Here is a link to the Malibu Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan, adopted by the California Coastal Commission for the City of Malibu in 2002. It is a 128-page document that basically sets the ground rules for development in Malibu. The Malibu Local Implementation Plan (LIP) is the actual code that all architects, developers and builders in Malibu must follow in order to adhere to the development guidelines set forth in the LCP. The LIP is almost three times as long as the LUP: 338 pages.
But those are not the only two documents of codes and development guidelines that are needed in order to build or renovate a home in Malibu. As I explain in my book, “Building in the ‘Bu: Navigating the Malibu Zoning Code,” Malibu’s zoning codes evolved from several regulations. Malibu followed Los Angeles County zoning code rules until the Coastal Act was passed in 1977. The act was meant to protect natural resources in California’s coastal zone. All cities within the 81-square-mile coastal zone, which extends 5 miles inland, had to come up with a Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan in order to abide by the Coastal Act’s guidelines. Because the City of Malibu dragged its feet, the Coastal Commission jumped in and wrote one for it. After a two-year battle in the courts, Malibu was required to implement the CCC’s LUP.
And that leave us with two gargantuan documents, in addition to existing county’s guidelines, that those who want to build their Malibu dream home, or renovate an existing one, must follow.
To get a clearer perspective on how all this Malibu code craziness came to be, and guidelines to navigate the convoluted Malibu permitting process, check out my book.
If you like mid-century modern homes and movies, then the short film, Mid-Century Modern House by James Munn, is for you. The 11-minute film includes clips of movies featuring famous modern homes by prominent architects, as well as fictional creations. Modern homes by legendary architects such as... View full entry
Mid-Century Modern House by James Munn features homes designed by famous architects in movies
As I briefly explained in a prior post, just because the Malibu zoning code says that you may build something, does not mean that you can build it. This became evident in the fight over Measure M in 2002. The Malibu Bay Co. was the largest landowner in the city. Most of its holdings predated the... View full entry
In the previous post on this series, I gave a short explanation of the civic dynamics of Malibu. Over the next couple of posts I will give examples of how this dynamic has played out in the main controversies during the past 20 odd years. The Reopening of the Point Dume Elementary School In... View full entry
This is the first in a series devoted to the life and work as an architect in Malibu. The distinct geography and topography of Malibu, in addition to the customary governmental regulations, affect how an architect will tackle design challenges when building in Malibu. In addition, its unique... View full entry
A blog on architectural design, and thoughts and ideas on the process of design, from the unique perspective of a Malibu architect, who must deal with severely restrictive zoning codes.
