Commissioner Kamins questions mansionization in approval of Wildlife Road project
The Malibu Planning Commission convened on Monday, October 6, 2025, opening its meeting with a heartfelt tribute to Barry Haldeman, a longtime commissioner and devoted volunteer who passed away last week. Chair Drew Leonard shared, “Barry was very involved in volunteering his time to the city. He will be missed.” The meeting transitioned to a robust discussion on Malibu’s evolving character, sparked by Commissioner Marni Kamins’ concerns about a proposed development project at 6844 Wildlife Road.
The project, a coastal development permit (CDP 24-007), site plan review (24-025), and demolition permit (24-011), involves demolishing an existing 2,000-square-foot single-family home to construct a 7,000-square-foot, two-story residence with a basement, three-car garage, swimming pool, spa, and associated amenities. The proposal, presented by contract planner Richard Greenbauer, complies with most zoning requirements but requires a site plan review for exceeding the 18-foot height limit, reaching a maximum of 28 feet for a pitched roof. The property, located in the Point Dume neighborhood, features a 70-foot front yard setback (exceeding the required 65 feet), side yard setbacks totaling 31.87 feet (above the required 25 feet), and a rear setback of 306 feet (far surpassing the 75-foot minimum).
Kamins used the project to raise broader questions about Malibu’s future, questioning whether approving larger homes aligns with the city’s General Plan, which emphasizes preserving Malibu’s rural character and guarding against “mansionization.” She stated, “What used to be a community of family homes where kids played on the street and neighbors knew each other now looks more like Brentwood… tall walls, massive houses, and properties that don’t feel like family homes, but rather seasonal retreats for billionaires.”
Kamins expressed concern that approving projects like this one, which technically meet zoning standards, contributes to a shifting neighborhood character that may not serve Malibu’s community-oriented vision. “Are we here to approve the largest house that the zoning code technically allows over and over again?” she asked, urging her fellow commissioners to consider whether such developments align with the intent of the General Plan. She acknowledged the project’s compliance, noting, “On paper, it checks all the boxes,” but questioned if the commission’s role extends beyond technicalities to exercising discretion in preserving Malibu’s identity.
The discussion revealed a tension between adhering to codified zoning rules and addressing broader community values. Chair Leonard emphasized that the commission’s role is to evaluate the project based on specific findings, particularly neighborhood compatibility, and cautioned that broader policy discussions fall under the City Council’s purview. Assistant City Attorney Kellan Martz clarified that neighborhood character must be assessed based on current conditions, not past or future states, stating, “The law is the existing character, what it is now.” Commissioner Skylar Peak, a lifelong Point Dume resident, noted that many homes in the area, some built decades ago, already exceed 7,000 square feet, suggesting the proposed project fits within the existing neighborhood context.
Vice Chair Elizabeth Riddick highlighted the commission’s responsibility to balance property rights with community goals, referencing her commitment to ensuring residents can develop their properties without undue obstruction. She noted that the applicant, a Malibu resident for several years, had adhered to all zoning requirements. Assistant Director Tyler Eaton provided data supporting the project’s compatibility, with the architect’s infographic showing that 45.4% of properties on the north side and 56.2% on the south side of Wildlife Road already exceed 18 feet in height.
Despite Kamins’ reservations, the commission voted 3-1 to approve the project, with Kamins dissenting, citing her inability to find that the project aligns with Malibu’s neighborhood character. The approved resolution (25-74) deemed the project categorically exempt from CEQA and granted the necessary permits.
The meeting also included updates from Eaton on the Community Development Department’s efforts, including 37 rebuild fee waivers granted, 73 homes approved for Palisades fire rebuilds, and ongoing support through the Malibu Rebuild Center. The commission’s discussion underscored a critical juncture for Malibu, as it navigates balancing growth with its cherished rural identity — a debate likely to continue beyond the chambers of City Hall.
