Planning Commission approves coastal permit for 6844 Wildlife Road after debate over neighborhood character

The Malibu Planning Commission on Oct. 6 approved Coastal Development Permit 24-007, Site Plan Review 24-025 and Demolition Permit 2411 allowing the demolition of a 1960 single-family residence and construction of a new two-story home with a 1,400-square-foot basement, attached three-car garage, pool and on-site wastewater system at 6844 Wildlife Road. The motion carried on roll call: Commissioner Peake — Yes; Vice Chair Riddick — Yes; Commissioner Kamens — No; Chair Leonard — Yes.

Contract planner Richard Greenbauer told the commission the proposal is approximately 7,000 square feet, involves 443 cubic yards of non-exempt grading, proposes a pitched roof up to 28 feet, and provides a 70-foot front setback and an approximately 306-foot rear setback. Staff reported story poles were verified and that it had received four letters: two in support, one requesting Commissioner Mazza recuse, and one expressing concern about the project's massing.

Applicant architect Carmel McFadden of Burge Architects presented a neighborhood context analysis showing that, within a 500-foot radius, a large share of nearby properties already exceed 18 feet and argued the proposed massing is compatible with the surrounding context. "Adding a proposed design above 18 feet is completely in the context of the neighborhood," McFadden said.

Commissioner Marnie, who read a prepared statement, framed her objections around what she called "mansionization," asking, "Is this the Malibu that we're planning for 10, 20 years from now?" She urged the commission to consider whether projects that meet numerical limits nonetheless erode the rural character the general plan seeks to protect. Staff and the city attorney reminded commissioners that the legal standard for tonight's action is whether this specific project, as proposed, adversely affects the existing neighborhood character rather than a broader policy rewrite, and that broader changes to the general plan are a city-council responsibility.

Commissioners who supported approval said the project meets the city's objective setbacks and development standards and that discretionary site-plan review requires findings tied to the facts of the parcel and surrounding properties. "If the answer is yes [that this fits within the average character], then we recommend approval," a staff member advised during the discussion.

The commission's action adopted the staff recommendation that the proposal is categorically exempt from CEQA and approve the requested coastal development permit, site-plan review and demolition permit. No further environmental clearance or funding was authorized by this action; any subsequent work will require applicable permits and inspections.

The commission did not direct additional conditions beyond those in the staff recommendation. The item concluded with the vote; the meeting proceeded to later agenda items and was adjourned in memory of Barry Haldeman.