In a recent Planning Commission meeting, officials reviewed a proposal for a significant construction project at Broad Beach, which includes the demolition of an existing retaining wall and the construction of a new, taller wall. The project seeks to widen the existing driveway and is notable for requiring a variance due to the steep slope of the site, which exceeds the standard gradient of 2.5 to 1.

The applicant plans to replace the current 3.4-foot retaining wall with a new 6-foot structure, which is intended to enhance access for emergency services. The proposed changes would increase the driveway width from 19.7 feet to 25.5 feet, facilitating better maneuverability for fire department vehicles.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that while administrative plan reviews and demolition permits are typically managed at the planning director level, the variance necessitated a review by the Planning Commission. An environmental assessment deemed the project categorically exempt under section 15302; however, the Coastal Commission has contested this exemption, insisting that a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) be processed alongside the project.

The City and the Coastal Commission have agreed to continue discussions regarding the interpretation of CDP exemptions, but the current project is still under consideration. Concerns were raised by the Malibu Coalition for Slow Growth, which argued that the variance should require a CDP and expressed worries about potential impacts on coastal bluffs. City officials clarified that the slope in question does not meet the criteria for a coastal bluff and is classified as a steep slope.

The Planning Commission is now tasked with considering the application and the associated resolution, with further discussions anticipated as the project progresses. The applicant, present at the meeting, expressed a willingness to address any questions from the commission before the public hearing commenced.