I have to respectfully but totally disagree with the Ruggles assessment of the birth of the zoning code. I was on the committee that assembled the code which at the time was agreed to be overly conservative so as not to prejudice the permanent code when adopted. As we all know, the “interim” became the adopted code. Moreover, commercial was virtually ignored as little was occurring at the time.
As for getting input from architects, expeditors, attorneys as well as residents? Most, if not all residents don’t understand multiple parts of the code and varying agency approvals. And they certainly can’t understand why a simple remodel of their house can take 6-12 months, that is, if it’s straightforward. The planning department hearings, I believe, can be very beneficial to the residents of Malibu.
But of much more importance is the absolute need for a creative zoning code which certainly this one is not. Incentives should exist to differentiate the four coastal village centers. Incentives to make the eastern entrance to Malibu along PCH far more interesting and green than the existing fast food boxes with big signs surrounded by asphalt and aging 40-70 year old commercial structures. Maybe a creative code would swap two parking spaces for an area of trellised and landscaped patio dining. Possibly, one day, an underpass for pedestrians, bicycles, even horses below PCH and Pt. Dume, would allow people the enjoyment of walking a mile or two instead of needing to cross PCH and hunting for parking at the shopping center or beaches. Or a ferry between Santa Monica, Malibu, and Oxnard to relieve some traffic on PCH, or double decker buses with room for bicycles and surfboards, etc.
We need a code to help correct what exists as well as creatively control what is yet to be built. Let’s not encourage a rigid “tea party” view of a less than successful interim zoning code, but be open to a creative code which is specifically and sadly missing in the general plan and the LCP. Yes, the code belongs to the citizens of Malibu, but unfortunately we/they have not been very forward thinking creative custodians of our environment.
Ron Goldman, FA IA, Architect