The California Coastal Commission has authority over development in Malibu’s coastal zone, which covers virtually the entire city. Most development projects require a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) in addition to city permits. Crest manages the CDP application process, coordinating with Coastal Commission staff and preparing submissions that meet the Commission’s specific requirements.

The Local Coastal Program (LCP) is the City of Malibu’s planning document that implements Coastal Act policies at the local level. The LCP governs land use, development standards, and environmental protection requirements for all development in Malibu. Crest is thoroughly familiar with the LCP and ensures that every project we manage is planned and permitted in compliance with its provisions.

Many Malibu projects require CEQA environmental review, ranging from a categorical exemption determination to a full Environmental Impact Report for larger projects. Crest coordinates the CEQA process, working with environmental consultants to ensure that the appropriate level of review is conducted and that all findings and mitigation measures are properly documented.

Setbacks from the mean high tide line, from bluff edges, and from environmentally sensitive habitats (ESHAs) are among the most project-defining constraints for Malibu properties. Crest’s due diligence identifies the applicable setback requirements for your specific site and works with your design team to ensure the project is sited and designed to meet all constraints from the outset.

Yes. Many Malibu properties are located in areas subject to significant geologic hazards — including coastal bluff instability, landslide risk, and tsunami inundation zones — that impose specific design and engineering requirements. Crest coordinates with your geotechnical engineers and ensures that all required geotechnical reports and hazard analyses are properly incorporated into the permit application.

The City of Malibu has its own Building Department and planning staff who administer the local permitting process alongside the Coastal Commission’s oversight. Crest maintains working relationships with City of Malibu staff and is familiar with their specific review processes, application requirements, and documentation standards.

Yes. Malibu projects often require discretionary approvals from the City of Malibu Planning Commission or the City Council in addition to Coastal Commission approval. Crest manages the full entitlement process — preparing applications, presenting cases before the relevant hearing bodies, and coordinating all required discretionary approvals.

Malibu consistently attracts significant development investment despite — and partly because of — its regulatory complexity. The multi-agency nature of the process means timelines are inherently longer than in less regulated environments. Crest’s expertise in Malibu-specific permitting helps clients set accurate expectations and navigate the process as efficiently as the regulatory framework allows.