Local zoning · Malibu

Malibu — Zoning

Zoning under the Malibu local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes the City of Malibu's zoning rules found in Title 17 of the Malibu Municipal Code (the "Malibu zoning ordinance") and explains how the city's zoning districts, the official zoning map, overlays, and key development standards are applied. The zoning ordinance establishes the list of zoning districts, the official zoning map, and the procedure for administering development permits and reviews; the ordinance's purpose and scope are set out in § 17.02.010 and § 17.02.020.

Note: where I quote or summarize standards I cite the controlling code section (§ number) from the retrieved ordinance; for any item not in the retrieved materials I state "Not found in retrieved materials."

How Malibu organizes zoning (basics)

  • The zoning ordinance is formally titled the Malibu zoning ordinance (Title 17). § 17.02.010.
  • The city is divided into the specific district codes listed under § 17.06.010 — e.g., RR, SF, MF, MFBF, MH, CR, CN, CC, CG, CV-1, CV-2, PD, I, OS, PRF, RVP — and all development must comply with the standards for the applicable zone. § 17.06.010.
  • The official zoning map is the map dated August 12, 1996 as amended by later ordinances; boundary questions and map amendments are governed by § 17.06.020 and the amendments chapter § 17.74. § 17.06.020, § 17.74.010–.040.
  • Many districts refer you to the city’s cross-cutting development standards (Chapter 17.40), parking rules (Chapter 17.48), sign rules (Chapter 17.52), and permit procedures (Chapter 17.62) for the final controlling dimensional and process requirements; see individual district rules for the cross-references (for example § 17.18.040(B)). § 17.18.040(B), § 17.06.050.

(If you want the city’s land-use map/category guidance, see Malibu Land Use.) [/us/california/malibu/land-use]

District-by-district breakdown

Below are Malibu's formally established districts. Each subsection shows: purpose (where stated), typical permitted uses (where stated in Title 17), and the most readily available dimensional or development standards from the ordinance. If the ordinance text in the retrieved materials did not list a particular item, I note "Not found in retrieved materials" and point to the controlling section.

Note on cross-references: many district chapters explicitly subject uses and dimensional rules to the general development standards and parking chapters (e.g., Chapter 17.40, Chapter 17.48); I note that reference where it appears in the district text. Where the district chapter gives a specific code section, that is the controlling citation for that standard.

RR (Rural Residential)

  • Purpose: Preserve rural, low-density environments; subdivisions and lot creation are explicitly regulated by minimum lot area tied to RR designation. § 17.08.050.
  • Typical permitted/conditional uses: Not exhaustively reprinted in retrieved materials here; district-level lot creation and density rules are emphasized. § 17.08.050.
  • Key dimensional standards (minimum lot area by subdesignation): RR‑20: 20 acres; RR‑10: 10 acres; RR‑5: 5 acres; RR‑2: 2 acres; RR‑1: 1 acre. § 17.08.050(A)(1)(a–e).
  • Where it applies: All parcels designated RR on the official zoning map. § 17.06.020.

SF (Single‑Family Residential — SF‑L, SF‑M)

  • Purpose: Preserve low‑density single-family neighborhoods and protect natural features. § 17.02.020 (General purpose) and the district list § 17.06.010.
  • Permitted uses: Single‑family residences and accessory uses (detailed permitted use table is in Appendix/Attachment). See Appendix 1 (Permitted Use Table). § 17.06.050 references the development standards summary.
  • Key dimensional standards: The development‑standards summary table in § 17.06.050 sets minimum lot widths/depths and impermeable coverage limits for single‑family designations (e.g., minimum width 80 ft, depth 120 ft, impermeable coverage 30%–45% not to exceed 25,000 sq ft — see the table). § 17.06.050.

MF (Multifamily Residential)

  • Purpose: Provide for multi‑unit residential development at densities listed in § 17.06.050. § 17.06.050.
  • Permitted uses: Multifamily dwellings and accessory residential uses — consult Appendix 1. § 17.06.050.
  • Key dimensional standards: Example: density up to 6 units/acre; minimum lot area 20,000 sq ft; minimum width 100 ft; depth 150 ft; impermeable coverage 30%–45% (see the table in § 17.06.050). § 17.06.050.

MFBF (Multifamily Beach Front)

  • Purpose & uses: Not detailed in retrieved snippets beyond being a distinct multifamily/beachfront district; consult Appendix 1 and Chapter references. § 17.06.010, § 17.06.050.
  • Key standards: Not found in retrieved materials (see Information Gaps).

MH (Mobilehome Park)

  • Purpose & permitted uses: Mobilehome parks and related facilities; detailed criteria are located in the MH chapter (not fully reproduced in retrieved snippets). § 17.06.010.
  • Key standards: Not found in retrieved materials.

CR (Commercial Recreation)

  • Purpose: Provide for commercial recreation uses (explicit chapter title). § 17.18.040 (purpose & standards).
  • Typical permitted uses: Recreation‑oriented commercial uses; see § 17.18.040 and the cross‑references to parking and permits. § 17.18.040(B).
  • Key dimensional standards (expressly in code): Minimum lot size: 1 acre; minimum lot width: 100 ft; minimum depth: 150 ft; structures limited to 18 ft in height (except as otherwise provided). § 17.18.040(A).

CN (Commercial Neighborhood)

  • Purpose & permitted uses: Neighborhood‑scale retail and services (district listed in § 17.06.010). § 17.06.010.
  • Key standards: Referenced to general development standards and parking chapters; specific CN table entries are in the development standards summary (see § 17.06.050 and Appendix). § 17.06.050.

CC (Community Commercial)

  • Purpose & permitted uses: Community‑oriented commercial uses (see district listing and Appendix/Permitted Use Table). § 17.06.010, Appendix 1.
  • Key standards: See district chapter (CC chapter text not fully reproduced in retrieved snippets) and § 17.06.050 for summary. § 17.06.050.

CG (Commercial General)

  • Purpose: General commercial activities — the CG district is specifically referenced as allowing certain public‑interest uses such as emergency shelters when combined with procedural requirements. § 17.40.120 (Emergency shelters applicability).
  • Permitted/conditional uses and standards: See district chapter and Appendix 1; emergency shelter provisions appear in § 17.40.120 and specify where shelters are allowed and the review process. § 17.40.120.

CV‑1 and CV‑2 (Commercial Visitor‑Serving)

  • CV‑1 — Purpose: Visitor‑serving uses like motels and bed & breakfasts that respect rural character. § 17.26.010.

    • Permitted uses: Listed retail uses (recreational equipment, souvenirs/jewelry) and “other uses determined by the planning director to be similar” in § 17.26.020. § 17.26.020.
    • Conditionally permitted uses include motels, bed & breakfasts, convenience stores, etc. § 17.26.030.
    • Lot criteria: CV‑1 new lots must comply with Section 17.24.040 and the general cross‑references to Chapters 17.40, 17.48, 17.52, 17.62. § 17.26.040.

  • CV‑2 — Purpose: Serves hotels and similar visitor facilities. § 17.28.010.

    • Permitted/conditional uses and exact development standards: Not fully reproduced in retrieved snippets; see the CV‑2 chapter. § 17.28.010 (purpose).

PD (Planned Development)

  • Purpose: Enables site‑specific, mixed development governed by an approved planned development document (PD maps and conditions). Example: Malibu Coast Estate PD chapter defines a specific PD with APNs and allowed lot uses. § 17.20.010–.030 and Chapter 17.39 (Malibu Coast Estate PD).
  • Permitted uses & standards: The PD's permitted uses and lot criteria are whatever the approved PD ordinance/plan prescribes (see PD chapter for parcel‑specific standards). § 17.20.020–.030, § 17.39.020–.030.

I (Institutional)

  • Purpose & uses: Governmental, institutional, and community facilities (referenced in e.g., emergency shelter code). § 17.40.120 (emergency shelters applicability to CG and I).
  • Standards: District cross‑references require compliance with Chapters 17.40, 17.48, 17.52, and permit chapters. Examples: § 17.18.040(B).

OS (Public Open Space)

  • Purpose: Protect and manage public open space uses. Specific permitted uses and standards are found in the OS chapter and the development standards summary § 17.06.050. § 17.06.010, § 17.06.050.

PRF (Private Recreational Facilities)

  • Purpose: Private recreation uses; standards referenced to the common chapters. § 17.06.010.
  • Key standards: Not found in retrieved materials (see Information Gaps).

RVP (Recreational Vehicle Park)

  • Purpose & uses: Specifies RV park development; the RVP chapter includes explicit development standards. Chapter 17.36 (RVP) and Appendix references — see § 17.36.040 snippet material.
  • Key dimensional standards (from retrieved snippet): Minimum lot size: 2.3 acres; average lot width 350 ft; average lot depth 141 ft; maximum F.A.R.: 0.20 cumulative for specified parcels; maximum building height: 28 ft; minimum landscaping 35% (parcel‑specific). § 17.36 (development standards summary).

Overlays and special zones

  • Malibu uses overlay districts to add site‑specific or area‑specific controls (e.g., Specific Plan (SP), Flood Hazard Area (FHA), Historical Preservation (HP), Malibu Country Estates Overlay, Patriot Homes Overlay, and custom overlays tied to particular parcels such as the Malibu Bay Company Overlay). § 17.06.040 and overlay chapters.
  • Overlays can replace, augment, or exempt certain standards in the base zone (examples: different grading limits, impermeable coverage, parking rates, and frontage/view corridor deed restrictions are set in specific overlay chapters). See overlay provisions in § 17.06.040 and overlay-specific text. § 17.06.040; overlay examples in overlay chapters.

(For more on overlays see Malibu Overlay Districts.) [/us/california/malibu/overlay-districts]

Selected decision‑relevant standards (quick table)

This table extracts the most commonly consulted standards or permitted‑use rules in Title 17 as found in the retrieved materials.

Topic / District Key rule (plain) Code reference
Official zoning map (date) City zoning map dated August 12, 1996 (as amended) § 17.06.020
District list Official districts include RR, SF, MF, MFBF, MH, CR, CN, CC, CG, CV‑1, CV‑2, PD, I, OS, PRF, RVP § 17.06.010
RR minimum lot sizes RR‑20: 20 ac; RR‑10: 10 ac; RR‑5: 5 ac; RR‑2: 2 ac; RR‑1: 1 ac § 17.08.050(A)(1)(a–e)
CR lot & height Min lot: 1 acre; min width: 100 ft; min depth: 150 ft; max height: 18 ft § 17.18.040(A)
CV‑1 permitted uses Neighborhood visitor retail (recreation equipment, souvenirs) and other uses as determined by director; motels/BBIs conditional § 17.26.020–.030
RVP standards example Min lot size 2.3 ac; avg width 350 ft; depth 141 ft; max height 28 ft; F.A.R. 0.20 (parcel-specific table) RVP development table (Chapter RVP snippets) § references in RVP chapter (see development standards table)
Administrative plan review triggers Admin plan review required for projects ≤ 18 ft height (non‑beachfront) and other listed project types § 17.62.030(A)(1)
ADUs (city ADU ordinance) City ADU chapter sets ADU rules in compliance with state ADU law; purpose and effect sections in Chapter 17.44 § 17.44.020–.030

How zoning interfaces with other rules (practical guidance)

  • Dimensional limits you read in a district chapter are frequently subject to the cross‑cutting "Property Development and Design Standards" in Chapter 17.40 (setbacks, height measurement, grading, lot coverage, slope/hillside rules). Always check § 17.40.040 and associated subsections for detailed development controls; many district chapters say explicitly that district uses are "subject to the applicable standards located in the following chapters," naming 17.40, 17.48, 17.52, and 17.62. § 17.18.040(B).
  • Parking requirements are enforced via Chapter 17.48; district chapters routinely cross‑reference this chapter for parking counts and location rules. For design considerations that trigger discretionary review, see the city’s site plan review and administrative plan review procedures in Chapter 17.62. § 17.18.040(B), § 17.62.030–.040.

(If you need the parking rules, see Malibu Parking.) [/us/california/malibu/parking]
(If your project may require design scrutiny, consult Malibu Design Review.) [/us/california/malibu/design-review]
(Property development standards are summarized on Malibu Development Standards.) [/us/california/malibu/development-standards]

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy for a typical development review)

  • Confirm the parcel’s zoning district on the official zoning map (map dated Aug 12, 1996, as amended) and resolve any boundary ambiguity with the Planning Director. § 17.06.020, § 17.06.030.
  • Confirm permitted/conditionally permitted uses for the district (consult Appendix 1 — Permitted Use Table) and whether a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) or Minor CUP is required. § 17.06.010, Appendix 1 (Permitted Use Table).
  • Check applicable development standards (setbacks, heights, lot coverage, FAR) in the district chapter and in Chapter 17.40; note overlay districts that may replace these standards. § 17.06.050, Chapter 17.40, § 17.06.040.
  • Prepare a parking plan consistent with Chapter 17.48. § 17.18.040(B) (district cross‑reference).
  • Determine whether the project is subject to administrative plan review, site plan review, or a conditional use permit per Chapter 17.62, and assemble required technical reviews (geotech, biological, coastal engineering) as the Director may require. § 17.62.020–.040, § 17.62.050.
  • If the lot is in an overlay (e.g., Malibu Country Estates, Patriot Homes), verify overlay standards (grading limits, height, impermeable coverage, view corridor deed restrictions). § 17.06.040 and overlay chapters.
  • For ADUs, follow the city ADU chapter (Chapter 17.44) while ensuring conformance with state ADU law. § 17.44.020–.030. (See Malibu ADUs.) [/us/california/malibu/adu]
  • Confirm whether the project requires Coastal Development Permit or Local Coastal Program (LCP) consistency review (referenced throughout Title 17 and specific chapters). Not all CDP rules are reproduced in the retrieved snippets; verify with the Planning Department. Verify with the jurisdiction. Not found in retrieved materials for the full CDP procedure in these snippets.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Zoning map boundary uncertainty Map is dated Aug 12, 1996 and may have been amended; a boundary can divide a lot and change applicable rules. Confirm the map version for the parcel and request Director determination if ambiguous (§ 17.06.020; § 17.06.030).
Overlay applicability Overlays can replace base-zone standards (grading, coverage, height). Missing overlay rules can lead to noncompliance if not checked. Check § 17.06.040 and the specific overlay chapter text for deed restrictions and modified standards; verify overlay boundaries.
Parcel‑specific PD or PD maps PDs are site‑specific; their approved uses/limits supersede base zone provisions. Inspect the PD ordinance (e.g., § 17.20/Chapter 17.39 for Malibu Coast Estate) and recorded documents for APN‑specific PD conditions.
Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area (ESHA) triggers Projects within or near ESHAs have special ERB referral and may need additional mitigation or denial. Check § 17.62.050 for ERB review triggers; confirm ESHA mapping and the city biologist's determination.
Missing detailed permitted‑use table image The retrieved files reference an Appendix/Permitted Use Table but the image/text was omitted from the retrieval. Obtain the Appendix 1 Permitted Use Table from the City or official PDF to confirm exact permitted uses for a specific parcel. Not found in retrieved materials (Appendix image omitted).
Coastal/regional/state rules interaction Title 17 references Coastal Development and state standards (e.g., ADU state law, Title 24 for building code). Failure to check state and coastal rules can block permits. Verify CDP requirements, LCP consistency, and applicable state codes (ADUs—Chapter 17.44; Building codes—Title 24). § 17.44; Title 24 info Not found in retrieved materials here (link to California Building Standards Code).

Plain‑English summary

Malibu's zoning rules are collected in Title 17: they list a fixed set of zones (e.g., RR, SF, MF, CR, CN, CV‑1, PD, RVP) and attach dimensional and use rules to each zone; district rules often point you to shared chapters for setbacks, heights, parking, and permit procedures. Always check the official zoning map (dated Aug 12, 1996, as amended), whether an overlay applies, and whether your project needs administrative plan review, site plan review, or a conditional use permit. Key controlling code citations include § 17.06.010, § 17.06.020, § 17.06.050, § 17.40.040, § 17.48, § 17.62.

Information Gaps

  • Full, machine‑readable Appendix 1 — Permitted Use Table (the retrieved material referenced a pictured table but the image/text was omitted). Not found in retrieved materials (image intentionally omitted).
  • Complete text for some district chapters (e.g., MFBF, MH, PRF) is not fully present in the retrieved snippets; parcel‑specific PD ordinances may contain additional constraints. Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Coastal Development Permit (CDP) permit process and LCP specifics are referenced but the full CDP procedural text and maps were not reproduced here. Verify with the City. Not found in retrieved materials.

Source References

  • Malibu Municipal Code — Title 17 (short title, purpose): § 17.02.010, § 17.02.020.
  • Zoning districts established and zoning map: § 17.06.010, § 17.06.020.
  • Overlay districts and development standards summary: § 17.06.040, § 17.06.050.
  • RR lot development criteria: § 17.08.050.
  • CR district purpose and development standards: § 17.18.040.
  • CV‑1 district (permitted and conditional uses): § 17.26.010–.040.
  • Planned Development (PD) district examples: § 17.20.010–.030; Malibu Coast Estate PD Chapter 17.39.
  • Administrative plan review, site plan review, development permits: § 17.62.020–.040, § 17.62.050 (ERB).
  • Overlays and parcel‑specific overlay examples (Malibu Country Estates, Patriot Homes, Malibu Bay Company Overlay): overlay text and examples in overlay chapters and amendments. § 17.06.040 and overlay-specific chapters.
  • ADU chapter (city ADU rules consistent with state): Chapter 17.44; purpose and conformance provisions § 17.44.020–.030.

For more context on Malibu’s zoning and linked operational pages on GoCodebook, see:

  • Malibu zoning & planning overview [/us/california/malibu]
  • Malibu Development Standards [/us/california/malibu/development-standards]
  • Malibu Parking [/us/california/malibu/parking]
  • Malibu Design Review [/us/california/malibu/design-review]
  • Malibu Overlay Districts [/us/california/malibu/overlay-districts]
  • Malibu ADUs [/us/california/malibu/adu]
  • California Building Standards Code [/us/california/building-codes]

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • CPC § 6 (§ 6) High relevance
  • Malibu Zoning Code (Title 17.) High relevance
  • Malibu Zoning Code (§ 9211) High relevance
  • Malibu Zoning Code (§ 9247) High relevance
  • Malibu Zoning Code (§ 9293) High relevance
  • Malibu Zoning Code (Section 3.12.4.) High relevance
  • Malibu Zoning Code (Chapter 17.74.) High relevance
  • Malibu Zoning Code (§ 17.62.010.) High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an RR lot in Malibu?

You must follow the RR district's minimum‑lot rules and the permitted uses identified in the zoning map and Appendix 1. Minimum lot area is tied to the RR subdesignation: RR‑20 (20 acres), RR‑10 (10 acres), RR‑5 (5 acres), RR‑2 (2 acres), RR‑1 (1 acre); consult § 17.08.050 and the official zoning map. For specific uses and accessory rules, consult the Permitted Use Table (Appendix 1) and Chapter 17.40 for development standards. § 17.08.050; § 17.06.020.

What are Malibu setback and lot coverage rules?

Setback and coverage are set in each district and summarized in the development‑standards table; for example, single‑family minimum dimensions (width 80 ft, depth 120 ft) and impermeable coverage limits (30%–45% not to exceed 25,000 sq ft) appear in § 17.06.050. Many district chapters then point to Chapter 17.40 for final property development and design standards. § 17.06.050; Chapter 17.40.

Do I need design review in Malibu?

Design review and plan review obligations depend on project scope. Projects fitting the administrative plan review criteria (e.g., construction ≤ 18 ft height for non‑beachfront lots, small accessory structures, pools, landscaping) are reviewed administratively under § 17.62.030; larger or discretionary projects may require site plan review or environmental/ERB review per § 17.62.040–.050. Check Chapter 17.62 early. § 17.62.030–.040.

Where do I find the official zoning map and how current is it?

The ordinance designates the official zoning map as the map dated August 12, 1996, as amended by ordinance; map amendments occur by city council ordinance. If boundaries are unclear, the Planning Director will determine the boundary location per § 17.06.020 and § 17.06.030. § 17.06.020–.030.

Can overlays change the base‑zone rules for my parcel?

Yes. Overlay districts (e.g., Specific Plan, Flood Hazard Area, Historical Preservation, Malibu Country Estates Overlay, Patriot Homes Overlay) can replace or modify base‑zone rules for grading, lot coverage, height, parking, and view corridor/deed restrictions. See § 17.06.040 and the specific overlay sections for the controlling text. § 17.06.040.

What rules control parking requirements for a new commercial use?

Parking quantities and location are governed by Chapter 17.48; most commercial district chapters cross‑reference Chapter 17.48 for required spaces and shared/compact parking provisions (see examples in § 17.18.040(B) and RVP/parcel tables). § 17.18.040(B); Chapter 17.48.

How are ADUs treated under Malibu zoning?

Malibu codified an ADU chapter (Chapter 17.44) that provides ADU/JADU definitions, purpose, and rules intended to comply with state ADU law; an ADU conforming to Chapter 17.44 is deemed consistent with the general plan and zoning designation (effect of conforming). See § 17.44.020–.030. § 17.44.020–.030.

If my lot is near an ESHA, will I need extra review?

Yes. Projects within or within 100 ft of an ESHA or otherwise likely to affect sensitive resources are referred to the Environmental Review Board and may require additional studies or mitigation under § 17.62.050. § 17.62.050.

How do height measurements work (what is "height")?

District chapters give maximum heights (example: CR limited to 18 ft in § 17.18.040(A)); height measurement rules and exceptions are detailed in the property development and design standards (Chapter 17.40). Always verify how finished vs. natural grade is measured in Chapter 17.40 and the district chapter. § 17.18.040(A); Chapter 17.40.

What if my project's allowed use is unclear under Appendix 1?

The ordinance includes an Appendix 1 — Permitted Use Table (attachment) and also allows the Planning Director to determine whether a use is "similar" to allowed uses in some districts. If the Appendix image or table is missing or ambiguous, request an official determination from the Planning Division. § 17.06.050 and district chapters referencing the Permitted Use Table. Not found in retrieved materials (Appendix image omitted). ---

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