UPCOMING

-Saturday, July 23, 7:00 PM - Cinemalibu Outdoor Movie Screening of "Luca" - Malibu Bluffs Park

-Tuesday, July 26, 9:00 AM - Arts Commission Regular Meeting - virtual 

-Wednesday, July 27, 3:30 PM - Public Works Commission Regular Meeting - virtual

-Thursday, July 28, 1:00 PM - Malibu Public Facilities Authority Special Meeting - virtual 

(NEW) WOOLSEY FIRE REBUILD OPTION 4 UPDATE

The City’s Planning Department Director gave an update to the Malibu City Council during the July 11, 2022 Council meeting on the issues surrounding California Coastal Commission (CCC) concerns with the City’s Woolsey Fire Rebuild Option 4. The City has been working with CCC on clarification of the relevant policies and processes. Watch video of the update (starts at 6:20:10). The City Council voted to move forward with “Alternative C” in the staff report (pg. 7) and continue accepting permit applications under Option 4 until the deadline to apply for Woolsey Fire Fee Waivers, and to schedule a meeting with CCC Executive Director Jack Ainsworth to further discuss Option 4.   

The CCC had notified the City in June that it considered the City’s Rebuild Option 4 to be inconsistent with the City’s Local Coastal Program (LCP). The City wishes to assure those who are going through a fire rebuild that this latest development will not diminish the City’s commitment to the Woolsey Fire rebuild efforts. The City is doing everything possible to help those whose homes were damaged or destroyed in the fire to rebuild, recover and get back in their homes. Anyone working on a rebuild project with questions or concerns is encouraged to contact the Rebuild Team for one-on-one assistance at 310-456-2489, ext. 385 or [email protected].

(NEW)  CITY CONTINUES OPPOSITION TO COUNTY ACTION TO MOVE JUVENILE PRISONERS TO MALIBU AREA

The City continued its strong opposition to the action by the County of Los Angeles to move high-risk juvenile prisoners, many of whom were convicted of serious and violent crimes, to the Santa Monica Mountains north of Malibu, filing an official letter of protest with the County on July 13. See the letter. Public safety is the City's top priority and housing high-risk juvenile prisoners at Camp Kilpatrick raises too many serious safety concerns for the surrounding residential communities, including Malibu, as well for as the inmates and the facility staff. The City’s letter states that the County has not adequately analyzed the project’s potentially significant impacts related to wildfire safety and evacuation of prisoners and staff, emergency access, and public services, among other impact areas. Malibu will continue to strongly oppose this proposal. Updates and background information will be posted on the website.

CITY COUNCIL ADVANCES EFFORTS TO ENHANCE LOCAL SCHOOL SECURITY 

During the June 27, 2022 City Council meeting, the City Council advanced efforts towards enhancing safety and security in Malibu’s four public schools in light of recent tragic school shootings. The Council directed staff to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a private security service, and an RFP consulting services to increase safety for local schools. The Council also formed an Ad Hoc Committee consisting of Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Silverstein and Mayor Paul Grisanti to lead research on school safety issues, review the RFPs, and report back to the City Council during the next 45 days. The City Council held an in-depth discussion of the issue of addressing school shootings, with input from Malibu-Lost Hills Sheriff's Station Captain Jennifer Seetoo. Video of the discussion in City Council is available to view. (starts at 1:41:47)

FACEMASKS REQUIRED WHILE INSIDE CITY HALL DUE TO COVID-19 SURGE

Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in the County of Los Angeles and resulting positive cases among City staff, all visitors and staff must wear facemasks while inside City Hall, and in outdoor areas when 6 ft. physical distancing cannot be maintained. City Hall remains open and all City services continue, but members of the public are encouraged to make use of the City’s virtual appointments and services online, and by phone, video conferencing and email. Appointments can be made online. The City of Malibu is committed to protecting the public health of the community and the safety of the visiting public and the City staff in City Hall, and follows all Los Angeles County Department of Public Health COVID-19 guidelines. Please excuse any inconvenience. For more information visit the webpage.

CITY HALL REMAINS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON A LIMITED BASIS

City Hall remains open to the public on a limited basis. 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. Visitors will be asked to remain outside the building until they can be helped by staff. Appointments can be made online. 

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: 

-Building Safety Department (including Environmental Health, Coastal Engineering and Geotechnical Engineering): Call 310-456-2489, ext. 390. Email [email protected].

-Planning Department: Call 310-456-2489, ext. 485. Email [email protected]. 

-Public Works Department: Call 310-456-2489, ext. 391. Email [email protected].

-All other City business: 310-456-2489, ext. 392. Email [email protected].

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. Facemasks are now required while inside City Hall, and in outdoor areas when 6 ft. physical distancing cannot be maintained. Seniors can use the general use areas of the Center, including the computer lab, library and various recreation programs. Staff is 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.

(NEW) SENIOR CENTER MONTHLY NEWSLETTER NOW ONLINE, FEATURING AUGUST PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Seniors are invited to explore the wide variety of City programs, classes and events offered in August, which are all featured in the Malibu Senior Center's monthly Senior News and Views Newsletter.

(NEW) COVID-19 RESPONSE UPDATE

City staff continues to monitor and respond to the pandemic by participating in regular briefings and conference calls with partner agencies and issuing alerts and notifications regarding changes to the situation. On July 19, 2022, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) confirmed 18 new deaths and 6,450 new cases. LADPH has indicated that if cases continue to increase, it may trigger moving to the level of “High” community risk, which could lead to further safety measures being required, including a return to mandatory indoor masking. Other key updates from the County’s COVID-19 Dashboard  as of July 19, 2022 include the following:   

-2,540 confirmed positive cases and 13 deaths in the City of Malibu to date

-3,236,632 confirmed cases and 32,566 deaths in LA County to date

-1,328 current hospitalizations in LA County, an increase of 408 since July 6

(NEW) FIRE CONDITIONS UPDATE

As of July 13, the Live Fuel Moisture (LFM) in the Santa Monica Mountains is at 71%, down from 74% two weeks ago and about the same level as this time in 2021. As part of continuous wildfire preparedness, the City tracks Live Fuel Moisture (LFM) in the Malibu area as an important part of determining current fire conditions. LFM is the percentage of water content to dry matter in live vegetation. The Los Angeles County Fire Department Forestry Division conducts sampling approximately every two weeks and posts the results on its website.

In addition to the declining LFM, weather factors including continued higher than average temperatures, low relative humidity, drought conditions, and eventual wind events, are important contributing factors wildfire conditions. Hazardous fire conditions are forecast in many areas of Los Angeles County, including Malibu, through this Saturday due to strong winds, high temperatures and low humidity. While not reaching Red Flag levels in Malibu, it does indicate that we are in fire season. The City’s Fire Safety Liaisons are continuously monitoring fire conditions and the Fire Department radio dispatch. Visit NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard for detailed fire conditions. 

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE HOME WILDFIRE HARDENING ASSESSMENT

Malibu homeowners can schedule a free home wildfire hardening assessment with the City’s Fire Safety Liaisons to learn how to protect your home from the millions of burning embers that can fly up to two miles out ahead of a wind-driven wildfire. Flying embers are a leading cause of homes burning down during wildfires. The 30-60 minute inspections follow the Fire Code and nationally recognized best practices. You can learn simple and often inexpensive steps, such as maintaining good brush clearance, keeping dead vegetation and flammable materials such as wood furniture away from the house, and covering up eave vents with metal mesh. Schedule an appointment by emailing [email protected] or calling 310-456-2489, ext. 388 or visiting the Fire Safety webpage.  

(NEW) UPDATE ON EFFORTS TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS IN MALIBU

The City’s Homeless Outreach Team, which consists of three outreach workers and one housing navigator from The People Concern, submits monthly reports on its activities, which are posted on the website. In June 2022, the outreach team was in contact with 49 individuals, nine of whom were placed into permanent or temporary housing. The Outreach Team has recently expanded outreach operations to include RV’s and motorized vehicles in the region to engage and identify as many people experiencing homeless as possible. Mayor Grisanti, the Homeless Outreach Team, and Malibu-Lost Hills Sheriff's Station Deputies specializing in homeless outreach were interviewed on July 11 for an NBC TV news story about the City’s efforts to address overnight parking on PCH. Since the City installed the signs prohibiting parking 12:00 AM – 2:00 AM and 2:00 AM – 4:00 AM on alternating sides of PCH in several key locations in Malibu, the number of RVs, vans and other vehicles parking overnight on PCH in the City has been significantly reduced. The news clip is available to view online.

(NEW) ANNUAL HOMELESS CONNECT DAY IN MALIBU, SEPTEMBER 22

On September 22, the annual Homeless Connect Day returns to the Malibu Library to offer people experiencing homelessness free one-stop services including food stamps, Medi-Cal enrollment, affordable housing opportunities, social services, legal assistance, and more. The event will take place from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and is being organized in conjunction by the City of Malibu, LA County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl’s Office, The People Concern, Malibu C.A.R.T., St. Joseph Center, and the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority (LAHSA).

(NEW) MALIBU MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT TO CITY COUNCIL, AUGUST 8

On August 8, the City Council will conduct a second reading of Ordinance No. 501 which adopts changes to the Malibu Municipal Code and Local Coastal Program to implement the adopted Malibu Middle and High School (MMHS) Specific Plan Project. On July 11, the City Council considered the MMHS Specific Plan, EIR and code amendments. The Specific Plan establishes the development standards and plans for the redevelopment of the MMHS Campus to be implemented in four phases over the next 10 to 15 years. If the Council approves the second reading of the ordinance on August 8, the Specific Plan along with the Local Coastal Program will be forwarded to the California Coastal Commission for certification review. Any Coastal Development Permits and other entitlements for the MMHS redevelopment will be considered by the Planning Commission at a later date. For more information, visit the project webpage. 

(NEW) DARK SKY ORDINANCE UPDATES 

The City's Dark Sky Ordinance is meant to reduce light pollution through the proper application of outdoor electric lighting to protect Malibu’s wildlife, habitats and quality of life. Requirements include light fixtures that are fully shielded, have low color temperature, and direct light downwards. For more details, including resources to help homeowners and businesses comply with the regulations, visit the Dark Sky webpage.

Compliance Deadlines Extended
The City Council extended the deadlines for commercial, residential, and institutional zoning districts to comply with Dark Sky Ordinance to October 15, 2022. The extension was in response to concerns about non-compliance and community feedback requesting more time and information about the requirements. The compliance period for gas stations remains October 15, 2019. 

Guidance for Commercial Properties
The City is working to help commercial properties be prepared to comply with the Dark Sky requirements in advance of the compliance deadline. The City held a virtual informational meeting on July 20 to help business owners and managers understand the Dark Sky requirements are, and what steps they need to take to get into compliance by the October 15 deadline. Some key takeaways include that City staff urges property owners to get started designing their updated lighting and submit their plans as early as possible so that staff can guide them through the plan check, inspection and permitting processes to ensure that they get into compliance by October 15. The city will be conducting additional outreach meetings in August. 

Public Hearing on Dark Ordinance Amendment, August 8
The City Council will hold a virtual public hearing on an amendment to the Dark Sky Ordinance on Monday, August 8, 6:30 PM. The amendment would allow a light trespass limit onto the public right-of-way for commercial and institutional properties. The Planning Commission's recommendations will also be considered. The staff report, viewing and commenting instructions will be posted in advance on the Virtual Meeting webpage. Members of the public are encouraged to submit comments in advance by email to [email protected].  

(NEW) SHORT-TERM RENTAL ORDINANCE UPDATES 

Coastal Commission Position on Malibu’s Short-Term Rental Hosted Ordinance
The City’s Short-Term Rental Unit Hosted Ordinance, which requires the presence of an onsite host during short-term rentals, primary residency, and multifamily restrictions, is currently under review by the California Coastal Commission (CCC). CCC notified the City that it is leaning towards denying the City’s proposed Local Coastal Program Amendment (LCPA) for the Ordinance, but is willing to work with the City towards a mutually agreeable modification to the LCPA before considering it. Staff prepared a summary of issues for the Council's consideration. On June 13, the City Council discussed the CCC's position on the LCPA (City Council staff report) and moved to: decline the CCC's invitation to further weaken the Hosted Ordinance; direct staff to explain to the CCC that the Hosted Ordinance actually increases the availability of short-term rentals in Malibu serving the public’s coastal enjoyment; that the City will be forced to begin strict enforcement of its existing zoning laws to prohibit short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods if the CCC does not approve the City’s ordinance to enable short-term rentals. City staff is currently preparing a letter to CCC. 

CCC Public Hearing on Malibu’s Short-Term Rental Hosted Ordinance
CCC will hold a hybrid virtual/in-person public hearing on the City’s Short-Term Rental Hosted Ordinance LCPA on Friday, August 12 at 9:00 AM. (Item F10a). The agenda, viewing and commenting instructions are posted on the CCC website. (Click the "August 12" tab and scroll down to "South Central Coast" to find Item 10a - City of Malibu LCP Amendment No. LCP-4-MAL-20-0083-2 Short-term Rentals). The in-person hearing takes place at King Gillette Ranch, located at 26800 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, CA 91302.

(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 - 239

-Single Family Dwellings complete - 88

-Multifamily building permits issued - 18 units

-Multifamily building units complete- 12 units

MALIBU REBUILDS - 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 [email protected] 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.  

(NEW) VIRTUAL WORKSHOP TO HELP RESIDENTS PROGRAM AND USE THEIR FREE SMART IRRIGATION TIMERS, AUGUST 10

Malibu residents are invited to join LA County Waterworks, the City of Malibu, West Basin Municipal Water District and Rachio for a virtual workshop on Wednesday, August 10, 12:00 PM to learn how to use the free smart irrigation timers that were offered to help homeowners save water and money to help address the drought. Learn about installing and programming the smart controller, using the controller app, and best irrigation practices to have a beautiful and water-efficient landscape year-round. The meeting link will be posted in the Water Conservation webpage.

(NEW) YOU CAN HELP ADDRESS POLLUTION 

With summer here and more visitors coming to Malibu's beautiful coast and mountains, City staff is carefully monitoring for potential sources of pollution. Community members can help address pollution by reporting any activity suspected to be a source or contribution to water pollution in Malibu using the City’s phone line at 310-456-2489, ext. 311 or the Pollution Reporting webpage.  

MANDATORY WATER USE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT DUE TO DROUGHT

With the current drought estimated to be considerably more extreme than the 2015 drought, the Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts (LACWD) has issued mandatory water use restrictions for communities including the City of Malibu, which is served by Waterworks District 29. LACWD asks all customers to cut back their water usage by 30%. Outdoor and lawn watering is restricted to two days a week based on address numbering and property type:

-Tuesdays and Fridays = residential even number

-Mondays and Thursdays = residential odd number

-Mondays and Fridays = commercial

-10 minutes per station maximum

-Only allowed between 6:00 PM and 10:00 AM 

Separately, the City of Malibu also prohibits spray irrigation between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM, and prohibits any landscape irrigation within 48 hours of significant rainfall. See all of the City’s water conservation rules. See the complete list of LACWD water use restrictions at: LACWaterworks.org.  

WATER CONSERVATION REBATES AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE

With mandatory water use restrictions in place due to the drought, residents and businesses are urged to make use of the many rebates and resources available to help save money and water. One of most effective ways to permanently reduce water use is to replace water-thirsty grass lawns with beautiful, drought-resistant landscapes. Malibu residents and businesses can apply for a cash rebate to remove grass lawns of $5 per square foot (up to 5,000 square feet or $25,000 total). Other rebates for Malibu residents include water-saving toilets, laundry machines, sprinkler nozzles, rain barrels and cisterns, weather-based irrigation controllers and soil moisture sensor systems. Rebates and resources for commercial customers include water-saving devices, the Water Savings Incentive Program, the Onsite Retrofit Program, and the Public Agency Turf Replacement and Project Assistance Program. All of the residential and commercial rebates are listed with application instructions  on the Socal Water Smart website.    

CINEMALIBU OUTDOOR MOVIE

The City's first CineMalibu outdoor movie event of 2022 will feature the family-friendly hit film “LUCA” on Saturday, July 23, at Malibu Bluffs Park. Pre-movie activities begin at 7:00 PM including arts and crafts, giveaways, food trucks and special guests. The movie begins at 8:00 PM. Remember to bring a chair and blanket, and please note that alcohol is not permitted. RSVPs are not required. For more information, visit the webpage.

(NEW) CHARMLEE WILDERNESS PARK MORNING HIKE

Enjoy a free 90-minute guided morning hike with an experienced naturalist at Charmlee Wilderness Park on Saturday, July 23, 9:00 AM. Participants will learn about the park's unique habitats, native wildlife and plants. Please come prepared with sturdy, closed-toe shoes, water, sun protection and dress in layers. Pre-registration is required on the web page.

MALIBU BLUFFS PARK MULTIPURPOSE FIELD CLOSED JULY 5 – AUGUST 15

The Multipurpose Field at Malibu Bluffs Park is closed for its bi-annual rest and renovation July 5 through August 15. The rest and renovation plays an essential part in keeping the field safe and playable throughout the year. Other facilities at Malibu Bluffs Park remain open. 

(NEW) SPECIAL EVENTS REPORT

Currently, there are permitted events on July 30, August 6 and September 17, as well as every Sunday for parking for the Farmer's Market, and June 18 through October 3 for the Temporary Day-Use Impound Yard. The City of Malibu Planning Department posts a weekly report of approved event permits on the website. In order for members of the public to be informed of pending event permit applications and to provide an additional opportunity for public input, the City has changed the Event Permit Report format to include 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. The updated Event Permit Report has been posted to the City's website. 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). 

DAYTIME WORK CONTINUES ON TRANCAS CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT

Work on the Caltrans Trancas Bridge Replacement Project continues with daytime pile driving weekdays 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM. The work is expected to be more noisy than usual, although within the limits specified in the project. There will be intermittent lane and shoulder closures on PCH between Guernsey Avenue and Trancas Canyon Road. Motorists, pedestrians and cyclists should proceed with caution, and watch for vehicles, equipment staging, workers, dust, lights, signs in the road and shoulder, and unplanned temporary lane and shoulder closures. The speed limit is reduced to 30 MPH, with signs posted, in the construction zone. Under California law, speeding fines are doubled in construction zones. Sign up for traffic alerts via text or email on the website (scroll to “Alert Center"). Updates and information about the project, work activities and lane closures are posted on the website. 

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 [email protected].

See Past City Manager Updates 

Malibu City Hall is open to the public with few limitations as of February 22, 2022

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 (listed below). An appointment will be needed for in-person assistance during any other hours. Visitors will be asked to remain outside the building until they can be helped by staff. Appointments can be made online at www.MalibuCity.org/appointments. Facemasks are required while inside City Hall due to the rise in COVID-19 rates. 

Public Counter Hours

-Planning: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, walk-in. All other times by appointment. 

-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-ins. Other times by appointment only.

To make virtual appointments with City staff and Departments, please contact: 

-Environmental Sustainability Department (including Building Safety, Environmental Health, Geology and Coastal Engineering): Call 310-456-2489, ext. 390 or email [email protected].

-Planning Department: Call 310-456-2489, ext. 485 or email [email protected].  

-Public Works Department: Call 310-456-2489, ext. 391 or email [email protected]. 

-All other City business: Call 310-456-2489, ext. 392 or email [email protected].