Malibu City Manager Updates July 10, 2020

Press release from the City of Malibu:

July 10, 2020

UPCOMING

Monday, July 13, 6:30 PM Virtual City Council Meeting

Wednesday, July 15, 10:00 AM Virtual Special Public Works Commission Meeting

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. Los Angeles County and the State of California remain a hot spot for new cases, and state and county leaders regularly adjust rules and regulations meant to slow the spread of the virus. The County recently launched a new dashboard to track cases, testing, deaths and hospitalizations, which can be seen by going to www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/data

Key updates as of July 8, 2020 include the following:

• 58 confirmed cases and 2 deaths in the City of Malibu (7/9)
• 124,738 confirmed cases and 3,689 deaths in LA County (7/9)
• 2,037 hospitalizations in LA County, which is roughly equal to the amount of hospitalizations in late April. (7/9)

The City’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated since March 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.

CITY HALL OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Essential City staff, including the EOC team, continue to work both remotely and in City Hall. City Hall continues to be open to the public by appointment with protocols in place to protect public health and prevent the spread of COVID-19. To facilitate the appointment process, the City has developed a new scheduling system for Building Safety, Environmental Health and Public Works. To schedule an appointment with department staff, go to: MalibuCity.org/appointments. To make an appointment with Planning staff, please call 310-456-2489, ext. 485 or email MPlanning@malibucity.org. Staff is answering the City’s main phone line (310-456-2489) Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Residents can also contact staff using the following departmental extensions or emails:

• Building Safety: 310-456-2489, ext. 390 or MBuilding@malibucity.org
• Environmental Health: 310-456-2489, ext. 390 or MBuilding@malibucity.org
• Public Works: 310-456-2489, ext. 391 or MPublicWorks@malibucity.org
• Planning: 310-456-2489, ext. 485 or MPlanning@malibucity.org
• All other City business: 310-456-2489, ext. 392 or info@malibucity.org

VIRTUAL CITY COUNCIL AND COMMISSION MEETINGS

City Council and City Commission meetings are being held virtually. Agendas and videos can be found by visiting the City’s website MalibuCity.org and clicking the "Virtual Meetings" banner homepage or going directly to the Virtual Meeting webpage. There, you can either follow the instructions to sign up to speak during a meeting or watch a meeting. If you experience difficulty connecting to the live Zoom meeting you may contact Parker Davis, Media Technician, at 424-395-6433 for assistance during the meeting.

Emergency Survival Guide

The Malibu Emergency Survival Guide is now available. The Survival Guide is based on the Los Angeles County Survival Guide but customized for Malibu. This comprehensive booklet 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. We encourage 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.

Siren Sound Study Results

In December 2019, the City contracted with Mission Critical Partners to perform a sound study for outdoor warning sirens to help determine the quantity and location of sirens for effective coverage. The draft report was completed in June and includes three options for consideration, estimated costs and sound coverage maps illustrating the results during normal conditions as well as high wind events for all three options. The City’s topography, wind conditions and resident’s home insulation all have a big impact on siren sound coverage. Sound coverage is dramatically reduced when people are inside their homes and winds are blowing at 40 mph or more. The full results will be presented to the Public Safety Commission on August 5, 2020 at 5PM as part of a virtual Public Safety Commission meeting.

NOVEMBER 3, 2020 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION

The nomination period for the November 3, 2020 General Municipal Election will open on Monday, July 13 and close on Friday, August 7, or Wednesday August 12 if the incumbent does not file. You can find more information at https://malibucity.org/elections. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an appointment must be made with the City Clerk to be issued or file nomination papers. To make an appointment, please email hglaser@malibucity.org or call (424) 395-6431.

TEMPORARY RESTAURANT RECOVERY PROGRAM

On June 8, City Council approved a Temporary Restaurant Recovery Program in order to help local restaurants recover from the impacts of the pandemic. The ordinance allows local restaurants to get a permit to temporarily expand their seating areas to adjacent common areas or sidewalks with physical distancing and other public health protocols in place to continue the fight to slow the spread of coronavirus. Restaurants must obtain a permit before expanding seating. More information about the program, including the permit application form and contact information to request assistance, is available on the City’s Restaurant Recovery Program Page.

MALIBU REBUILDS

Since the Woolsey Fire, the Planning Department has approved over 554 applications including 58 since the pandemic began. Based on those approvals, Building Safety has issued 116 permits for single family dwellings and issued 12 permits for a 12-unit multi-family apartment complex. Five single-family homes have been completed, and several more are close to completion. Get all the up to date rebuild statistics on the City’s Rebuild Statistics Page.

MALIBU REBUILDS – REBUILD 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 a phone or online meeting. If needed, an in-person meeting may also be scheduled. For ideas about how to get started with your project, visit the City’s Rebuild Page, where you can view rebuild options and find all related forms and handouts.

MALIBU REBUILDS - FEE WAIVER DEADLINES

On June 22, City Council extended the fee waiver deadlines to give eligible home owners more time to submit their rebuild projects and receive fee waivers. 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 pulled by June 30, 2021. Note that Council also clarified that 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. See FAQs for more information.

MALIBU REBUILDS - DEADLINES FOR NON-CONFORMING STRUCTURES

To rebuild non-conforming homes and structures without having to bring the structure into compliance or seek variances, property owners must apply with the Planning Department by November 8, 2020. Extensions may be requested for extraordinary circumstances and will be considered by the Planning Commission. Please contact the Fire Rebuild Team at AShah@malibucity.org or call 310-456-2489, ext. 385 to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

BUILDING SAFETY ONLINE SERVICES

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 Page to find out how to start an electronic plan check submittal and permit request or email mbuilding@malibucity.org for more information.

PLANNING DEPARTMENT ONLINE SERVICES

The Planning Department is continuing to provide all services online, by phone or by appointment. Planning staff are working remotely and at City Hall. For a complete list of planning services, visit the City’s Planning Page.

LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION

A Letter of Authorization to Submit a Project must be submitted as part of a new planning application submittal or when there is a change in the applicant representative. The Letter of Authorization to Submit a Project requires the property owner(s) to sign in front of staff or to obtain notarization. The Planning Department is offering in-person appointments to witness the signature of property owner(s) in lieu of obtaining a notarization. To schedule an appointment, contact Planning staff at mplanning@malibucity.org or 310-456-2489, ext. 485.

PASSPORT SERVICES

In order to keep City staff and the community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City is not accepting passport appointments at this time. The U.S. Department of State has a phased plan for reopening services and is currently in phase two, which has limited appointments at passport agencies to customers who must travel internationally in the next 72 hours due to a life-or-death emergency. Please visit www.travel.state.gov to view the U.S. Department of State’s reopening plan and current international travel advisories.

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 Smart Gardening webinars (July), California Friendly Landscaping and Turf Removal webinars (July-August), and recycling tips.

LOCKING BIN LID ORDINANCE

To prevent the use of rodenticides, City Council amended Malibu Municipal Code, Chapter 8.32 Solid Waste and Recyclable Materials to require all commercial solid waste bins (one to six cubic yards in size) to be kept closed and locked at all times (24 hours/7 days a week). Commercial businesses should arrange for locking lid service by calling their waste hauler, Universal Waste Systems at 800-631-7016 or Waste Management at 805-955-4305.

WASTE MANAGEMENT RATE INCREASES

Waste Management recently increased rates for service addresses in unincorporated Los Angeles County. If you live in the City of Malibu and had a rate increase to your trash bill, please contact Waste Management at 805-955-4342. The City of Malibu does not have a franchise agreement with any hauler and operates within a permit system. With the permit system, the solid waste service rates are between the haulers and customers. Haulers are not required to notify the City of their rate changes and the City does not have the authority to approve or decline permitted haulers’ rates.

SELF-REGENERATING WATER SOFTENER BAN

The City has adopted a ban on the use of salt-based regenerative water softeners for properties connected to the Civic Center Wastewater Treatment Facility to reduce salts in the groundwater. Installation of new salt and potassium chloride-based self –regenerating water softeners is prohibited at these properties and existing self-regenerating water softeners at properties connected to the Civic Center Wastewater Treatment Facility must be removed by October 28, 2020.

RECYCLE RIGHT IN MALIBU

To reduce contamination in the recycling stream, residents are reminded to skip bagging their recyclables and empty recyclables loose into the recycling cart. Many materials that end up in the recycling cart contaminate the load and damage equipment at recycling facilities. Common non-recyclables include: plastic bags, shipping plastic bubbles and packing peanuts, polystyrene foam, napkins and paper towels, used paper plates and cups, and PPE (personal protection equipment). Let’s all Recycle Right in Malibu. To learn more recycling tips, check out the Virtual Environmental Center.

SHORT-TERM RENTALS – ZTA AND LCP AMENDMENT

The Planning Commission will hold a special virtual meeting on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 to consider a Zoning Text Amendment and Local Coastal Program Amendment pursuant to Council’s December 3, 2019 direction to closely follow the home-sharing ordinance implemented by the City of Santa Monica. The special meeting for this item was originally scheduled on March 30 and was cancelled due to the pandemic. For more information, visit the project webpage at MalibuCity.org/STR. You can also sign up for alerts by text or email on this subject. For complaints or concerns regarding short-term rentals, contact the STR Code Enforcement hotline via email at STR@malibucity.org or by phone at 310-456-2489, ext. 308. After hours calls should go to the One-Call-City-Hall Hotline: 310-456-2489, ext. 311, which is monitored by an operator, or call the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station at 310-456-6652.

SHORT-TERM RENTALS – INTERIM ORDINANCE

On Monday, June 22, City Council directed staff to bring back the ordinance presented to the City Council on December 3, 2019 establishing interim provisions to regulate short-term rental of property, until the Local Coastal Program amendment on short-term rentals (discussed above) is certified by the California Coastal Commission. This item will be discussed by the City Council on August 10, 2020. For more information, visit the project webpage at MalibuCity.org/STR.

PROHIBITION OF PESTICIDES AND RODENTICIDES – LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM AMENDMENT

On June 19, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) deemed the City’s Local Coastal Program amendment complete and will be proposing modifications to the City’s proposed amendment. As such, the amendment cannot be processed as de minimus/administratively. A CCC hearing date has not been scheduled. Until the amendment is certified, a condition of approval regarding the prohibition will be added to coastal development permits. For more information, visit the Project Page.

FIRE-RESISTANT LANDSCAPE AND MAINTENANCE

In March 2020, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 461 which amended the Malibu Municipal Code and the Local Coastal Program to foster more fire-resistant landscapes. The California Coastal Commission deemed the City’s Local Coastal Program amendment complete. The amendment is scheduled for the Coastal Commission meeting in August and will be processed as a minor amendment that can be approved administratively and reported to the Commission. Unless the Commission objects to the Executive Director’s determination, the amendment will take effect automatically upon reporting to the Commission.

HOME IGNITION ZONE ASSESSMENTS

As part of the City of Malibu’s ongoing efforts to promote community-wide wildfire preparedness, the City is offering a Zone Assessment Program to help residents harden their homes against flying embers, a major cause of homes catching fire during wildfires. There are simple and often inexpensive ways to make homes safer from wildfire, including modifying landscaping around the home, sealing eaves, and moving flammable materials away from structures. To ensure the safety of everyone, the service is provided by a single staff member, using personal protective equipment (PPE) and maintaining physical distancing to help slow the spread of the coronavirus and protect seniors and vulnerable groups. Fire Safety Liaison Jerry Vandermeulen, who provides the service, is a former Ventura County Fire Battalion Chief. He is certified in “Assessing Structure Ignition Potential from Wildfire” through the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in identifying specific areas that wildfire embers can find receptive fuels in and around a home. He will inspect your home and make recommendations on how to make it more fire resistant. To schedule an appointment, visit the Fire Safety webpage and click on “Book an Appointment” or contact Jerry Vandermeulen at 310-456-2489, ext. 387 or jvandermeulen@malibucity.org.

HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE

The City of Malibu, along with all jurisdictions in California, is mandated by California State Government Code Sections 65580 to 65589 to prepare Housing Element updates to its General Plan for State certification within a specified time-frame covering a range of years. Efforts to conduct a comprehensive update of the Housing Element for the 6th planning cycle are underway. On June 19, the City issued a Request for Proposals to obtain contract planning services to update the General Plan Housing Element, as well as the Safety and Health Element, for submission to the California Department of Housing and Community Development. For additional information, visit the City’s Housing Element Page.

Community Pool

The Community Pool will reopen with limited programming and COVID-19 safety guidelines on Saturday, July 11. Swimmers may view available dates/times or pre-register for the SeaWolves Swim Program, Masters Swim, and Lap Swim online at MalibuCity.org/Register. Please note: Lap Swim is available by reservation only through the City’s online reservation system due to limited pool space. Walk-ups are not allowed.

Temporary Skate Park

The Temporary Skate Park opened to the public on Friday, July 3. The skate park is open daily from Noon to 8:00 PM/Sunset, with a limited capacity of 12 skaters at one time due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Skaters may reserve one hour of skate time daily up to seven days in advance through our online reservation system. For more information regarding the COVID-19 Safety Guidelines for the Temporary Skate Park, or to make an online reservation, visit the City’s Skate Park Webpage.

Parks and Recreation Month

The City of Malibu Community Services Department invites you to celebrate Parks and Recreation Month by safely visiting City parks and participating in virtual activities during July. To learn more about Parks and Recreation Month, visit MalibuCity.org/PRMonth and the National Recreation and Park Association website. Also, make sure to follow the Community Services Department on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates and activities.

Day Camps

A limited number of Summer Day Camps began on Monday, July 6. The weekly camps opened with strict new guidelines from the LA County Department of Public Health, including lower child to instructor ratios, physical distancing measures, and sanitizing schedules. Space is still available in many of our sports and enrichment camps, and you can register online at the City’s Day Camp Webpage.

CIVIC CENTER WAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

In March, an appeal of the project’s Coastal Development Permit was filed with the California Coastal Commission. The appeal was scheduled for a virtual hearing by the Commission on Friday, July 10 . At the meeting, the Coastal Commission found no substantial issue with the appeal. The City’s decision on the Coastal Development Permit is now final. Project construction updates will be be forthcoming.

Guardrail Replacement Project

The Guardrail Replacement Project consists of replacement of the damaged guardrails from the Woolsey Fire at various locations within the City. The contractor will be working on the project through August at the following locations:

• Encinal Canyon (between Avenida Del Mar to Avenida De La Encinal)
• Birdview Avenue (between Westward Beach Road to Bluewater Road)
• Wildlife Road (between Zumirez Drive to Selfridge Street)
• Latigo Canyon (between PCH to Ocean View Drive)
• Corral Canyon (PCH to Seabreeze Drive)

Bus Shelter at PCH and Heathercliff

The existing bus shelter located on PCH and Heathercliff Road was damaged during a vehicle accident. The bus shelter fabrication was delayed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. However, the City’s contractor finalized the installation of the new bus shelter this week.

SCE (Hotline) Utility Work- Encinal Canyon(between PCH to Via Vienta)

SCE will be performing maintenance work on numerous utility poles along Encinal Canyon. Work will include temporary power outages and lane closures with traffic control being implemented. The schedule of work and outages is as follows:

• Monday, July 13, from 7AM – 4PM; Outage from 8AM – 2PM
• Tuesday, July 14 from 7AM – 4PM; Outage from 8AM – 3PM (Work to be completed along Avenida de la Encinal).
• Wednesday, July 15 from 7AM- 5PM; Outage from 8AM – 4PM

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 is expecting FEMA’s review process to take until November 2020. More information can be obtained on the City’s Floodplain Management Page.

Caltrans Trancas Bridge Replacement/Trancas and PCH Right Turn Lane OUTREACH MEETING JUly 15

Caltrans is proposing to replace the existing bridge over Trancas Creek on Pacific Coast Highway that was originally constructed in 1927. The 85’ wide and 90’ long concrete bridge will be replaced with a new bridge which will be 105’ wide by 240’ long concrete bridge. The new bridge will provide two 12’ traffic lanes, a bike lane, and 10’ shoulders in each direction. The northbound and southbound traffic will be separated by a 6’ striped median. The project is estimated to cost $12.5 million. Construction is expected to begin in February 2021 and end in March 2023

Along with this Caltrans’ project, the City will be constructing a new dedicated westbound right turn lane a PCH and Trancas Canyon Road. The proposed right turn lane will be approximately 430 feet and will accommodate right turns onto Trancas Canyon Road as well as traffic entering into the Trancas Market shopping center. The project will be funded by Measure R Highway Operational improvements.

Caltrans and City of Malibu will be hosting an informal public outreach meeting to introduce two separate projects. The meeting will be a virtual conducted via Webex and will be held on Wednesday July 15, 6:00PM - 7:30PM. Members of the public who are interested in learning about the two projects are invited to attend. More information about the meeting and how to participate is available on the City’s website.

E-NOTIFICATIONS

The City maintains a robust e-notification system so the community can stay informed about all of 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.