I am writing to try to clarify the Coastal Development Permit (CDP) process we are now dealing with in the Planning Department and at the Commission hearings. The letters over the past few weeks have generated a lot of heat but very little light on the process imposed by the Coastal Commission in the LCP. I can understand how one might get the impression that projects are being “rubber-stamped” because the Administrative CDP’s are presented as a report from the Planning Manager. In fact, the PC seldom saw ACDP-type permits prior to the enforcement of the LCP. These permits were handled at the desk Now the PC sees even very minor projects and these have 20 to 30 pages of documentation. If the project is in the “Appeal Zone” (i.e., appealable to the Coastal Commission), essentially between PCH and the beach, it calls for a full CDP hearing.
We are trying to get a process in place with staff so that there are no real issues with most of the projects that come before us. There are about 170 in line right now, because of the delay caused by the appeal process on the LCP.
With regard to the project on Sea View, all five commissioners expressed dislike for the scope of this project, as did the four commissioners who first approved it in 2003. However, we are constrained by the Malibu Municipal Code zoning ordinances and the LCP. This project is within the box. It fits within the parameters the City has established. With regard to the basement, it fell into the gap before Malibu established an ordinance restricting basement size. If we want to do something about the size of mansions being built in Malibu, we need to change the dimensions of this “box” by modifying the zoning ordinance and MMC. That is something that only the City Council can do. If citizens want to address this issue, it must be addressed at the Council level!
Finally, isn’t it time we established civility in public discourse in Malibu? The events at the last few Planning Commission meetings and the vitriolic exchange of letters in the local papers epitomize this lack of civility. We try very hard to see that all sides get a fair hearing in PC meetings and that presenters’ evidence, not just assertions, are carefully considered. Personal attacks do nothing to forward a position and will not be tolerated.
John Sibert
Planning Commissioner