Planning commission approves 28-foot emergency communications pole at Malibu Bluffs Park

The Malibu Planning Commission on April 7 approved a coastal development permit and conditional use permit for a 28-foot emergency communications facility at Malibu Bluffs Park to improve local radio broadcast capacity in emergencies.

City staff described the structure as a follow-up to an emergency coastal development permit issued in December 2024 and said the permanent application is required by the Local Implementation Plan. Tyler, the case planner for the project, told the commission the facility is sited in the southeast corner of the city-owned portion of the park and is intended to support KBUU’s emergency broadcasts.

The project came before the commission after the city issued an emergency permit (Emergency CDP 24-024) during high winds in December; the permanent Coastal Development Permit (CDP 24-048) and Conditional Use Permit (CUP 24-009) would authorize the facility long term. Tyler said staff recommended adoption of Resolution 25-34 finding the project exempt from CEQA and approving the permits.

Hans Hollands, representing KBUU radio, said the station provided continuous local coverage during the recent Palisades fire and that the new facility would extend reception into eastern Malibu and fill areas shadowed by cliffs. “We were giving people emergency information that they needed in Eastern Malibu,” Hollands said. He told the commission the new pole will be limited to about 5 watts and described it as “in essence, a light bulb” in power terms.

Hollands also told the commission the equipment will be battery-backed and that the station plans to use either a Starlink antenna or a small wireless link to feed the transmitter, allowing the site to operate during short-duration power outages. City staff confirmed the facility will be painted to blend with the environment and that existing equipment already installed under the emergency permit will be subject to the permanent permit conditions.

Joe Drummond, a resident who spoke by Zoom, urged the commission to approve the project quickly and suggested flexibility if a taller antenna were later needed.

Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the resolution and approve the CDP and CUP. Chair Peek said the approval will help make the community safer.

The commission’s action authorizes the city to maintain the communications facility under the conditions set in the permit; the city is the applicant for the CDP/CUP. The commission did not approve any increase in tower height beyond the 28-foot structure presented.

The city and KBUU said they will monitor the facility’s on-air performance and pursue any additional permits separately if future changes—such as an additional, separately permitted facility farther east—are needed to extend coverage.

The commission’s vote: motion to adopt Resolution 25-34 and approve CDP 24-048 and CUP 24-009 carried on a roll call vote with all commissioners voting yes.