Politics & Government

Malibu City Manager Updates - December 4, 2020

The City's Emergency Operations Center has been activated since March 12 to manage the City's response.

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Press release from the City of Malibu:

December 4, 2020

UPCOMING

COVID-19 RESPONSE UPDATE

City staff continues to monitor and respond to the pandemic by participating in regular briefings and conference calls with partner agencies, and issuing alerts and notifications regarding changes to the situation. On December 3, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health confirmed 44 new deaths and 7,854 new cases of COVID-19. Other key updates from the County’s COVID-19 Dashboard as of December 3, 2020 include the following:

Find out what's happening in Malibufor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • 161 confirmed cases and 3 deaths in the City of Malibu - an increase of 24 cases and no deaths from November 19
  • 421,881 confirmed cases and 7,335 deaths in LA County - an increase of 73,545 cases and 519 deaths from November 19
  • 2,572 current hospitalizations in LA County - an increase of 1,384 from November 19

The City’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated since March 12 to manage the City’s response. Current operational objectives include:

  • Monitor news for changes to regulations that impact City residents and businesses
  • Post updates on all social media platforms on an as-needed basis
  • Identify City rules and regulations that need adjustment due to the pandemic
  • Respond to community concerns regarding compliance with State and County Public Health Orders
  • Maintain field operations per health guidelines and ramp up virtual operation capabilities
  • In addition, the City continues to provide nearly all regular City services and all staff are working. In order to protect visitors and City staff, visitors are allowed in City Hall by appointment only

NEW STate stay at Home order for LA county To GO Into EFFECT SOON

On December 3, Governor Newsom announced a new Regional Stay Home Order that will go into effect within 48 hours in regions throughout the state once the regional ICU capacity is less than 15%. The order prohibits private gatherings of any size, closes sector operations except for critical infrastructure and retail, and requires 100% masking and physical distancing in all others. The order will remain in effect for at least three weeks and will be lifted when a region’s projected ICU capacity meets or exceeds 15% (assessed weekly after the initial three weeks).

Find out what's happening in Malibufor free with the latest updates from Patch.

On November 19, the State Public Health Officer issued a Stay At Home Order effective November 21 for all counties in Tier One of California's Blueprint for a Safer Economy including Los Angeles County. The Order requires that all gatherings with members of other households and all activities conducted outside the residence, lodging, or temporary accommodation with members of other households cease between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM, except for those activities associated with the operation, maintenance, or usage of critical infrastructure or required by law. The order took effect at 10:00 PM Saturday, November 21 and will remain in effect until 5:00 AM December 21.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY TEMPORARY HEALTH ORDER EFFECTIVE NOv. 30 - Dec. 20

On November 27, the County announced the release of Temporary Health Officer Order to implement further restrictions to ensure public safety effective November 30 to December 20 including but not limited to:

  • Prohibiting all public and private gatherings with individuals not in your household, except for faith-based services, protests and others specifically allowed in the order
  • Prohibiting outdoor dining
  • Reducing occupancy limits at certain businesses
  • Limiting participation in outdoor recreation activities to individuals or members of a single households
  • Closing playgrounds (with the exception of playgrounds at childcare and schools) and cardrooms

Refer to the complete Temporary Public Health Order for more information.

Public Health guidance for HOlidays

As people prepare for the holidays, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) released guidance on COVID-safe and permitted ways to celebrate the holidays and travel while minimizing the risk of exposure and helping slow the spread of the coronavirus. See the complete guidance for celebrating the holidays.

GOVERNOR newsom's TRAVEL ADVISORY

On November 13, in light of the rising number of COVID-19 cases, Governor Newsom, along with Oregon Governor Kate Brown and Washington Governor Jay Inslee, issued a travel advisory urging against non-essential out-of-state travel, recommending people self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving from another state or country and encouraging residents to stay local.

DRive-Through COVID testing at City Hall DECember 10 & 12

The City partnered with Malibu Medical Group to offer another round of drive-thru COVID-19 testing at City Hall this week. Testing was conducted on Wednesday, December 2 and Thursday, December 3. Through this partnership the City was able to provide RT-PCR tests, commonly referred to as the nasal swab test, and Rapid Antigen tests to approximately 235 community members to help identify positive cases more quickly to help slow the spread of COVID-19 through the area.

Next week, the City and Malibu Medical Group plan to offer drive-thru COVID-19 testing on Thursday, December 10 and Saturday, December 12 from 10 AM to 2 PM. Anyone seeking to be tested at City Hall December 10 and 12 must be in line by 2:00 PM to get a test that day. Registration is required prior to your test.

To register, please click on this link and complete the HIPPA Compliant form. The cost of specimen collection and laboratory testing will be passed along to your insurance or the CARES Act. Therefore, you will need to supply all demographic information, insurance information and a copy of your insurance card. If you are uninsured, you must provide a driver license number or your Social Security number and sign an attestation verifying your lack of insurance coverage. All PCR results will be sent directly to patients through the laboratory’s patient portal. All Rapid Antigen results will be published through the Malibu Medical Group patient portal.

MASK ORDINANCE

On November 5, Council adopted Ordinance No. 473 requiring the use of face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic. The staff report is available on the City's website. The ordinance requires the use of a face covering over both the nose and mouth with certain exceptions. Exceptions include when persons in a residential zone, or vehicle, who are six feet away or more from any person who is not part of their household and others considerations based on age, medical requirements, the need to communicate with persons who are hearing impaired, and participation in water-based activities. The ordinance also subjects violations to a fine of $50 per violation but allow an individual to avoid citation if they immediately comply with the ordinance.

Temporary No Parking to Limit Social Gatherings

In response to the increase in cases of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County, the City has filed a new emergency request with the California Coastal Commission to re-install temporary no parking signs in multiple locations in Malibu that were taken down when limitations for public gatherings were laxed. The intent is to limit social gatherings and promote social distancing to preserve the public’s health. Signs have been installed along Pacific Coast Highway by Latigo Shore Drive, Rambla Vista and west of Trancas Canyon Road.

Red flag warning fire conditions

On December 1, the National Weather Service (NWS) announced that a moderate to strong Santa Ana wind event was expected to begin Wednesday, December 2 and continue through at least Friday, December 4 or Saturday, December 5. NWS issued a Red Flag Warning over most of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties from 6:00 PM Wednesday, December 2, to 10:00 PM Friday, December 4, along the coast, and to 6:00 PM on Saturday, December 5, for the Santa Monica Mountains area. The driest conditions forecasted for Friday, December 4.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are present including a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures. If fire ignition occurs during this period, conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread, long range spotting, and extreme fire behavior, which would threaten life and property. Use extreme caution with potential fire ignition sources.

The City put out robust messaging to alert residents of the red flag conditions. There is a chance that Red Flag conditions will return next week. Staff continues to monitor weather conditions and communicate out to the community. To get updates on weather conditions visit the NWS website at weather.gov.

SCE Public Safety Power Shutoffs DEC 2 - 4

On December 2, in response to fire conditions, Southern California Edison (SCE) notified the City that it was monitoring the Cuthbert Circuit in Malibu for a potential PSPS during from Wednesday, December. 2, 7:00 PM through Friday, December. 4, 2:00 PM. The Cuthbert Circuit includes most of Point Dume (approximately from Westward Beach Road eastward to Latigo Canyon and about a half mile inland). Maps of all the circuit areas in Malibu are available on the City's website. On December 2, the Cuthbert Circuit was partially de-energized by SCE. On December 3, portions of the Civic Center area including City Hall were briefly without power.

In preparation for this event, SCE stood up an Incident Management Team with extra resources. SCE will continue to send notifications regarding potential PSPS for the entire period of concern which could result in multiple notifications. To get information on current SCE outages and to sign up for SCE alerts about outages, visit SCE’s outage page: https://www.sce.com/outage-center.. The City will continue to send utility alerts as well. To sign up for the City's utility alerts go to:

Park Closures Due to Red flag warning

In accordance with City policy, Trancas Canyon Park and Charmlee Wilderness Park will be closed on Thursday, December 3 and Friday, December 4 in response to the Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service. If the red flag warning is not extended, both parks will reopen on Sunday, December 6, with regular operating hours. Staff continues to monitor fire and weather conditions and will adjust park operations as needed and will communicate with the community about any park closures.

PROPOSED URGENCY ORDINANCE TO REGULATE THE PERMITTING OF WIRELESS FACILITIES

A Special City Council Meeting has been scheduled on Wednesday, December 9. The agenda includes an item to consider an urgency ordinance regulating the permitting of wireless facilities in the public rights-of-way. The staff report is available on the City's website.

SCHOOL DISTRICT SEPARATION

On October 12, the Council voted unanimously to reinstate the City’s petition for unification of a Malibu Unified School District to the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Committee on School District Organization. Malibu families have long advocated for separation from the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) citing inequities between the educational opportunities offered in Santa Monica and Malibu and an overwhelming desire for local control over their children’s education among other concerns. To address residents’ concerns and support the community’s efforts for local control, the City Council has established school district separation as one of the Council’s top three priorities under public safety and Woolsey Fire Rebuild for the last two years. The City's petition had been put on hold pending negotiations with SMMUSD. Councilmembers Karen Farrer and Rick Mullen who currently serve on the City’s School District Separation Ad Hoc Committee and have been overseeing the negotiations with SMMUSD presented an update on the status of the negotiations along with the City’s financial consultants at the October 12 Council Meeting. Video of the October 12 Meeting is available online.

On October 28, the City hosted a Virtual Town Hall on School District Separation. During the Town Hall, the School District Separation Ad Hoc Committee and the City's consultant team presented information about the City's efforts to separate from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) and gain local control of Malibu public schools through the formation of a new, separate Malibu Unified School District and answered questions from the public. Video of the Virtual Town Hall is available online.

On December 2, the Los Angeles County Committee on School District Organization received an update on the City's petition to form an independent school district and tentatively scheduled a preliminary hearing to determine if the City's petition can move forward through the County Committee's petition process on Saturday, April 17, 2021. As it gets closer and the date is reconfirmed, the City will push out more information to the community.

SUPPORT FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES

The City Council continues to implement planning regulations to help local businesses impacted by COVID-19 public health orders. On September 14, the Council adopted an ordinance to temporarily waive certain sign regulations to help businesses advertise. Ordinance 471U provides local businesses temporary assistance in promoting their businesses and attracting customers. The ordinance allows business owners and non-residential use operators to install up to two temporary signs. Temporary signs may include portable signs (A-frame or sandwich board type signs), wall signs, window signs and banners for purposes of advertising a business or non-residential use located within the City. The ordinance allows placement of up to one of these temporary signs in the public right-of-way or in a private street or easement. Temporary sign permits may be approved by the Planning Director administratively. To submit a temporary sign permit application (no fee required), email mplanning@malibucity.org.

MALIBU REBUILDS STATISTICS

Since the last update, another 3 families received building permits. Here are the current rebuild statistics:

  • Single Family Dwellings planning approvals issued - 273
  • Single Family Dwellings building permits issued – 159
  • Single Family Dwelling complete- 17

MALIBU REBUILDS – NOVEMBER 8, 2020 DEADLINE

The deadline to submit an application to rebuild non-conforming homes and structures without having to bring the structure into compliance or seek variances was November 8, 2020. On November 23, the City Council held a public hearing on Ordinance No. 476 to extend the November 8 deadline by one year as well as the deadline to obtain a building permit. On December 14, the Council will hold a second hearing on the ordinance. The proposed deadlines are shown here. The second reading of the proposed ordinance is scheduled for December 14.

For those who have missed the November 8 deadline but would like to benefit from the City’s Woolsey Fire Fee Waiver Program, please submit a complete application to the Planning Department prior to the December 30, 2020 deadline. The Planning Department is conditionally accepting planning verifications for legal nonconforming structures in an effort to allow homeowners to apply for the City’s Woolsey Fire Fee Waiver Program. The rebuild application will be accepted but cannot be processed unless the City Council extends the deadline. For more information, please contact Aakash Shah at ashah@malibucity.org or at (310) 456-2489, ext. 385.

MALIBU REBUILDS – FEE WAIVER DEADLINES

Fee waiver applications must be received by December 30, 2020, all required Planning Department applications for the project must be deemed complete by December 30, 2020, and all required building permits must be obtained by June 30, 2021. Please note that the Woolsey Fire fee waivers are non-transferable should the property change ownership. If a waiver is obtained, a Certificate of Occupancy will only be issued to the property owner who filed the affidavit establishing primary residence at the time of the Woolsey Fire. All fees associated with post-approval revisions to the project’s Planning Department approval or building permit issuance will not be waived and will be charged in accordance the City’s Adopted Fee Schedule prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. For more information, visit the City’s Fee Waiver web page.

MALIBU REBUILDS – REBUILD PLANNING CONSULTATIONS

The Fire Rebuild team is available for complimentary one-on-one consultations about any fire rebuild project. Contact Aakash Shah at ashah@malibucity.org to set an appointment for phone or online meeting. For ideas about how to get started with your project, visit the Rebuild Page, where you can view rebuild options and find all related forms and handouts.

MALIBU REBUILDS – BUILDING HEIGHT

New homes under construction will be required to submit a Height Survey Certification at framing inspection in order to verify City-approved heights. Any projects that are built to a height that is higher than allowed by code or by approved plans may be subject to a Stop Work Order, project revisions to remove the excess height or additional permitting to allow the height (if feasible). If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Planning staff at 310-456-2489, ext. 385.

SCE’S CLEAN ENERGY AND RESILIENCY (CLEAR) REBUILD PROGRAM

SCE is providing enhanced incentives up to $17,500 for energy-efficient new home construction in areas affected by the Woolsey Fire. The CLEAR Program offers enhanced incentives to encourage rebuilding to or above the 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24), including clean, energy-efficient, solar and battery storage, and resilient design. If interested, email CLEAR@sce.com or call 1-866-723-2257. More information on fire rebuild resources and rebates is available on the City's website.

BUILDING SAFETY ONLINE PERMITTING and plan check SERVICES

Over the counter permits and plan checks can now be submitted through the City's Online Building Permit Request Portal. To help facilitate Building Safety reviews, Building Safety has transitioned to electronic plan check submittals, permits, and invoices. Visit the City’s Building and Safety web page to find out how to start an electronic plan check submittal and permit request or email mbuilding@malibucity.org for more information.

FIRE-RESISTANT LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE

In response to the Woolsey Fire, in March 2020, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 461 - the Fire- Resistant Landscaping Ordinance. The Ordinance strives to minimize the risks to life and property as a result of fire, and protect property from damage caused by fires, by restricting the fuels available for the spread of fires. The City has launched a web page to help homeowners comply with the ordinance and to further protect their homes. For more information, visit the Fire-Resistant Landscaping web page.

2020 WILDFIRE SEASON PREPAREDNESS

The City’s Public Safety staff are in full stride preparing for the current fire season. Although fires can happen any time during the year, the most damaging fires occur in the fall and early winter when hot, dry, powerful Santa Ana winds are blowing, and fuel moistures are low. City staff participated in a virtual exercise with regional response partners in August to begin coordinating communication and response actions. The exercise scenario focused on a fire in Topanga that was moving quickly toward Malibu. Some of the strategies that were discussed included directing evacuees west, utilizing Zuma as a temporary safe refuge, and deploying emergency generators to traffic signals if power is lost. Some of the action items from the exercise included working with the agency partners to draft emergency messaging templates that will be consistent across the region, developing a plan for managing a temporary safe refuge area at Zuma Beach, and conducting a public education campaign regarding the newly established evacuation zones. To complement this exercise, City staff will participate in virtual Emergency Operations Center exercises to practice new procedures based on COVID-19 pandemic restraints.

Community preparedness events were conducted throughout September as part of National Preparedness Month. In addition, staff developed a weed whacker fire safety flyer that is available to community groups to distribute and/or post on community bulletin boards. The flyer is available on the City's website.

2020 WILDFIRE SEASON: EVACUATION PLAN

At its regular meeting on February 24, 2020, the City Council adopted the Mass Evacuation Plan as an update to the City’s Emergency Operations Plan. The Mass Evacuation Plan was one of the findings of a working group assembled after the 2018 Woolsey Fire to improve disaster coordination, communication, and evacuation among all of the public agencies that might respond to a disaster in Malibu. The Evacuation Plan, Evacuation Zone Maps, Evacuation terms and a search function to find out what your home’s Zone is, are all available on the City’s Evacuations web page. The Evacuation Plan was recently updated to incorporate the State’s new evacuation terminology, including:

  • Evacuation Order: Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to leave now. The area is lawfully closed to public access.
  • Evacuation Warning: Potential threat to life and/or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now.
  • Shelter in Place: Go indoors. Shut and lock doors and windows. Prepare to self-sustain until further notice and/or contacted by emergency personnel for additional direction.
  • Evacuation Order(s) Lifted: The formal announcement of lifting evacuations in an area currently under evacuation.
  • Hard Closure: Closed to all traffic except fire and law enforcement.
  • Soft Closure: Closed to all traffic except Fire, law enforcement and critical incident resources (i.e. Caltrans, city/county roads etc. or those needed to repair or restore infrastructure).
  • Resident Only Closure: Soft closure with the additional allowance of residents and local government agencies assisting with response and recovery.

2020 WILDFIRE SEASON: EVACUATION ZONES

As part of the City’s Mass Evacuation Plan, the City partnered with the Los Angeles County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments to establish official Evacuation Zones. The Zones follow Malibu’s historic fire corridors. In the event of a large fire, officials may use the Evacuation Zones to quickly identify the timing, order, and routes of evacuation for specific areas to be more effective and avoid traffic bottlenecks.

On September 14, the City mailed postcards to residents with information on their assigned Evacuation Zone. Residents are encouraged to become familiar with their Zone and evacuation routes and memorize their Evacuation Zone number. The Zones are available to view on the City’s website at: MalibuCity.org/Evac. Residents may also search by their address to learn the Zone in which their home is located on the City's website at: MalibuCity.org/ZoneSearch

2020 WILDFIRE SEASON: WILDFIRE AND FIRE SAFETY WEB PAGE

To help prepare for peak wildfire season, community members are encouraged to visit the City’s Wildfire and Fire Safety page, for ongoing information and resources. Topics featured on the webpage include:

  • Home Ignition Zone Assessments
  • The Community Wildfire Protection Plan
  • How to Create a Defensible Home
  • How to Build an Action Plan
  • Red Flag Warning and Fire Weather Watch
  • Live Fuel Moisture
  • House Fire Safety
  • Weed Whacker Safety

For more information about any of these topics, contact Fire Safety Liaison Jerry Vandermeulen at 310-456-2489, ext. 387 or JVandermeulen@malibucity.org, or FireSafety@malibucity.org.

2020 WILDFIRE SEASON: CURRENT LIVE FUEL MOISTURE

Tracking live fuel moisture (LFM) is an important part of maintaining situational awareness and determining critical fire danger and/or Red Flag Conditions. The LFM in the Santa Monica Mountains is at a critical level of 60%. LFM is defined as the percentage of water content to dry matter content in live vegetation. LFM can be as high as 200% and critical levels (60% or less) are usually reached by mid-October in a “normal” year. The Los Angeles County Fire Department Forestry Division conducts sampling approximately every two weeks and posts the results on their website. The full Los Angeles County Live Fuel Moisture summary and the current Santa Monica Mountains Live Fuel Moisture are both available online.

2020 WILDFIRE SEASON: SIGN UP FOR ALERTS AND DISASTER NOTIFICATIONS

If you are not already signed up to receive alerts and disaster notifications, now is the time to get that done. Make sure all members of your family, business, or organization are signed up for emergency, weather and traffic alerts by text and email from the City. To sign up, visit the E-notify web page and scroll down to Alert Center. When there is an imminent threat to any part of our community or evacuations, the City issues Disaster Notifications (similar to reverse 9-1-1) to the specific area that is being threatened. Last year, the City acquired a database of all cell phone numbers with accounts with a 90265 address. If you wish create an account or edit an existing account in the City’s Disaster Notification System, you can you can visit the Disaster Notifications sign up portal, create a profile, and change your contact information. If the threat is widespread, the City can issue a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) which goes to all cell phones within the City with no subscriptions necessary, so it reaches visitors as well as residents. For more information about all of the City’s different types of alerts, go to the City’s web page.

2020 WILDFIRE SEASON: OBTAIN A DOLPHIN DECAL FOR RESIDENT ONLY ROAD CLOSURES

Malibu’s Dolphin Decal vehicle identification program was established to assist emergency personnel in identifying residents and other individuals who need to access their homes and businesses during some types of emergencies. In the event of a Resident Only road closure, the Dolphin Decal may expedite passage into the restricted area. When approaching a roadblock, all motorists will be checked for proof of residency or business in the Malibu area or to ensure they have a Dolphin Decal on their vehicle. This decal is used to assist in identification only and gives no special rights or privileges to the holder. Decals are non-transferable and non-refundable. There is no expiration date on the decals. To register for a Dolphin Decal, or for more information, visit the Dolphin Decal Program Page or call City Hall at 310-456-2489.

2020 WILDFIRE SEASON: EMERGENCY SURVIVAL GUIDE

The Malibu Emergency Survival Guide is now available. The Guide is based on the Los Angeles County Survival Guide but customized for Malibu. This comprehensive guide includes information about creating an emergency plan, emergency food and supplies, what to do when disaster strikes, basic first aid, important phone numbers and hazards specific to Malibu. The City encourages neighborhood and community groups to make an appointment to pick up the booklets in bulk to distribute in your neighborhood. To make an appointment to pick up the guide for your neighborhood/community group, contact Sarah Kaplan, Public Safety Specialist, at skaplan@malibucity.org or 310-456-2489, ext. 368.

NOTICE INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL APPOINTMENT TO COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

The City is accepting applications for Council appointment to the following commissions and committees:

  • Cultural Arts Commission
  • Mobilehome Park Rent Stabilization Commission
  • Parks and Recreation Commission
  • Planning Commission
  • Public Safety Commission
  • Public Works Commission
  • Wastewater Advisory Committee
  • Building Board of Appeals

Application forms are available on the City’s website. Applications received will be presented to the City Council for consideration at the Regular City Council meeting on January 11, 2021. Applications must be received by Heather Glaser, City Clerk, City of Malibu, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA 90265, or hglaser@malibucity.org by 5:30 p.m. on January 4, 2021. No late applications or postmarks will be accepted.

LA COUNTY WATERWORKS TO HoST virtual meeting December 8 ON DRAFT EIR

Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 29 invites the City and community to review the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for critical water system improvements that are proposed over the next six years. The updates will improve water supply reliability for customers in the City of Malibu and the LA County unincorporated community of Topanga.

Los Angeles Waterworks will hold a virtual public meeting about the Draft EIR for critical water system improvements for Malibu and Topanga Tuesday, December 8, 6:00 PM. The public is invited to participate, give comments and ask questions. Instructions on viewing and participating in the meeting online and by phone, the draft EIR, CEQA Notice of Availability and all related documents are online on the LA County Waterworks website.

Draft EIR Documents are available online on the Waterworks website. Comments on the CEQA EIR must be submitted by December 14, 2020 via email or mail to: Eduardo Maguino, Project Manager, Los Angeles County Public Works, Waterworks Division, PO Box 1460, Alhambra, CA 91802-1460 or WaterworksProjects@dpw.LACounty.gov.

NEW Short-Term Rentals Permit program effective january 15, 2021

On September 29, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 468 (Enforcement Ordinance) creating a new Short-term Rental (STR) Permit system to regulate the short-term rental of residential property to provide enforcement tools to regulate short-term rentals. Effective January 15, 2021, the short-term rental of residential property can only be conducted in accordance with a valid STR Rental Permit. The STR Permit Application is now available on the City's website at MalibuCity.org/STR.

Property owners wishing to apply for a STR Permit may either submit the application and pay by credit card online or mail in an application along with a check. The STR Permit Application Fee is $294. The City is currently accepting STR permit applications but permits will not be issued until after the STR Permit Fee goes into effect on January 5, 2021. Property owners are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible as it may take up to 30 days to review the applications due to the volume of permits anticipated. For questions or assistance filling out your application, please contact STRSupport@malibucity.org or call the City’s short-term rental support line at (310) 456-2489, ext. 381.

SHORT-TERM RENTALS - HOSTED ORDINANCE

On November 23, 2020, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 472 (Hosted STR Ordinance) to establish provisions to regulate short-term rental of property citywide which include, but are not limited to, requiring the presence of an onsite host during short-term rentals, primary residency requirements and multifamily restrictions. See the November 23 staff report and November 5 staff report for more information on the Hosted STR Ordinance. The Hosted STR Ordinance involves an LCP amendment (LCPA) and Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) to the Malibu Municipal Code. The Hosted Ordinance regulations cannot go into effect until the LCPA is certified by the California Coastal Commission.

SURFACE PARKING LOT USE ZONING/LCP AMENDMENT

On November 23, the City Council held a virtual public hearing to consider proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Local Coastal Program (LCP) to allow stand-alone surface parking lots as a conditionally permitted use. Currently, parking lots are allowed in conjunction with another use but not as a stand-alone use. The Council directed staff to amend the proposed ordinance and present an updated ordinance to Council for consideration in the first quarter of 2021. If approved by City Council, the LCP amendment would have to be certified by the California Coastal Commission before the regulations could go into effect.

PARKING MANAGEMENT PLAN implemented at CORRAL BEACH AND ZUMA BEACH AREAS

On September 14, the City Council adopted Ordinance 469 to implement overnight parking restrictions in the Corral Beach and Zuma Beach areas. In order to implement the Ordinance, a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) was required for each area. On October 19, the Planning Commission approved CDPs for the signs to be installed. The appeal period for the CDPs ended on November 17 and the signs were installed in the Corral Beach and Zuma Beach areas on November 18.

OVERSIZE VEHICLE ORDINANCE

In December 2017, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 427, the Oversize Vehicle Ordinance, which implemented parking restrictions for commercial oversize vehicles and trailers, and non-commercial oversize vehicles and trailers. In order to implement the Ordinance, a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) is required. The City will begin to process the required CDP application in the first quarter of 2021.

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES APPLICATION REVIEW

On September 29, Council directed that the City issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Wireless Communication Facilities (WCF) Application Review Services. The RFP was issued for 30 days and is available on the City's website. Proposals were due Monday, November 30. The City received 4 proposals. Staff will conducted interviews and evaluate the proposals and associated fees. The award of contract is tentatively scheduled to be considered by the City Council on January 11, 2021.

wireless communication facility ordinance update Public workshop December 16

The City is currently in the process of updating its Wireless Communication Facility Ordinance. On Wednesday, December 16 at 6:00 PM, the City will host a virtual public workshop to solicit comments from the community on a draft ordinance and desired outcomes. The workshop will include an overview of the existing City ordinance as well as the federal and state regulatory frameworks for wireless facilities. This meeting is the first of a series of public meetings to review the proposed ordinance update which will include a City Council Zoning Ordinance Revisions and Code Enforcement Subcommittee Meeting, Planning Commission Meeting and City Council Meeting. More information about how to view and participate in the public workshop will be available on the project web page it gets closer. In addition, staff has created a timeline for the development of the proposed Wireless Communication Facility Ordinance Update.

MALIBU JEWISH CENTER & SYNAGOGUE PROJECT

On December 7, 2020, the Planning Commission will hold a virtual public hearing to consider the Malibu Jewish Center & Synagogue Project Coastal Development Permit and the CEQA environmental document. For a complete description of the project including the plans and CEQA document, please review the staff report online, please review the staff report on the City's website.

VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER

The Environmental Sustainability Department’s Virtual Environmental Center allows residents to enjoy virtual activities from home and learn about the City’s environmental projects. Virtual activities include SMMUSD Go Green Challenge for students, Smart Gardening webinars (November), Know Your H2O webinars (December-January), California Friendly Landscaping and Turf Removal webinars (December), and recycling tips.

$160 rebate available for SPRINKLER UPgrades

Through Malibu Smart, a partnership between the City, West Basin Municipal Water District, and LA County Waterworks District 29, residents can take advantage of enhanced rebates for water saving devices. The rebate for switching out old standard sprinkler timers for smart timers, also known as weather-based irrigation controllers, was recently doubled to $160. These smart timers easily adjust the watering schedule based on the weather, saving water and money. For more information on the rebates available, visit www.socalwatersmart.com.

SMART THERMOSTATS and BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE incentives

Though Clean Power Alliance’s (CPA) Power Response program, residents with smart thermostats or battery energy storage systems can receive financial incentives for modifying their energy equipment use during times of peak energy demand between 4:00 - 9:00 PM on weekdays. For a limited time, participants will earn $100 for enrolling and get an additi­onal $100 yearly participation reward. To learn more or enroll, visit www.cleanpoweralliance.org/repowerresponse

VIRTUAL RECREATION CENTER

The Community Services Department’s Virtual Recreation Center (VRC) allows residents to enjoy recreation programs from home during the pandemic. The VRC features a wide variety of programs, activities, and classes designed to help residents of any age stay active and entertained. Programs are updated frequently, so make sure to visit the Virtual Recreation Center on a regular basis.

PERMANENT SKATE PARK Preliminary Design

On November 17, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the preliminary design for the Permanent Skate Park Preliminary Design. The Commission will discuss site amenities for the project, such as seating, shade, and landscaping at the December 15 Meeting. Once potential site amenities are identified, the project will be reviewed by the Public Works Commission, Planning Commission, and City Council. You can watch the November 17 Commission Meeting, see the preliminary design, or view the design consultant’s presentations by visiting the Skate Park Web Page.

Virtual poetry Program December 12

On Saturday, December 12, Malibu Poet Laureate Dr. John Struloeff will host Caffeinated Verse, an open mic poetry program featuring two guest poets, Shann Ray and M.L. Smoker. Both featured readers are Pepperdine University Alumni and accomplished artists. After the readings, there will be an open mic where poets may share their work with peers. The free virtual program begins at 11:00 AM, and attendees may RSVP on the City of Malibu’s website.

Senior Center Winter DRive-Thru

Malibu Seniors are invited to stop by our Senior Center Winter Drive-Thru on Tuesday, December 22 at the Malibu Bluffs Park Parking Lot. The event will take place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and attendees will receive a holiday gift bag, say hello to Senior Center Staff, and hear holiday music from the safety of their car. Participants must RSVP by Monday, December 14, by contacting Lisa Crespo at LCrespo@malibucity.org or by calling (310)456-2489 ext. 357. Please note that participants will be required to remain in their vehicle and must wear a face covering.

CHANGES TO THE METRO 534 Bus

On October 22, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Board adopted the Next Gen Bus Plan. The Board Report is available on Metro's website. The plan will renumber Line 534 to 134 and discontinue the route through the Point Dume neighborhood on Cliffside Drive & Dume Road due to underutilized service.

CIVIC CENTER WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY PHASE 2

On October 12, the City Council awarded a contract for assessment engineering services for the formation of an assessment district for the Civic Center Water Treatment Facility Phase 2. The City hosted a virtual community meeting on September 17 to provide an update on the project. Additional information on the project is available on the City's website. The City will conduct a follow up community meeting in December 2020.

CLIFFSIDE UTILITY UNDERGROUNDING DISTRICT

On July 13, in response to a request from Cliffside Drive property owners, Council directed to staff to work with the property owners to start the process of forming an underground assessment district for Cliffside Drive east of Fernhill Drive. The City issued a request for proposals for the formation of the undergrounding district. On November 23, City Council approved an agreement with 30 Three Sixty Public Finance Inc. to perform assessment engineering services for this project. Staff is working the assessment engineer and community members to begin the project.

FEMA PRELIMINARY FLOOD MAPS APPEAL

The City is in the process of appealing the revised FEMA Preliminary Flood Maps. These revised maps change the flood zone and flood depth along the City’s coastline. The proposed changes could have an impact to all existing properties and any new development along the beach. Since December 2019, the City’s consultant (Moffat & Nichol) conducted several conference calls with FEMA regarding the City’s proposed methodology to determine the base flood elevations along the coastline. They also performed a new land survey and then re-calculated the depth of flooding along the coastline. The majority of the sections analyzed showed a lower base flood elevation. The City’s consultant submitted the revised calculations to FEMA for their review. The City received comments from FEMA regarding the City’s Flood Map revisions. The City’s consultant is working on the responses and will be providing FEMA with additional information within the next few weeks. The letter and more information is available on the City's Floodplain Management web page.

CIVIC CENTER WAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

This project will improve the horizontal and vertical sight distance, create additional space for motorists, pedestrians, bicyclist and transit to travel along Civic Center Way between Malibu Canyon Road and Webb Way. From September 21 to December 2020 (weather permitting) a portion of Civic Center Way between Vista Pacifica and the private driveway of 23901 Civic Center Way will be temporary closed. The temporary closure will include access for emergency vehicles to utilize the street during emergency situations. Work hours will be Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM with some work scheduled on Saturdays. The temporary closure will not prevent access to any adjacent side streets or private driveways. Additionally, the Contractor will not be working during red flag warnings. Additional information is available on the City’s website.

DUME DRIVE AND FERNHILL DRIVE SPEED HUMPS PROJECT

This project includes the installation of speed humps on Dume Drive and Fernhill Drive from Grayfox Street to Cliffside Drive. On November 9, City Council awarded the construction contract to J&H Engineering. Construction is anticipated to begin December 14.

BLUFFS PARK WORKOUT STATION

The project is located at the Malibu Bluffs Park and consists of removal of the existing zip-line play structure and poured-in-place rubber surface, installation of a new workout station, including a new poured-in-place rubber surface similar to the existing surface, and installation of signage included with the workout station equipment. On October 12, Council awarded the construction contract to Civic Construction Associates. Demolition work began on November 16 and the project is anticipated to be completed by the end of December.

MALIBU PARK DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS

This project consists of work to repair and improve several drainage structures located within the Malibu Park Neighborhood along Cuthbert Road, Busch Drive and Harvester Road, Morning View Drive, and Birdview Avenue that were damaged during severe storms in the aftermath of the Woolsey Fire. Construction bids for this project were due November 19. The City received 6 bids. Staff is evaluating the bids and will bring an item to Council to award a contract in January 2021.

E-NOTIFICATIONS

The City maintains a robust e-notification system so the community can stay informed about all the City’s activities. Sign up to receive messages by text or email on the City’s e-notifications page.

FURTHER QUESTIONS

For questions or comments, contact the City Manager at RFeldman@MalibuCity.org.

See Past City Manager Updates

This press release was produced by the City of Malibu. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

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