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Malibu council presses to speed rebuild as Army Corps begins Phase 2 cleanup
Summary
City officials and dozens of residents urged faster permitting, clearer rebuild rules and more staffing after the Army Corps completed its first Phase 2 property cleanup. Council directed staff to seek workshops and opened a Rebuild Office timeline.
Malibu — The City Council on Feb. 24 moved to accelerate post‑fire recovery after staff said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed the first Phase 2 property cleanup in Malibu.
Acting City Manager said the Army Corps ‘‘completed the first property cleanup of phase 2 in the city of Malibu, which is a big milestone,’’ and urged residents to submit right‑of‑entry forms so crews can work in larger swaths. The city also reported 56 families currently in plan check, 186 certificates of occupancy issued and 111 homes under construction.
Why it matters: Hundreds of homeowners and local businesses are waiting for debris removal and clear permitting rules to begin rebuilding. Residents and design professionals pressed the council for concrete timelines, a preferred ‘‘rebuild czar’’ model and fast‑track options such as self‑certification or like‑for‑like rebuilding to shorten approval times.
During a three‑hour public comment period, residents and contractors repeatedly recommended concrete process changes. ‘‘We need our results managed,’’ said speaker A. Roy, urging a goal of returning families to homes in about 18 months. Neighborhood groups proposed a short‑term program director to coordinate permits, contractors and interagency work.
Council members asked staff to make staffing and IT support for the Rebuild Office visible and to report at a special meeting set for Feb. 27. Acting City Manager said the city has started adding IT temporary staff to support the office and plans to open a Rebuild Center targeted for March 10.
On debris removal, staff advised homeowners they can opt in to Army Corps work or opt out and hire private contractors; county websites and a town hall (Feb. 26) will explain the steps. Staff warned that properties not cleared by an eventual deadline may be subject to enforcement; the city said the schedule and enforcement details are still being developed in coordination with regional partners.
What’s next: Council asked staff to return with recommended workshops that would include building‑code experts, geotechnical monitors and other technical stakeholders. The city also will present more detailed rebuild metrics and a proposed operational plan for the Rebuild Office at the Feb. 27 special meeting.
