New Motel Could Replace Parking Lot Near Malibu Pier

MALIBU, CA — A new 20-room motel could replace the public parking lot on Pacific Coast Highway across from Malibu Pier if city officials approve a plan by developers of the Malibu Inn Motel.

The plan, which has been in the works for five years, has earned mixed feedback from residents. Some bemoan it as the latest example of traffic-worsening urbanization of Malibu, while others are lauding the project's potential to increase the city's tax base with a tastefully designed lodging facility, based on public comments submitted by residents to the city.

Proposed is a 7,693 square foot, 20-room motel with an underground parking garage, surface parking and rooftop bar with a pool at 22959 Pacific Coast Highway. The site, located between Aviation Nation and Chabad of Malibu, is currently home to a public parking lot that serves visitors of Malibu Pier and nearby businesses, city documents show.

The Planning Commission on Monday was set to consider approving the project, but the group ran out of time after spending five hours on a long list of other matters. The commission is now set to consider the motel project on May 31.

Redevelopment of the parking lot site has been planned for over a decade, when developers first proposed a commercial plaza. In 2018, developers switched up their plans with a proposal to build the motel.

Renderings of the motel show a wood and white facade surrounding guest rooms with large windows and balconies looking out onto the ocean.