City of Malibu

Building in the City of Malibu
Malibu, California is a scenic and coastal city located in western Los Angeles County, renowned for its picturesque beaches, rugged coastline, and affluent residential communities. Strategically situated along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and bordered by the Santa Monica Mountains and neighboring cities such as Calabasas and Santa Monica, Malibu provides residents and visitors with convenient access to regional employment centers, cultural destinations, and recreational opportunities. The city blends a relaxed coastal lifestyle with a close-knit, community-oriented atmosphere.

Malibu’s neighborhoods feature a mix of oceanfront estates, hillside homes, and smaller residential communities, alongside limited commercial districts along corridors such as Malibu Canyon Road and Pacific Coast Highway. The city emphasizes preservation of its natural beauty, open spaces, and low-density character while offering recreational opportunities including beaches, hiking and biking trails, parks, and water sports, supporting an active and environmentally engaged population.

With a focus on sustainable development, environmental protection, and public safety, Malibu carefully manages infrastructure, utilities, and transportation to maintain its unique coastal character. Committed to thoughtful planning, preservation of scenic and cultural resources, and high-quality municipal services, Malibu fosters a connected, safe, and forward-looking coastal city for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Construction Procedure in the City of Malibu
1. Initial Project Planning
Every successful development project in Malibu begins with careful and comprehensive planning. Developers start by defining the project’s vision, scope, and feasibility, including a review of the property’s zoning designation, the City’s General Plan, Municipal Code, and any applicable specific plans or overlay districts. Early evaluation of site conditions—such as access, traffic circulation, parking, utilities, drainage, topography, and proximity to environmentally sensitive areas—is essential. Developers should also consider environmental constraints, sustainability practices, and compatibility with Malibu’s coastal and hillside communities. Attention to architectural design, landscaping, and integration with the natural surroundings ensures that each project aligns with the city’s goals for high-quality, environmentally sensitive, and context-appropriate development.

2. Pre-Application Consultation and Development Review
Before submitting formal plans, developers are strongly encouraged to meet with Malibu’s Planning Division. Pre-application consultations help identify required entitlements, such as Coastal Development Permits, Conditional Use Permits, Variances, Design Review, or subdivision maps, and determine whether environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) or the California Coastal Act is required. Planning staff provide guidance on land use compatibility, infrastructure capacity, traffic, site layout, and environmental impacts. Early coordination helps streamline the review process, reduce delays, and ensure projects meet Malibu’s planning objectives, design standards, and community expectations.

3. Permit and Application Submittal
Once the project concept is finalized, developers submit a complete application package to the City. Typical submittals include detailed site plans, building elevations, landscape plans, and technical studies covering drainage, traffic, environmental impacts, and geology/soils, which are critical in hillside and coastal areas. Larger or more complex projects, such as hillside homes, mixed-use developments, or community facilities, may also require CEQA documentation, including a Mitigated Negative Declaration or Environmental Impact Report. A thorough and complete submittal facilitates efficient interdepartmental review and ensures staff can fully evaluate the proposal.

4. Plan Check, Design, and Code Review
After submission, the project enters Malibu’s multi-departmental review process. The Planning Division reviews compliance with zoning, land use, community plan policies, and Malibu’s Design Guidelines. The Building & Safety Division ensures plans meet California Building Standards Code requirements, including structural, fire, accessibility, and mechanical standards. The Public Works/Engineering Division reviews grading, drainage, utility connections, roadways, and stormwater management, particularly important in hillside and coastal areas. CEQA and Coastal Act environmental analyses may occur concurrently. Staff provide detailed comments and may request revisions or clarifications before final approvals.

5. Permit Issuance and Infrastructure Coordination
Once all departmental reviews are complete and conditions of approval are satisfied, Malibu issues the necessary building, grading, and construction permits. Developers coordinate with utility providers for water, sewer, power, gas, and telecommunications connections. The Public Works/Engineering Division inspects and approves public infrastructure improvements, including sidewalks, street lighting, drainage, and roadway upgrades, ensuring compliance with city standards. This coordination ensures smooth construction and integration with Malibu’s environmentally sensitive and hillside infrastructure.

6. Construction and Inspections
Construction can begin only after all required permits are issued. All work must follow approved plans, permit conditions, and applicable codes. The Building & Safety Division conducts inspections at critical stages, including foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and final completion, to verify compliance. The Engineering Division inspects public improvements, grading, drainage systems, and right-of-way work. Any field modifications must be approved by the City to maintain safety, code compliance, and project quality.

7. Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy
Upon project completion, the Building & Safety Division performs a final inspection to confirm compliance with approved plans, codes, and conditions. Once all requirements are met, the City issues a Certificate of Occupancy for new buildings or Final Approval for remodels and tenant improvements. This ensures structures are safe, code-compliant, and suitable for their intended use.

8. Project Close-Out
During project close-out, developers complete any remaining obligations, such as final landscaping, signage, or public improvements. “As-built” drawings reflecting approved field changes must be submitted to the City for recordkeeping. The Engineering Division conducts a final review of public infrastructure, and performance or maintenance bonds may be released upon satisfactory completion. This ensures formal acceptance of the project by Malibu.

9. Ongoing Compliance and Future Modifications
After project completion, property owners must maintain compliance with Malibu’s Municipal Code, Zoning Ordinance, Coastal Development requirements, and Building & Safety standards. Any future modifications, such as additions, façade improvements, new signage, or changes in land use, require review and approval by the City. Continued compliance ensures Malibu’s neighborhoods remain safe, visually harmonious, and consistent with the city’s vision for environmentally sensitive, well-planned, and community-oriented development.‍