LATEST UPDATES

Governor Newsom Signs New Executive Order to Advance Rebuilding Efforts

On Monday, July 7, Malibu Mayor Marianne Riggins joined Governor Gavin Newsom and other community leaders at a press conference recognizing the 6-month anniversary of the LA County fires. Governor Newsom shared an update on recovery efforts and signed a new Executive Order to help homeowners rebuild faster and more affordably. The Order adds to the previous Orders — which streamline California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Coastal Act rules —and postpones non-safety-related building code changes, and exempts rebuild projects from rooftop solar requirements while maintaining building safety standards and keeping structures “solar ready.” It also expedites the rebuilding of public schools. Malibu stands united with our fellow communities that endured this disaster, and we are working together in advancing our region’s recovery.  

Our collective efforts across LA County mark the fastest major disaster cleanup in U.S. history:

• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed hazardous waste removal in 30 days
• Of the 12,048 structures destroyed, 9,195 properties have been cleared of fire debris 
• 9,873 properties joined the public debris removal program 
• 2.5 million tons (5.5 billion pounds) of debris removed

City Council Rebuilding Items

Rebuilding Made Easier: City to Consider Fee Waivers for Fire Survivors

On Monday, July 14, the Malibu City Council will consider launching a Fee Waiver Program to support residents rebuilding homes lost in the Broad, Franklin, and Palisades Fires. The program would cover planning and building permit fees for “like-for-like” rebuilds — allowing homes to be rebuilt up to 10% larger — helping families return home more quickly and with safer, fire-resilient structures.

Supporting Local Business: Council to Vote on Relaxed Event & Signage Rules

Additionally, on Monday, July 14, the Malibu City Council will vote on a proposal to relax Temporary Use Permit (TUP) requirements through January 2026. This measure would create a new three-tier system that simplifies permits for small and mid-size events, making it easier for local businesses to host more frequent gatherings and attract customers. The goal is to help the local economy bounce back while ensuring larger events continue to meet community standards.

New Planning Policies Aim to Clarify & Streamline the Rebuild Process

On Tuesday, July 22, the Malibu City Council will review a proposed policy document designed to clarify key issues in the planning phase of the rebuild process. The new Planning Interpretation Policies aim to streamline design and permitting by clearly defining legal structures and “like-for-like” rebuilds and providing clear guidance for converting multifamily buildings to single-family homes. By addressing common community questions, the City hopes to make the rebuilding process more predictable, transparent, and accessible for property owners. 

Debris Removal Enforcement

With the debris removal deadline passed, the City is now working closely with Los Angeles County and the City Attorney’s Office to pursue enforcement actions to protect the community and the environment and maintain momentum on communitywide recovery efforts. All noncompliant properties may be subject to abatement warrants issued by the Superior Court of Los Angeles County. Once a warrant is issued for a property, debris removal will be completed by the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers. All costs associated with legal fees, court proceedings, and cleanup will be determined based on the property owner’s tax bill.

Army Corps Debris Removal Update

Over the past two weeks, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has made significant strides in debris removal operations throughout the Palisades Fire area. Crews have cleared more than 6,250 tons of debris, with 15 active debris removal teams working daily and averaging cleanup of approximately eight sites per day.

Key progress:

• Removed over 1,130,572 tons of debris
• All FEMA-assigned properties along PCH have now been 100% cleared, and 99% of those sites have received final sign-off from LA County.
• In Malibu, 94% of opt-in properties have been cleared of debris, and 88% have received final sign-off from LA County.

UPCOMING EVENTS

JULY

14

City Council Meeting: Small Business Micro Stabilization Grant Discussion

at 5:30 PM at Malibu City Hall

City Council will discuss additional eligibility criteria for the Malibu Small Business Micro Stabilization Grant Program.

JULY

17

Biweekly Virtual Building Professionals Meeting with the Chamber of Commerce

via Zoom from 3:00 - 4:00 PM

Building professionals working to rebuild are invited to join the Malibu–Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce’s virtual Rebuild Professionals Committee meeting. This biweekly event, co-hosted by Barbara Bruderlin (Chamber CEO) and Judy Kruger (President & CEO, Santa Monica Chamber), offers updates, networking, and a featured speaker. Register here.

JULY

20

DEADLINE: LA County Department of Arts and Culture: Temporary Storage of Artwork

Apply by Sunday, July 20 at 5:00 PM

The LA County Department of Arts and Culture is offering free temporary storage for artworks to artists and community-based organizations who have lost access to home storage, studio space, commercial storage, or other areas for storing artwork due to the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. Please check out the LA County Department of Arts and Culture website for full details and to apply.

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

Help Your Malibu Business Recover — Join the Shop Local Directory 

The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity has launched the "Shop Local. Dine Local. Recover Local." campaign to support small businesses impacted by the January 2025 wildfires and windstorms. 

Businesses within City of Malibu limits may be eligible to be part of this program and are encouraged to sign up for the Recover Local Business Directory. Signing up makes your business eligible for future opportunities to participate in the Recover Local Gift Card Program, in which gift cards may be distributed to consumers to drive traffic and sales directly to your businesses. Participating businesses will gain access to digital and video marketing materials and toolkits.

Eligible businesses must have a valid business license, be independently owned and consumer-facing and have fewer than 100 employees. Businesses must also be located in the Palisades Fire Highly Impacted Areas (Pacific Palisades, within Malibu City limits, and areas north of Ocean Park Blvd and west of the 405 FWY).

Red Cross Wildfire Recovery Funding 

Nonprofits serving wildfire-impacted communities can now apply for grants through the American Red Cross 2025 California Wildfires Long-Term Recovery effort. Funding is available for trauma-informed programs supporting recovery, mental health, and resilience in areas affected by the Palisades Fire.

Eligible nonprofits must have 501(c)(3) status for at least three years and a $250,000+ annual budget. Grants range from $150,000 to $1 million for projects running November 2025–October 2027. A pre-application is required before full proposal invitations are issued. Co-funding and partnerships are encouraged.

CITY SERVICES

Malibu Rebuild Center Survey Open Through Friday, August 15

The City of Malibu is committed to enhancing the services and support provided by the Malibu Rebuild Center. Whether you were affected by the Palisades Fire, the Franklin Fire, or both, your feedback is important. This survey will help us better understand community needs and improve the support we provide throughout the recovery and rebuilding process.

Security Patrols in Fire Burn Areas

The City Council has extended its contract with Covered 6 to provide 24/7 armed patrols in neighborhoods affected by the Franklin and Palisades Fires through September 19. These patrols support the Sheriff’s Department, respond to incidents, and assist residents. Residents are encouraged to be responsible for securing their properties, using chains across driveways, setting up security cameras, etc. For tips, contact the Public Safety Department at (310) 456-2489 or email PublicSafety@MalibuCity.org.

Weekly Report (June 30 – July 3): 

• Calls for Service: 10 
• Trespassing: 1 
• Suspicious Incidents: 10 
• Property Checks: 1,026 
• Resident/Construction Contacts: 26 
• Drone Detections: 2 

Palisades Fire Rebuild Dashboard

Please direct all media inquiries to PIO@MalibuCity.org.

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