Another Milestone in Palisades Fire Rebuilding: A Beachfront CDP Approval
Our ongoing Palisades fire rebuild work has reached another milestone. Burdge Architects has received a full Coastal Development Permit for a beachfront fire rebuild, the first project of its kind to receive this approval both in the community and at our firm.
The homeowner wanted additional square footage beyond what was approvable under the 110% rebuild threshold, thus the rebuild was not eligible for the more streamlined rebuild permit (PV - or “Planning Verification”). Instead, the new home required a full Coastal Development Permit, (CDP). While the typical CDP process on beachfront homes is quite tedious and time-consuming, Burdge Architects was able to secure this permit in just over a year, significantly faster than a typical non-fire-rebuild beachfront home.
That approval is now in place. It marks an important step in the permitting process and brings the homeowner one step closer to rebuilding.
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A fire rebuild begins with understanding what the homeowner wants to retain and what needs to change. For some families, that means replacing a home with a similar layout. For others, it means reconsidering the amount of space, the arrangement of rooms, or how the home relates to its site.
Here, additional living space was a priority. Pursuing that goal required an architectural proposal that addressed the coastal permitting requirements applicable to the property.
On a beachfront site, design decisions and permitting are closely connected. Building size, massing, height and placement need to be considered in relation to the site and its applicable requirements. Establishing that relationship early is an important part of developing a workable rebuild plan.scription text goes here
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Homeowners researching Palisades Fire rebuild permits no doubt encounter the 110% threshold associated with the typical replacement pathway. However it is important to note that there are more options available to homeowners, if programmatic restrictions make this path less than desirable. The implications of choosing a different path than a standard rebuild permit will depend on the property, jurisdiction, proposed design and current rebuilding provisions. Some projects may qualify for exemptions or streamlined review. Others require a full Coastal Development Permit. A proposal exceeding 110% should be evaluated against the provisions that apply to that specific site.
For this beachfront project, the full CDP was a required part of the approval process. Receiving it represents progress on the homeowner’s plan for a larger replacement home.
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For homeowners considering more square footage, an early review of the property and design goals can help clarify the available options. Existing conditions, zoning, coastal requirements and the scope of the proposed replacement should inform the architectural approach.
These decisions are best considered together. A clear understanding of the approval pathway helps homeowners evaluate how their priorities fit within the requirements of the site before advancing the design.here
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Rebuilding Pacific Palisades and Malibu requires sustained coordination among homeowners, architects, consultants, builders and local jurisdictions. Each approval represents a step in that shared effort.
This CDP is another milestone in our ongoing rebuilding work. We remain focused on helping homeowners develop thoughtful plans and move through the process with a clear understanding of what comes next.
If you are planning a fire rebuild in Pacific Palisades, Malibu or any coastal property, contact Burdge Architects to discuss your site, design priorities and permitting considerations.
