Malibu council to define what counts as a beachfront house
For 35 years the city has used tradition and common sense to apply two different sets of density rules to homes on the sand.
By Hans Laetz
Malibu's city council will do the seemingly obvious Monday, and define what exactly is a beachfront house.
Strange as it may seem, the city has two sets of density rules for houses on the beach. In eastern Malibu, houses are allowed to be right on the sand, right next to each other — zero lot lines, zero front yards.
But in western Malibu, not so. Houses on the beach in western Malibu are not allowed to be over the water, or clustered next to each other, and they must have front and side yards.
So just when is a house under which set of rules? For 35 years, the city planners have used tradition and common sense. That's tough to defend in court.
Monday, the city council will attempt to define which sets of beachfront housing rules apply in which part of Malibu.
Comments (1)
I can imagine a new post-fire Malibu property law that protects wealthy owners with enormous lots, but what to call it? Some suggestions: BILL — Billionaire Investor Land Law MANSION — Malibu Area New Standard for Investment Ownership Needs MALIBU — Mega-property Advantage for Landowners, Insulating Billionaires Unusually RICH — Reconstruction Incentives for Corporate Homeowners BLAZE — Billionaire Landowner Advantage & Zoning Exemption LOTUS — Large Ownership Tax/Zoning Uplift Scheme GOLD — Giant Ownership Lot Deal FIRE — Fortifying Investor Residential Estates PALM — Property Advantages for Large Malibu owners