Malibu City Council introduces new rebuild development permit for Palisades fire victims

The City of Malibu held a special meeting on March 6, 2025, to discuss significant updates to the municipal code regarding the newly introduced Rebuild Development Permit (RDP). This meeting aimed to clarify the processes and requirements associated with rebuilding structures damaged or destroyed, particularly in areas affected by the Palisades fire.

The meeting commenced with an overview of the RDP, which is designed to streamline the rebuilding process by allowing various types of improvements, including new seawalls and water storage devices, under a single permit. This new entitlement aims to simplify the rebuilding process for homeowners while ensuring compliance with existing municipal codes.

Key discussions included the specifics of the RDP application process. It was noted that applications could be submitted individually or as part of a planning verification application. The city emphasized that applications would only be deemed complete once all necessary information is submitted and reviewed by city staff. This clarification was made to address concerns from residents about the potential for confusion regarding the review process.

Council members raised questions about the implications of the new provisions, particularly regarding whether they would create additional hurdles for homeowners. It was clarified that while the RDP introduces new requirements, it is intended to be comparable to the existing planning verification process, thereby not significantly increasing the complexity for applicants.

Further discussions focused on the timeline for application processing, with a standard of 15 days established for the city to respond once an application is deemed complete. The council acknowledged that many applications often arrive incomplete, which can delay the process.

The meeting also addressed the expiration and extension of permits, confirming that RDPs would have a three-year expiration period, with the possibility of extensions granted by the planning director without requiring additional planning commission approval.

As the meeting concluded, the council reviewed proposed changes to the language in the municipal code to ensure clarity and consistency. The next steps involve finalizing these amendments and preparing for their implementation, which aims to facilitate a smoother rebuilding process for Malibu residents affected by recent disasters.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to supporting homeowners in their rebuilding efforts while maintaining regulatory standards to protect the community and environment.