Nearly 18 months after the Palisades Fire devastated Malibu, burning approximately 600 homes, the community faces a slow and challenging recovery process. Despite the scale of destruction, only about 10% of homeowners have initiated rebuilding, hampered by complex bureaucratic procedures and escalating construction costs.

The fire, which tore through the area along the Pacific Coast Highway, left more than 700 structures destroyed, nearly 600 of which were single-family residences, according to figures cited by then-Mayor Marianne Riggins last November. Current city data reveals that out of over 1,000 permits related to damaged properties—including repairs, debris removal, and new structures—just 88 are for new home construction. At present, around 61 homes destroyed in the fire are actively being rebuilt.

Many residents express frustration with the lengthy approval process required by multiple agencies such as the City of Malibu and the California Coastal Commission. Matt Greenberg, who purchased a beachfront fixer-upper in 2023, described his attempts to renovate as a “nightmare,” citing delays and high costs as major obstacles. He ultimately chose to sell rather than pursue rebuilding. Similarly, Danny Smith, a Malibu City Council candidate and former homeowner displaced by the fire, criticized the pace of recovery efforts. While acknowledging Governor Gavin Newsom’s efforts to expedite permitting—such as streamlining approvals and waiving some environmental regulations—Smith argued that progress has since stalled, and many homeowners feel forgotten.

Smith emphasized the visible impact of the prolonged recovery, noting that much of Malibu still resembles “Pompeii” with remnants of burnt structures lining the coast. He warned that without accelerated action, the area could remain in a state of devastation for years. Smith, like other residents, cited ongoing uncertainties around infrastructure issues, including septic and sewer systems, as contributing factors to their reluctance to rebuild.

In response to concerns, city officials highlighted a series of measures designed to accelerate and simplify the rebuilding process. These include disaster rebuild ordinances intended to streamline approvals, an expedited online portal for submittal, and dedicated staff to assist homeowners through the permitting maze. A city spokesperson said Malibu remains committed to supporting residents as they work to restore their homes “as quickly, safely, and efficiently as possible.”

Despite these efforts, the pace of reconstruction remains slow, leaving many lots vacant and the community still grappling with the aftermath of the devastating 2024 fire season.