Malibu adopts updated California building code with local amendments; staff reiterates rebuilds may use 2023 rules under governor’s order

The City Council approved adoption of the updated California Building Code and local amendments at the Jan. 12 meeting.

Staff presented the ordinance for second reading and explained that state law sets minimum building‑code standards; local jurisdictions typically adopt the state code and may propose local amendments that must be justified by local climatic, geological or topographical conditions. The staff report and ordinance include local modifications intended to reflect Malibu’s coastal, seismic and geotechnical conditions (the report was available for public review prior to the hearing).

Director Yolanda reminded the council that, under the governor’s executive order for wildfire recovery, rebuilding work tied to the Palisades fire is eligible to proceed under the 2023 code rather than the newly adopted 2026 code; she also noted some property owners have already chosen to comply with the new 2026 standards voluntarily. Staff stressed that the city’s building and safety functions remain responsible for ensuring minimum code compliance and for safety reviews.

Councilmembers questioned whether local amendments could make rebuilds harder for future fire survivors who do not benefit from a contemporaneous executive order. Staff and the city attorney explained that local amendments must be justified and that when the state code applies by default the city may still adopt stricter local provisions only after making required findings; staff offered to provide additional documentation explaining the local amendments and the findings on which they are based.

The council moved and approved staff’s recommendation to adopt the updated code and findings. The ordinance will be filed with the State and implemented per state timelines; staff will return with any technical clarifications council requests.