Malibu Adopts Rebuild Policies

Malibu has adopted 16 updated rebuild policies designed to make the process faster, clearer, and more flexible for homeowners recovering from disaster. The updates address areas such as “like-for-like” rebuilds, bulk calculation policy, water tanks and pools, compliance with the 10 percent increase allowance, and more.

These policies are about reducing delays, providing certainty, and empowering families to get back into their homes as quickly and safely as possible.

Malibu Joins Statewide Effort to Advance Wildfire-Resilient Rebuilding

On Saturday, October 25, the City of Malibu participated in the U.S. Green Building Council California (USGBC-CA) Wildfire Rebuilding Certificate Training, California’s leading program on wildfire-resilient construction and landscape design. The event highlighted the importance of sustainable rebuilding, fire-wise design, and regional collaboration to strengthen community preparedness.

With Malibu’s continued recovery needs and fire-prone conditions, maintaining collaboration with organizations like USGBC-CA and the Palisades Recovery Coalition will help strengthen the City’s resiliency planning.

Property Tax Relief Available for Damaged or Destroyed Property

If your home or business was damaged or destroyed in a recent fire or other disaster, you may qualify for property tax reassessment relief from Los Angeles County. Property owners whose damage exceeds $10,000 in current market value can request a reassessment to reflect the property’s reduced value, lowering the amount of taxes owed. Applications must be submitted within 12 months of the date the damage occurred, which means January 7, 2026 for the Palisades Fire.

If you have questions or need additional assistance, email Relief@assessor.lacounty.gov or call (213) 974-8658.

Maintain Defensible Space to Protect Your Home

The City of Malibu reminds all property owners to

maintain required defensible space, the vital buffer between homes and flammable vegetation that helps reduce wildfire risk.

Although the official compliance deadline was June 1, fire season is ongoing and we will still see multiple Santa Ana wind events that create extremely dangerous fire conditions. Keeping defensible space clear year-round helps protect your home, provides safer access for firefighters, and reduces the potential spread of wildfire.

For guidance on requirements and next steps, contact FireSafety@MalibuCity.org or visit MalibuCity.org/FireSafety to learn more.

The City of Malibu has added a new Fire Weather Tracker to its homepage, providing residents with real-time updates on local fire conditions.

The tracker features current fire danger levels, humidity and temperature trends, live fuel moisture data and wind condition updates, including Santa Ana wind activity. It also includes quick links to official fire weather resources to help the community stay informed and prepared throughout fire season.