Commissioners receive and file Selfridge Drive rebuild item after applicant agrees to consult on palm-tree and drainage concerns

The Malibu Planning Commission on Feb. 3 received and filed an administrative coastal-development item for 28819 Selfridge Drive after commissioners raised site-specific questions about drainage and several large, retained palm trees.

Commissioner Craig Hill asked staff to clarify a marked drainage structure shown on Sheet C-4 that appeared to direct runoff into a nearby blue-line stream. Contract planner Gina Pollini and the applicant’s representative explained the detail appears to be a standard drainage inlet and that best-management practices and the city’s public-works requirements apply to control runoff and protect receiving waters.

Commissioner Hill also expressed concern about seven mature palm trees retained on the landscape plan and a tall hedge that would remain close to the house. The applicant’s representative said the palms were existing, vested trees and that they had not proposed adding new palms; the representative said they would be willing to discuss removal of any plantings that staff identified as a hazard. The planner noted the item is an administrative case (a receive-and-file) and that applicants could voluntarily alter submitted materials.

Following the exchange the commission received and filed the item; the applicant said they would consult with staff and the planner about whether to remove or modify tall palms or hedges given fire-safety concerns.

Ending The item moved off the consent calendar with an acknowledgement from the applicant that staff would be informed promptly if the landscape plan were altered to remove or reduce the mature palms or the tall hedge.