Planning a remodel on the Malibu coast and not sure where to start with permits? You’re not alone. Coastal rules protect beaches, bluffs, and views, so even simple projects can have extra steps. In this guide, you’ll learn when a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) is needed, who reviews it, how the process works, and how to set realistic timelines. Let’s dive in.
What a Coastal Development Permit is
A Coastal Development Permit is an approval that confirms your project in the coastal zone meets state and local coastal policies. The California Coastal Act sets the rules, and the California Coastal Commission oversees consistency statewide. Local governments with a certified Local Coastal Program often issue CDPs in their area.
In Malibu, a CDP is separate from building permits. You typically secure CDP approval or an exemption before the City issues building permits. “Development” is defined broadly, so many exterior changes count.
Who reviews permits in Malibu
Inside Malibu city limits, the City of Malibu Planning Department is your primary point of contact for CDPs and local steps. You can start at the City’s official site to find Planning and Building & Safety resources at City of Malibu.
If your property is in an unincorporated coastal area near Malibu, contact the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning for coastal permits at LA County Planning. Certain decisions can be appealed to the California Coastal Commission, which has final authority on appealable coastal matters. You can learn more about permit and appeal processes at the California Coastal Commission.
When a Malibu remodel needs a CDP
You will likely need a CDP if your project includes:
- Additions that increase square footage or alter the exterior.
- New accessory structures (ADUs, garages, detached guest houses) or substantial changes to existing ones.
- Exterior work on bluff‑top properties, grading, or anything that could affect slope stability.
- Shoreline protection such as seawalls, revetments, or bulkheads.
- New or expanded decks, patios, beach stairways, driveways, or changes that could affect coastal access or required parking.
- Demolition that changes the building footprint or enables a larger replacement.
- Work in or near habitat areas, wetlands, or dunes.
Interior-only work may be exempt, but always verify with local planning staff before you begin. Emergency repairs have special procedures and often require follow-up documentation.
Step-by-step permit roadmap
Here is a plain-English overview of what to expect. Timelines vary with project scope, site sensitivity, and whether there is a public appeal.
- Pre-application and scoping
- Meet with the City of Malibu Planning Department (or LA County Planning if unincorporated) to confirm if a CDP is required and whether the project could be appealable to the Coastal Commission.
- Identify needed technical studies such as geotechnical or biological reports.
- Assemble your team and documents
- Engage an architect and any needed specialists: civil and structural engineers, coastal or geotechnical engineer (for bluffs or shoreline), biologist, surveyor, and a permit consultant if desired.
- Prepare site surveys, plans, elevations, photos, grading and drainage plans, and required studies.
- Application and completeness review
- Submit your CDP application to the local planning department with fees.
- Respond to staff requests for additional information until the application is complete.
- Staff and environmental review
- Staff review your project for consistency with the Local Coastal Program and the Coastal Act. Environmental review under CEQA may be required depending on potential impacts.
- Public notice and hearing
- Many projects require public notice and a hearing before a Planning Commission or hearing officer. Neighbors and interested parties can comment or appeal.
- Appeals and potential Commission review
- If appealed, the California Coastal Commission may schedule a hearing and can uphold, modify, or remand the local decision.
- Final CDP and building permits
- After the CDP is issued and any appeal period lapses, satisfy conditions of approval, then move to building permits through the City’s Building & Safety team.
Studies and experts you may need
Depending on your site and scope, plan for:
- Geotechnical and coastal bluff stability analysis.
- Coastal hazards and sea-level rise assessment.
- Biological resources and habitat evaluations where applicable.
- Cultural or archaeological surveys in sensitive areas.
- Drainage and stormwater plans.
- Public access and parking analysis if access routes or required spaces may be affected.
Common conditions and constraints
Be prepared for conditions tied to safety and resource protection. Common themes include:
- Setbacks and height limits, including stringent bluff setbacks.
- Protection of public coastal access and required parking.
- Extra scrutiny of shoreline armoring and requests to consider alternatives where feasible.
- Hazard disclosure measures, including deed restrictions that inform future buyers of coastal risks.
- Mitigation, monitoring, and maintenance requirements.
Unpermitted work can lead to enforcement, fines, restoration orders, and retroactive permits. Always confirm permit needs before starting.
Timeline expectations in Malibu
Timelines vary by complexity and completeness of your application:
- Small, straightforward remodels with complete submittals: several weeks to a few months for local review, plus building permits.
- Moderate projects such as additions, ADUs, or bluff-adjacent work: about 3 to 9 months from pre-application to a final CDP.
- Appeals or Coastal Commission review: add several months to a year or more, depending on hearing schedules and site sensitivity.
Smart tips for owners and buyers
- Verify history before you buy. Ask for prior CDPs, recorded conditions, and any geotechnical reports. Unpermitted improvements can affect resale and financing.
- Use pre-application meetings to set expectations for studies, design constraints, and timeline.
- Budget for specialists. The right coastal and geotechnical expertise can prevent redesigns and delays.
- Plan for uncertainty near the bluff or shoreline. Build potential appeals and public hearings into your schedule.
- Explore design alternatives to hard shoreline armoring where feasible.
Where to start and who to call
- City of Malibu Planning and Building & Safety: review local coastal and building steps at the official City of Malibu site.
- California Coastal Commission: get program, permit, and appeal information at the California Coastal Commission.
- Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning: for unincorporated coastal areas, see LA County Planning.
Ready to talk through how permitting could impact your remodel timeline, budget, and eventual sale? Thoughtful planning up front can protect your value and keep your project on track. If you’re weighing improvements before a future listing, connect with Laura Brau for discreet, strategy-first guidance tailored to Malibu and the Westside.
FAQs
Do interior-only Malibu remodels need a Coastal Development Permit?
- Usually no if the work is entirely inside and does not change the exterior or site conditions, but always verify with the local planning department.
Who approves a Malibu CDP and when does the Coastal Commission get involved?
- The City of Malibu or LA County typically issues the permit, and certain projects can be appealed to the California Coastal Commission.
How long does a Malibu CDP take for a typical remodel?
- Small projects can take weeks to a few months, moderate projects several months, and appeals or Commission review can add months to a year or more.
Do I need a CDP for an ADU on a Malibu coastal property?
- Often yes, because ADUs usually change exterior conditions or lot coverage; confirm with local planning staff for your parcel.
How are seawalls and shoreline armoring treated in Malibu permits?
- They are closely scrutinized, require strong justification, and may include mitigation and long-term conditions.
What happens if I start Malibu coastal work without a CDP?
- You risk enforcement actions, fines, restoration orders, and retroactive permit requirements that can be costly and time consuming.
