MALIBU MARKS MAJOR RECOVERY MILESTONE WITH FIRST HOME RECEIVING PERMIT & STARTING CONSTRUCTION
The City issued its first and second Palisades Fire Rebuild Building Permits, and construction started on one of the homes, marking a major step forward for recovery efforts.
“Each permit issued represents a family’s path home,” said Mayor Marianne Riggins. “This progress reflects our community’s patience and unwavering dedication to rebuilding not just what was lost, but something even stronger and more unified.”
Despite the unique challenges of rebuilding along Malibu’s coastline, the City has already received 100 rebuild applications in just 7 months — a faster pace than previous post-fire efforts. Every home rebuilt reflects our commitment to safety, resilience, and the natural beauty of Malibu.
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VIDEO: CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP ON REBUILD POLICIES FOR DISASTER-DAMAGED HOMES
The City Council continued its discussion at a Special Meeting August 27 on policies to help residents rebuild homes and structures damaged or destroyed by natural disasters. The meeting builds on a previous Council discussion on July 22, with important updates, such as:
- The Council approved 15 of the 16 policy items, ranging from clarifying the definitions of “like-for-like,” what would be considered a “lawfully erected” structure, how water tanks and pools could be allowed to be used for firefighting, and other rebuild issues. One policy regarding beachfront development and sea level rise will be further examined during meetings in September.
- Whether large eaves and overhangs (6 feet or more) should count toward a home's total development square footage.
- Clarifying how the Governor’s 10% rebuild “footprint” rule compares to the City’s 10% rule that also considers height and bulk.
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REBUILD EXPO WITH PALIBU CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - SEPTEMBER 28
Sunday, September 28, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Santa Monica Bay Woman’s Club - map
This free community event is designed specifically for homeowners and businesses in Malibu and Pacific Palisades impacted by the Palisades Fire. Residents can connect directly architects, contractors, designers, insurance adjusters, expediters, essential service providers, and the City Rebuild Team who can help them navigate the rebuilding process. For more information, contact Anthony McDemas at 805-603-6267 or via email at Connections@malibu.org.
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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA) RECOVERY WORKSHOPS AT CITY HALL
Sunday, September 7, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday, September 9, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday, September 10, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Malibu City Hall
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will hold fire recovery assistance workshops at City Hall for fire-affected businesses, homeowners and renters. City Rebuild Team staff will be available to answer questions about the new Express Event Permit and Sign Permit process. (Note changed times).
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BUSINESS GRANT OPPORTUNITY: ECONOMIC IMPACT FUND
The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) launched its Fire Recovery & Resilience Initiative, the first funding effort under the new Economic Impact Fund. This direct financial assistance supports small businesses and community-based organizations affected by the Palisades and Eaton Fires, and aims to strengthen recovery, resilience, and long-term growth of the region.
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WILDFIRE RECOVERY SCHOLARSHIP
Thrive Causemetics is offering the Los Angeles Wildfire Recovery Scholarship, with ten $10,000 awards available to individuals whose education plans were disrupted by the 2025 Palisades and Eaton Fires. The scholarship can be used for tuition, books, or other educational expenses. Deadline to apply: September 30.
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STEADFAST LA SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS
Malibu businesses affected by the recent wildfires can apply for Small Business Grants from Steadfast LA. Steadfast, in partnership with the Banc of California’s Wildfire Relief & Recovery Fund is offering direct grants of up to $50,000 to help businesses rebuild and reopen. This initiative, administered by LiftFund, provides much-needed financial support for local retailers, restaurants, and independent storefronts. Applications are now open and being accepted on a rolling basis (no deadline).
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WORKSHOP TO LEARN TO PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM TRESPASSING & SQUATTING
Thursday, September 11, 6:000 PM
Malibu City Hall
Free, no RSVPs needed
The City of Malibu, in partnership with the LA County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), invites community members to a Protect Your Home Workshop. Learn best practices from law enforcement to secure your home and property against trespassing and squatting, ask questions, and file a Letter of Agency with the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station.
A Letter of Agency authorizes Deputies to remove or arrest trespassers on your property, helping LASD respond more effectively to theft and trespassing.
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MALIBU SAFETY & PREPAREDNESS FAIR
Saturday, September 6, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM at City Hall
The City of Malibu invites you to the 7th Annual Safety and Preparedness Fair, offering valuable resources and information on preparing for wildfires, earthquakes, storms, and other disasters.
The event will feature a Touch-a-Truck experience with vehicles from LA County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments, Southern California Edison (SCE), Waste Management, and Tip-Top Tow. Kids can take part in a Bicycle, Scooter, and Pedestrian Safety Rodeo hosted by Safe Moves, enjoy a rock-climbing wall, and experience a realistic earthquake in the earthquake simulator.
The City thanks SCE for sponsoring this important event!
Meet your local public safety and law enforcement professionals, learn about emergency preparedness products and services from participating vendors, and enjoy food from Tommy’s Burgers and Tikiz Shaved Ice food trucks.
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Small Business Administration (SBA) Workshop
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Malibu City Hall
Learn about recovery financial assistance fire-affected businesses, homeowners and renters from SBA and new Express Event Permit and Sign Permit process from City staff.
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WHAT IS TEMPORARY HOUSING? IS THIS AN OPTION FOR YOU?
Temporary housing structures are defined as mobile homes, trailers, recreational vehicles or other structures which are self-contained units which include sanitary facilities, and facilities for normal daily routines including cooking and sleeping. Temporary housing structures do not include any structure placed upon a permanent foundation, nor do they include tents, yurts, or similar fabric or textile installations. To find out if temporary housing is an option for you, contact Yolanda Bundy, Community Development Director (ybundy@malibucity.org) and Ryan Cerny, Supervising Building Inspector (rcerny@malibucity.org).
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