Malibu Municipal Code § 2.1 Introduction (CA)

2.1.0. Overview.¶

The following describes some of the key open space resources, opportunities and constraints facing the City of Malibu. A complete assessment of open space resources is provided in the "Open Space Background Report" provided in the technical appendix to the Malibu General Plan.

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2.1.1. Legislative Authorization.¶

The State of California Government Code states that "the general plan shall include an open-space element as provided in Section 65302(e)." "Open space land" is any parcel or area of land or water which is essentially unimproved and devoted to an open-space use and which is designated on a local, regional or state open-space plan as any of the following:

•	Open space for the preservation of natural resources;
•	Open space used for the managed production of resources;
•	Open space for outdoor recreation, including areas of scenic, historic, and cultural value; airshed, and,
•	Open space for public health and safety including areas which require special management or regulation because of hazardous conditions such as earthquake fault zones or floodplains.

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2.1.2. Purpose and Scope.¶

The purpose of the Open Space and Recreation Element is to improve the overall quality of life for Malibu residents and visitors through the management of its natural resources and open space lands. The Open Space and Recreation Element deals with open space and recreation issues including outdoor recreation facilities and trails. The issues addressed in this element include the different aspects of the natural environment that contribute to an ecological balance.

The Malibu Open Space and Recreation Element is to be used as a guide for the maintenance of existing parkland, the acquisition and development of additional parks and recreational facilities, as well as vacant open land.

Several factors of special concern to Malibu residents addressed in this Open Space and Recreation Element include:

•	The rapid development of open space continues to decrease the availability of parkland for future acquisition.
•	Planning for acquisitions and improvements now can also provide for more cost effective purchases.
•	State legislation permits local jurisdictions to require parkland dedication from developers if a parks and recreation element has been adopted which sets forth a rationale and standards for the dedication.
•	The population increases which are projected as new development occurs will create a burden on existing parks.
•	Malibu comprises the major portion of the coastal section of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA). Enabling legislation for the SMMNRA mandates interagency cooperation to provide open space and recreational and cultural activities.

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