Malibu, Los Angeles County
ADUs and remodels in Malibu, built right.
Design, permits with the City of Malibu building department, and construction under one licensed general contractor, building in California since 2017.
Building in Malibu
- ●The city lies within the California Coastal Zone, so most new construction needs coastal review.
- ●Many properties are in fire hazard zones, and many use septic systems, both of which affect ADU design.
- ●Battery backup is especially valuable where public safety power shutoffs can occur.
State ADU law that applies in Malibu
- 60 days
- Cities must approve or deny a complete ADU permit application within 60 days.
- 4 ft
- Side and rear setbacks for ADUs can be no more than 4 feet under state law.
- < 750 sq ft
- ADUs under 750 square feet are exempt from impact fees.
- No owner-occupancy
- You do not have to live on the property to rent an ADU (Junior ADUs still require it).
ADUs in Malibu: common questions
Can I build an ADU on my Malibu lot?
Most single-family lots in California can add at least one ADU and one Junior ADU under state law. Malibu applies its own zoning and design rules on top, and we check them for your specific property in a free feasibility review.
Who approves ADU permits in Malibu?
ADU permits are issued by the City of Malibu building department. State law requires the city to act on a complete ADU application within 60 days. We prepare the plans, respond to plan-check comments and coordinate utility connections.
What does an ADU cost in Malibu?
It depends mostly on the type and size. Garage conversions and Junior ADUs can start around $100,000, while new detached ADUs often run $300,000 or more all-in. Our ADU cost estimator gives you a planning range in under a minute.
Also serving nearby
Free consultation
Planning a project in Malibu? Let's talk.
Start with a free Zoom call or an in-home visit. We will look at your space, talk through options and budget, and give you a clear next step, with no pressure.
Uplift Remodeling · Clean Energy Retrofit Inc. · CA License #1032552 · Since 2017