In a move to tackle its housing shortage without sacrificing its seaside charm, the City of Malibu has officially adopted an ordinance to control Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), as reported on January 31st. Mayor Steve Uhring emphasized the city's dedication to sustainable growth and providing affordable housing solutions during a statewide housing crunch. "The City of Malibu remains committed to foster sustainable growth and creating a community that accommodates the diverse needs of its residents as we work through the statewide housing crisis," Uhring said, according to the Malibu City.
The state's legislature had already set a precedent in 2016 with bills designed to increase affordable housing through ADUs, deeming them as opportunities to lower housing pressure. These laws, including SB 1069, AB 2299, and AB 2406, came into effect the following year to remove hurdles associated with ADU construction. Subsequent updates in 2018 fine-tuned the legislation, facilitating the concurrent construction of ADUs with single-family homes, among other changes to utility fees and parking requirements.
Malibu's next step is to submit the ordinance amendment to the California Coastal Commission for a certification review. The city, located entirely within the Coastal Zone and governed by a certified Local Coastal Program, has long had more restrictive LCP policies compared to state ADU regulations. The ordinance, recently adopted, hopes to ensure that Malibu will not only comply with state laws but also manage to authentically maintain its existing community character, as per Malibu City.
For more details on Malibu's ADU guidelines and the full copy of the ordinance, the city encourages residents and interested parties to visit the ADU webpage linked in their announcement.
