ordinance in the following circumstances:

• If no reasonably feasible alternative exists for a specific product or product category
• If a business demonstrates compliance is unreasonably financially prohibitive
• If strict application of the specific application would create undue hardship not generally applicable to other persons in similar circumstances

Requests for waivers must be submitted on a written application on a form approved by the City Manager. In no case shall a waiver be retroactive or continue past January 1, 2020.

Polystyrene foam packaging and food service ware cannot be recycled through Malibu’s recycling (blue bin) collection program as it can break into small pieces that are too difficult to handle. Polystyrene foam is otherwise difficult, uneconomical or impossible to recycle, especially if food soiled, and is not compostable.

The City supports Sustainable Surf's Waste to Waves Program by hosting several events annually. White block foam is collected and recycled into surfboard blanks. To receive event reminders by email or text, sign up for the Environmental Programs Calendar with the City’s Notify Me system.

Our Parking Enforcement Officers (PEO or Officer) work in constant coordination with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's (LASD) Malibu/Lost Hills Station and the Malibu Volunteers on Patrol (VOP) Team. Our Team handles non-criminal parking issues, freeing up LASD Deputies for higher priority calls. We also assist with information sharing, traffic control, and support VOP patrols in key areas.

Our Team is seeking to add one Parking Enforcement Officer (PEO or Officer) and one PEO Vehicle for the season and for towing vehicles, when necessary. These additions will help reduce response times, handle the varying visitor surges, and protect beach access and emergency routes.

Our Parking Enforcement Officers (PEO or Officer) gives warnings in lieu of citations and educate the public on violations and parking rules. Our Team also assists during emergencies, assists with traffic control, and support storm response and evacuations. During wildfires, our Officers assisted with the notification of residents about the upcoming storms and emergency resources. We are a field resource for the City and provide assistance when requested.

The parking issues in the City of Malibu are unique. Within the City, there are beaches, fire zones, and visitor congestion. Our Parking Enforcement Officers (PEO or Officer) work proactively not just in issuing citations, but educating the public, issue warnings in lieu of citations, and support the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department (LASD) and the LASD Malibu Volunteers on Patrol (VOP) Team. The goal is safety, not revenue.

No – our focus is public safety. The increase in citations reflects better coverage and proactive enforcement, not a ticket quota. Many citations are for serious violations, like blocking fire hydrants or fire lanes, misuse of handicap spaces or permits, and unsafe parking on the shoulder.

These areas are high-traffic and high-impact zones. Beaches, Point Dume, Cliffside, Winding Way, and the burn scar areas receive lots of visitors through the year and experience illegal parking, especially during the weekends and holidays. The Team's job is to protect access for emergency vehicles, prevent dangerous congestion, and enforce laws fairly, in accordance with the Malibu Municipal Code, the LA County Code of Ordinances, the California Vehicle Code, and any applicable laws.

Our Parking Enforcement Officers (PEO or Officer) utilize the City's Oversized Vehicle Ordinance (MCC Ch 10.18) and overnight parking restrictions. Our Team ahs removed long-time RV encampments throughout the City and deter new encampment quickly. Our Team patrols regularly and consistently and escalate fines when needing.

The burn scar areas are sensitive areas and are currently undergoing recovery actions. Our Team is enforcing those areas to deter illegal construction parking, prevent unauthorized access, and overall protect the neighborhoods. Many visitors park where the shouldn't and the Team's presence in those areas keep them safe and orderly.

The California Vehicle Code (5200 CVC - No Front/Rear Plates) requires a front license plate on all vehicles registered in the State of California. In Malibu, this is enforced due to our Team operating in accordance with the Malibu Municipal Code, the LA County Code of Ordinances, the California Vehicle Code, and any applicable laws, especially on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), which is under State jurisdiction. Many vehicles parked along the beaches and in scenic areas are visible to tourists, and enforcement helps with public safety and vehicle identification, especially for stolen or unregistered vehicles.

Our Parking Enforcements Officers (PEO or Officer) only tow when necessary and are a last resort, usually after a citation or warning has been issued. Our Team would tow vehicles for fire hydrant or fire lane violations, blocking driveways, unsafe parking on the shoulder, or overnight camping in unauthorized areas.

On September 9, 2019, the City approved Ordinance 450 to protect victims of disasters from having primary view corridors established over their properties that would unfairly limit the size and/or location of future replacement structures or replacement landscaping damaged or destroyed by a disaster. Please review Chapter 17.45.150 of the Municipal Code for expiration of prohibition information and timelines. If you have additional questions after reading that section, call the City Planning Hotline at 310-456-2489, extension 485.

Once the threat has passed, SCE crews must inspect all electrical equipment (e.g., transformers, power poles, etc.) to ensure power can be safely restored. This process may take 24 to 72 hours to complete.

SCE will directly notify all customers in the affected circuit area at least 48 hours in advance of a potential PSPS implementation. An update will be sent at least 24 hours in advance of the time when the power may be shut off. Sign up for PSPS Alerts

A PSPS event will last as long as the dangerous fire weather conditions exist, plus the amount of time it takes for SCE to check its power lines, which could take hours or days depending on the size of the area. 

Residents outside the PSPS area should also be prepared for unscheduled power outages caused by heavy winds. Some tips for what you can do before the power goes out include:

• Lighting: Battery-operated or solar-powered flashlights and lanterns are safer than candles to provide lighting in and around your home. 
• Cash: Always have emergency cash available for food or other necessities. ATMs may not be functioning and, while some stores can remain open without power, they may not be able to process credit card transactions.
• Fuel: Gas station pumps may be inoperable - fill up your car with gas before the power is shut off.
• Refrigeration: A refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep its temperature for about 48 hours. Place bags of ice in the refrigerator and freezer, or in an additional cooler. DO NOT OPEN refrigerator or freezer doors while the power is out. 
• Food: Throw away any food that was exposed to temperatures above 40°F for two hours or more, or anything that has an unusual odor, color, or texture. 
• Medications: If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that requires refrigeration, unless the label says otherwise. 
• Heating: Never use a gas or propane stove or oven to heat your home.

COMMUNICATIONS

Since phone towers within the circuit area are affected during a PSPS, cell phones, many landlines, and the internet may be inoperable. Residents should ensure that cell phones are constantly charged, and you may consider having external batteries and battery chargers on hand.

Monitor news, weather, traffic and emergency information by listening to KBUU 99.1 FM and KNX AM-1070 on a battery-powered, solar, hand-crank, or car radio. KBUU has emergency power and will be on the air with updates during power outages every 10 minutes. 

MEDICAL NEEDS

Individuals who are medically dependent on electricity should consider proactively staying in another area until conditions change and power is restored. Residents are encouraged to check on family members and neighbors who may need assistance.

If you or someone in your household requires power for medical equipment, contact SCE at 800-447-6620 to add that information to your account and register for the Medical Baseline program that provides an additional 16.5 kWh per day to your normal baseline electricity allocation.

Talk to your doctor to find out how long medications can be stored at higher temperatures, and get specific guidance for any critical medications.

PUBLIC SAFETY ACCESS

During a PSPS or any power outage, electronic gates and garage door openers may not work. Gates should be left open and garage door openers set to manual operation to ensure you can get in and out of your property, and fire, paramedics or police can get to you when needed. 

Before the power goes out, residents should make sure they know how to manually open their garage doors  Doors may be heavy - ask a family member or neighbor for assistance if you cannot safely open your garage door.

How TO MANUALLY OPEN A GARAGE DOOR

• Make sure garage door is closed
• Locate and pull the release lever
• Completely open the garage door
• Prop the door open so it does not slam back down

See step-by-step video instructions.

To review and approve expedited rebuild applications, staff will need to determine what was legally on the property previously through the review of any available documentation. Records can come from a variety of sources, including but not limited to: previously issued coastal development permits, building permits, approved plans, tax assessor information, and aerial photographs. The City understands that some people may have lost records and plans in the fire. Staff is ready to help guide your research, help you complete any City public records request forms, and work with you on deciphering other types of documentation. A combination of sources may be used for permit research in order to establish building square footage, siting, height, number of bedrooms, and number of plumbing fixtures. For information on public records, visit MalibuCity.org/PermitSearch or access printer-friendly instructions for searching OnBase.

City staff at the Rebuild Help Desk at City Hall is available to discuss your project; or view the rebuilding steps online. Staff recommends taking care of the following:

• Confirm if your property is in the City of Malibu limits by visiting http://www.malibucity.org/gis. The Malibu city limits are indicated by a red line on this map. If your property is in unincorporated Los Angeles County, visit the County office at 26600 Agoura Road, Calabasas, CA 91302 during regular counter hours (Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM), call 213- 974-0051, or email CoastalPermits@planning.lacounty.gov.
• Contact a design professional to help you assess options and prepare construction plans. Visit MalibuRebuilds.org and select Contractors under the Rebuilding tab for ideas.
• Research public records for your property – these will be needed to demonstrate what you are allowed to rebuild. Go to MalibuCity.org/PermitSearch for instructions on how to find permits and plans on file with the City.
• Contact a City-registered practitioner to inspect your onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS).
• Contact the Los Angeles County Fire Department to confirm rebuild requirements, such as vehicular access and water pressure at 818-880-0341 or visit the County office at 26600 Agoura Road, #110, Calabasas, CA (8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Monday through Thursday, or 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM).

The Malibu City Council adopted a resolution authorizing the waiving of City fees for rebuilding like-for-like or like-for-like plus 10% for rebuilding structures destroyed or damaged in the Woolsey Fire. The fee waiver will be offered for the period of November 8, 2018 through December 30, 2026. The fee waiver only applies to an owner who used the property as a primary residence at the time of the Woolsey Fire. If the property is sold, the new owner is not eligible for the waiving of fees. Learn more about the fee waiver and important deadlines.

Fire rebuild applications must be submitted to the Planning Department by November 8, 2024 if the applicant wishes to maintain any previously existing legal non-conformities, such as a house sited within normally required setbacks, etc., and a building permit must be diligently pursued by November 8, 2026. A request for an extension of time to these deadlines may be granted by the Planning Commission where it finds, based on substantial evidence, that due to unusual circumstances, strict compliance with the deadlines creates an undue hardship. Extensions may not total more than nine years combined. Applications submitted after November 8, 2024 may still be exempt from having to apply for a CDP; however, they may not maintain any previously existing non-conformities. Learn more about the fee waiver and important deadlines.

A temporary, owner-occupied trailer or mobile home may be placed onsite if permits are obtained with certain conditions of approval. Debris clearance must be completed and a City-registered OWTS practitioner must verify that there is a functioning onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS, also known as a septic system) before permits may be issued. A Temporary Housing Brochure and Application, as well as other information, can be found at MalibuRebuilds.org.

Projects must have a zoning approval, which is handled by the Planning Department, and a building permit, which is handled by the Building Safety Division of the Environmental Sustainability Department. Zoning rules primarily deal with where a structure can be placed on a site, its square footage, and its height, among other things. The building code specifies how a structure is actually constructed, such as materials and methods. The City has both zoning and building codes, so both approvals are necessary.

Those to rebuild an in-kind replacement of legally-permitted structures lost may submit a Planning Verification (PV) Application. Visit MalibuCity.org/PermitSearch for information on how to research documentation needed to verify previously existing structure(s). As of March 28, 2019, those planning to rebuild legally-permitted structures, in-kind plus 10% height, bulk, or square footage, may also submit a PV application, as long as the new area is built to development standards, below 18 feet, on slopes flatter than 3:1 or 4:1 on Point Dume, and does not encroach into setbacks. Call the Planning Department at 310-456-2489, extension 485, or emailing at mplanning@malibucity.org to set up a pre-submittal appointment. The application form and checklist are available at MalibuCity.org/PV.

If you wish to add more than 10%, or the new area does not conform to the standards listed above, review other options that may be available to you at MalibuRebuilds.org.

Erosion control devices help control or prevent wind- or water-induced erosion of exposed soil and debris. Normally, review and approval from the Building Safety Division is required before these devices can be installed. This will help ensure they are installed properly and do not cause further damage to the property or a neighboring property. However, if rain is expected in the upcoming 24 to 48 hours, property owners may proceed to put erosion control measures in place without obtaining a permit. For additional information, visit the Storm Preparation page on the MalibuRebuilds.org site.

• OWTS - Onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), sometimes called septic systems, need to be inspected by a City-registered OWTS practitioner to verify their functionality before they can be used for either a permanent rebuild or a temporary trailer. Most of the components of an OWTS are located below ground and are typically more resistant to fire damage. Damage to an OWTS may have occurred due to high heat, exposure to flames, smoke, ash, and power outages or equipment failure. Heavy firefighting equipment and heat from fires may also damage underground OWTS components, such as fiberglass tanks, piping, and old system components. In addition, fire materials may have contaminated the contents of tanks, and the liquid and waste may need to be pumped out. A City-registered Practitioner must inspect the OWTS for signs of damage and functionality of components and submit an inspection form prior to utilization of the system. View the OWTS Post-Fire Information sheet for additional information about fire-damaged OWTS and a list of practitioners.
• FOUNDATIONS - The re-use of other structural elements, such as existing foundations in fire-damaged buildings and structures require a feasibility review by the City's Environmental Sustainability Department. This review only considers the durability and soundness of concrete foundations, including slabs, footings, piles, and retaining walls, based on the testing data described below. Find out more information about foundation feasibility reports by viewing the Foundation Feasibility Report for Fire-Damaged Structures and Foundation Re-Use after the Woolsey Fire.
• CHIMNEYS AND FIREPLACES - The re-use of chimneys and fireplaces still standing after the completion of the debris removal process requires the confirmation of structural stability by a structural engineer. Fireplaces and chimneys destroyed or removed may be replaced per the permit process described below however, note that all new fireplaces must be gas-burning, as state law prohibits the construction of new wood-burning fireplaces.

If you choose not to rebuild your home, you still need to clear the site through the debris removal process. In addition, you may need to stabilize the site from potential mudslides or other types of erosion to prevent further damage to the property or neighboring property. Visit MalibuRebuilds.org for helpful information about Storm Preparation.

The in-kind rebuild property rights “go with the land” and, in the event of a change of ownership for a property affected by the Woolsey Fire, the new owner is able to take advantage of the expedited processes and CDP exemptions if all deadlines for submitting a rebuild application are met. However, if the  owner, at the time of the fire, qualified for a fee waiver, this benefit is non-transferable.

The new owner may take advantage of certain benefits before the deadline; see the Transfer of Ownership document for details.  However, if the owner, at the time of the fire, qualified for a fee waiver, this benefit is non-transferable. 

Properties that have charred landscaping but no structural damage are not required to have a HazMat Clearance to remove this type of debris. Charred landscaping on these properties can be placed in green waste bins or removed by a City-permitted hauler.

Before removing any trees or Environmentally-Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHA), residents must get approval from the City Biologist who is available at City Hall on Tuesdays from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Native trees (Western Sycamore, Coast Live Oak, California Black Walnut, Toyon and Alder trees) with a trunk size more than six inches measured at a height of 4.5 feet above the ground MAY be removed without a permit if:

• The tree was planted for ornamental purposes as part of an approved Coastal Development Permit (CDP) and was not required by the LCP or Coastal Act for mitigation or reservation. To check if a CDP was issued for your house, go to MalibuCity.org/PermitSearch to search existing records for your property.
• The tree is threatening health or safety due to risk of falling, where the instability cannot be remedied as determined by a licensed arborist’s report and confirmed by the City Biologist after a site inspection of the tree.
• The tree is destroyed or damaged by natural disaster. A damaged tree shall be exempt only if the general health of the tree is so poor that efforts to its long-term health and survival are unlikely to be successful as determined by an arborist’s report and confirmed by the City Biologist after a site inspection of the tree.

Yes, temporary fencing may be installed to secure developed areas of the property, meaning the building pad(s) and any swimming pool or spa. No permit is required for this temporary fencing as long as it meets the parameters established for Post-Fire Temporary Fencing. 

• Visit the Storm Preparation Information webpage for how you can prepare for rain and associated debris flows and mudslides,
• Sign up for the City E-notifications to receive alerts (Emergency, Traffic, Utility, etc.) and information notifications (select the Woolsey category for information specific to the recovery and rebuilding) by email and/or text.
•  Visit LACounty.gov/Recovery for information on mental health services, insurance tips, tax relief, and more.
•  Monitor www.MalibuRebuilds.org and follow the City on social media: (@CityofMalibu on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) to get the latest updates, forms, and other information about rebuilding and recovery.
• Contact your insurance company to confirm coverage. Be sure to ask your provider if you have coverage for any code-related upgrades that may be required, including those related to seismic safety and fire safety. Not all policies provide coverage for reconstructing up to current building codes.

The City is moving forward with construction of the new Permanent Skate Park at Malibu Bluffs Park, a project shaped by years of community input from local skaters, youth, and families. This modern facility will have transitional and street style skate elements, which will be in an inclusive space for skateboarding and serve the community for many years.

In July 2020, the City opened a Temporary Skate Park to provide a safe outlet for skaters while the permanent facility was being planned and permitted. Originally intended as a two-year solution, it remained open for an additional three years to meet community needs while development timelines evolved.

The City followed surplus property policy and received City Council authorization to make the equipment available to the public. 13 bids were received, with 6 bids for skate structures. Only skatelite (the top surface material) was sold because no bidders could remove the full wooden structures within the required timeframe for the City to stay on time and on budget for the Permanent Skate Park.

Yes. Bidders removed only the Skatelite surfaces they purchased. The remaining wooden structures were demolished by the City’s construction contractor.

The Skate Park construction contractor was responsible for removing the Temporary Skate Park, which was included in their project cost and agreement. The revenue collected: $1,575 (credited to General Recreation–Skate Park account).