The Malibu City Council meeting on August 26, 2024, spotlighted the ongoing challenges surrounding the Nobu restaurant's conditional use permit (CUP), as city planners and council members grappled with parking issues that have escalated since the restaurant's opening.

Joseph Smith, a contract planner for the city, presented the situation, highlighting that Nobu, located at 22706 Pacific Coast Highway, operates under a CUP established in 2007. The restaurant, which features a 5,900 square foot commercial space with a capacity of 249 seats, has been facing significant parking demand that often exceeds its available spaces. Currently, Nobu is permitted to use 10 parking spaces from the adjacent SoHo site, but this arrangement has not been sufficient to meet the needs of its patrons.

Smith noted that the original parking requirements mandated 74 spaces for the restaurant, but the site can only accommodate 64. This shortfall has led to safety concerns and complaints from the community regarding parking overflow and potential violations of the CUP conditions. The council is now considering three options to address these pressing issues, reflecting the restaurant's success and the increased demand for parking during peak beach hours.

The discussion included correspondence from community members, indicating a growing concern over the impact of Nobu's operations on local parking and public access to the beach. The council's next steps will be crucial in determining how to balance the restaurant's needs with those of the community, ensuring that parking solutions are both effective and sustainable.