March 5, 2026

LATEST UPDATES

New Initial On-Site Visit Consultation Program 

The City is now offering an Initial On-Site Consultation to support homeowners with the rebuilding process. This is an optional program intended only for families who have not yet submitted a rebuild application or begun the rebuild process. This program does not apply to families who are already in the rebuild process and does not substitute or replace the need for any required documents necessary to approve a rebuild application.

 

Before submitting your architectural plans, you may schedule a one-time, optional site visit with Malibu Planning and Building Safety staff to provide early on-site guidance to rebuilding after the disaster.

 

Homeowners may call the Rebuild Center at (310) 456-2489 ext. 400 to request and schedule an on-site consultation. The Onsite Checklist Consultation Fire Rebuild Guidelines form should be completed and submitted by the design professional team in advance.

 

Once the consultation is scheduled, Rebuild Center staff will follow up to confirm the names and titles of all attendees and ensure that the design professional team brings a full set of plans for review during the on-site visit.


Rebuilding After the Palisades Fire: One Resident’s Message of Hope

In this video, longtime Big Rock resident Denise Toberman, the first property owner to receive her rebuild permit, offers encouragement to families beginning the rebuilding process after losing their homes in the Palisades Fire.


She shares how overwhelming the early days can be and stresses taking the process one step at a time, getting started as early as possible, building a strong professional team, and utilizing as much of the support from the City and other agencies as possible.


Her message is simple: stay patient, keep moving forward, and know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

RESOURCES SPOTLIGHT

State Bill Aims to Close Disaster Funding Gap

A new state bill introduced could help communities like Malibu recover more quickly after disasters. Sponsored by the League of California Cities, Assembly Bill 1866 would clarify that California can prioritize funding for public facilities and infrastructure that do not qualify for federal disaster aid.


Currently, federal assistance through FEMA is only available once statewide damage reaches a certain threshold, which can leave communities without support even when local damage is severe. AB 1866 would help ensure the state can step in sooner to fund repairs to critical infrastructure such as roads, utilities, and public facilities when federal aid is unavailable.


For communities rebuilding after disasters, this clarification could help accelerate recovery and provide more equitable access to state resources when federal thresholds are not met. If passed, the bill would help ensure California communities, including those recovering from wildfires, have better access to disaster recovery funding when they need it most.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MARCH

9


Regular City Council Meeting - After-Action Review

5:30 PM at Malibu City Hall and live streamed on YouTube


The City of Malibu has completed an independent After-Action Review (AAR) examining how emergency operations were managed during the 2024 Franklin Fire and the 2025 Palisades Fire. The City’s AAR will be presented to Council where community members are encouraged to attend to learn more, provide public comment, and ask questions.

MARCH

11


DEADLINE: Los Angeles County Emergency Rent Relief Program


The Emergency Rent Relief Program deadline is Wednesday, March 11, at 4:59 p.m.


Learn more about the program here.

MARCH

11


Fire Rebuilds Design Professionals Meeting

12:00-2:00 PM at Malibu City Hall and live streamed on YouTube


These sessions will provide the latest information on permitting, construction, and recovery support programs. City staff will also be available to answer questions and offer one-on-one guidance to help residents navigate the rebuilding process.

MARCH

11


Evacuation Plan Community Workshop

6:00-8:00 PM at Malibu City Hall and live streamed on YouTube


In addition to the City’s Mass Evacuation Plan survey, the City will host a Community Workshop where participants can learn more about the Evacuation Plan, ask questions, and provide input directly to staff.

CITY SERVICES

February 25 Los Angeles County Assessor's Office Town Hall Meeting

On Feb 25, the City of Malibu hosted a Town Hall Meeting in partnership with the Los Angeles County Assessor's Office, both in person at City Hall and online through Zoom.

 

Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang provided a brief fire relief update and shared important legislative updates on property tax relief options available through the Assessor’s Office. The presentation covered key property tax considerations and provided support resources available to affected homeowners.

 

Over 40 attendees had the opportunity to ask live questions with Assessor Prang and Chief Appraiser Neil Najjar, addressing frequently asked questions and encouraging residents to reach out directly for assistance with individual concerns.

March 4 Zone Captains Meeting Update

On March 4, Community Development Director Yolanda Bundy, Assistant Director Tyler Eaton and new City Manager Joe Irvin met with Zone Captains to strengthen collaboration and generate ideas to further progress the rebuild process for each fire-impacted neighborhood. Staff discussed upcoming Design Professional and Community Meetings, identified solutions to potential roadblocks, and provided updates on the latest rebuild milestones.



Fire rebuild homeowners are encouraged to connect with their Zone Captain or visit the Rebuild Center for guidance and support throughout the rebuilding process.


For more information and resources, visit maliburebuilds.org, email maliburecovers@malibucity.org, or call 310-456-2489, ext 400.

Upcoming Fire Rebuild Workshops and Meetings


The Community Development Department continues to host fire rebuild-related meetings and workshops for Malibu residents. Upcoming March and April meetings and workshops include: 


  • March 11, 12:00 - 2:00 PM – Design Professionals Meeting 
  • March 24, 3:00 - 5:00 PM – Community Meeting with Fire Rebuild Families 
  • April 14, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM – Design Professionals Meeting 

PALISADES FIRE REBUILD DASHBOARD

As of March 5

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

MORE INFORMATION & RESOURCES

Malibu Rebuilds

Community Resources

Small Business Resources

Agenda Center

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