LATEST UPDATES

Fee Waivers for Fire Rebuild Projects 

On Monday, July 14, the City Council approved the Rebuild Fee Waiver Program to provide financial relief to property owners working to rebuild their homes after the Broad, Franklin, and Palisades Fires. The program eliminates City planning and building permit fees for "like‑for‑like" owner-occupied, primary residence rebuilds, which can save property owners thousands of dollars.  More information on this process will be available in the coming weeks. 

In the meantime, for questions about the fee waivers, please contact the Rebuild Center at MalibuRecovers@MalibuCity.org or call (310) 456-2489, ext. 400. 

City Council Rebuilding Items

Council Approves Agreement with DMCM Partners

On Tuesday, July 22, the Malibu City Council approved an emergency agreement with DMCM Partners, prioritizing efforts to secure Federal and State reimbursements for disaster assistance and pursue grant opportunities. DMCM Partners will support the City in its overall emergency management and preparedness efforts while developing the documentation required to secure maximum funding for eligible Palisades Fire recovery efforts.

Council Reviews New Planning Policies for the Rebuild Process

On Tuesday, July 22, The City Council reviewed and discussed the proposed Planning Interpretation Policies, designed to clarify key issues in the planning phase of the rebuild process. The proposed 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. The City Council will continue its discussion on the proposed Planning Interpretation Policies at a workshop on Wednesday, August 27 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 

Fire Preparedness

Conduct Brush Clearance to Protect Your Home 

Homeowners are required to remove vegetation and brush from their properties. Brush clearance helps create the “defensible space” that firefighters need to protect life, property, and the environment. It is required by law, and non-compliant homeowners could face fines. For questions about brush clearance on properties with homes, please call the LA County Fire Department Defensible Space Section at 818-222-1108. For vacant properties, please call LA County Agricultural Commissioner Weights / Measures at 626-575-5484.

Get a Free Home Wildfire Assessment Ahead of Fire Season

Our Fire Safety Liaisons offer free Home Wildfire Assessments to help reduce your home’s risk from flying embers during a wind-driven wildfire. Each 30–45 minute visit includes a walk-around and a no-obligation list of easy, often inexpensive steps you can take to harden your home. The City has conducted nearly 550 Assessments since the program was launched in 2019. Questions? Email FireSafety@MalibuCity.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

JULY

28

DEADLINE: Back to Business LA Wildfire Relief Grant

Apply by Monday, July 28

LISC Los Angeles has just opened a new Back to Business LA Wildfire Relief Grant to support small businesses impacted by the wind and wildfire events. Funded by Wells Fargo, the program will award $10,000 grants to help businesses recover and rebuild.

JULY

29

Malibu-Topanga Business Interruption Fund: Topanga Application Assistance Event

from 12:00 - 1:00 PM at Topanga Library (122 N. Topanga Blvd.)

Join the Office of Third District Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity and AidKit for an in-person and virtual application assistance event for the Malibu-Topanga Business Interruption Fund.

JULY

31

Malibu-Topanga Business Interruption Fund: Topanga Application Assistance Event

from 12:00 - 1:00 PM at Malibu Public Library (21519 Civic Center Way)

Join the Office of Third District Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity and AidKit for an in-person and virtual application assistance event for the Malibu-Topanga Business Interruption Fund.

AUGUST

6

Malibu Community Recovery Workshop

from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Malibu City Hall

Join the City for a special in-person Community Recovery Workshop supporting residents and small business owners impacted by the Franklin and Palisades Fires. Hear updates from local and regional partners on debris removal, health and wellness resources, economic aid for homeowners and businesses, fire preparedness programs and more.

AUGUST

7

LA County Economic Development Corporation: Small Business Recovery Center Pop-Up Event

from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Malibu Country Mart

Get financial resource and consultation support for your small business’ recovery at this free pop-up event! Register here.

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

Applications for Malibu-Topanga Business Interruption Fund Now Open

The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity and Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath have launched the Malibu-Topanga Business Interruption Fund to support small businesses affected by the closures of Pacific Coast Highway and Topanga Canyon Boulevard following the January 2025 windstorms and wildfires.

Grants of up to $20,000 are available for eligible businesses in Malibu or Topanga (zip codes 90265 or 90290) experiencing revenue loss.

Applications are open until Friday, August 22 at 5:00 PM, so don’t miss this opportunity to access recovery funds and keep your business moving forward.

Need help with your application? Join one of the upcoming hybrid assistance events—in person or via Zoom:

Topanga Application Assistance Event

Tuesday, July 29 at 12:00 PM

Topanga Library (122 N Topanga Canyon Blvd)]

RSVP: bit.ly/SD3BIFJuly29

Malibu Application Assistance Event

Thursday, July 31 at 12:00 PM

Malibu Library (23519 West Civic Center Way)

RSVP: bit.ly/SD3BIFJuly31

Applications for LISC LA's Wildfire Relief Grant Program Now Open 

LISC Los Angeles has launched the Back to Business LA Wildfire Relief Grant, offering $10,000 to small businesses affected by the recent wind and wildfires. Funded by Wells Fargo, this grant helps businesses replace damaged equipment, pay employees, and cover rent or utilities.

Small businesses in fire-impacted areas of Los Angeles County that plan to remain open for the next 6–12 months are eligible to apply.Applications are open until July 28 at 11:59 PM

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.

Resource Guides

Explore the Resources section on MalibuRebuilds.org for a comprehensive guide to services, funding opportunities, and available assistance for homeowners and businesses. 

Palisades Fire Rebuild Dashboard

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

MORE INFORMATION & RESOURCES