Malibu Council discusses self certification for building permits amidst delays

During the City Council Work Session on April 24, 2025, in Malibu, significant discussions centered around the challenges of building inspections and the potential implementation of self-certification for construction projects. The council members expressed concerns about the lengthy delays in the building process, which have become notorious in Malibu. One member highlighted the cascading effects of inspection delays, noting that a simple plumbing inspection can take weeks, causing a ripple effect that impacts multiple trades and ultimately slows down construction for hundreds of homes.

The conversation also touched on the possibility of utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate self-certification processes. Jonathan Glassman, an expert in AI solutions, cautioned against relying on AI for safety-critical operations, citing issues with validation and potential hidden costs for the city. He emphasized the need for careful consideration before adopting such technologies.

Another council member supported the idea of allowing self-certification for certain aspects of construction, specifically above-ground work, while excluding foundational and geological elements. This approach could expedite the building process for homeowners willing to invest in third-party certified inspections.

The council also discussed liability concerns related to self-certification. Legal perspectives indicated that while the city could face lawsuits if problems arise from self-certified projects, it would not be liable for issues stemming from approved plans without self-certification.

As the meeting concluded, a straw vote on the self-certification proposal indicated a lack of support among council members, with one member explicitly stating their opposition. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges in Malibu's building process and the need for operational changes to improve efficiency and responsiveness to community needs. Moving forward, the council will need to weigh the benefits and risks of self-certification as they seek to streamline building procedures in the city.