What coastal permitting means for your plans

Buyers frequently plan a remodel into their offer. In Malibu that plan needs checking early, because much of the city sits within the California coastal zone and the approval path is longer than most people expect.

Two layers, not one

Work can require City of Malibu permits and, depending on the property and the scope, California Coastal Commission review. These are separate processes with separate timelines. A project that would be routine inland can take substantially longer here.

It varies by parcel

There is no single answer. What applies depends on where the property sits, what is already there, and what you intend to change. Two neighbouring lots can face different requirements.

Where it bites

• Additions and anything that changes the building footprint.
• Work affecting bluffs, slopes or drainage.
• Anything touching public-access provisions.
• Septic and wastewater, which have their own requirements in much of the city.

The practical approach

If the value of a property to you depends on changing it, get the permitting path assessed during your diligence period. That is the difference between a considered purchase and an expensive surprise.

General information only, not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm the current position for a specific property with the City, the Commission and qualified professionals.

How we help

MalibuBuyer is a referral service. Raoul Shah is a licensed real estate professional in Virginia; he is not a licensed agent or broker in this state. What he does here is match you, at no cost to you, with a top licensed local Malibu agent, join the tour, and stay in your corner through the purchase. All local real estate services are provided by that independent licensed agent. Equal Housing Opportunity.