The city of Malibu has reached two milestones in rebuilding homes destroyed or damaged in the January 2025 Palisades Fire: issuing its 100th construction permit and granting its first Certificate of Occupancy for a completed rebuilt home.
Big Rock residents Denise and George Toberman received the certificate at the City Council meeting Sept. 14, allowing them to move back into their home. The document marks the completion of construction and final inspections. The Tobermans received their permit in October 2025 and finished their rebuild in 11 months — the first completed home to receive a Certificate of Occupancy.
"This is a milestone that brings the meaning of recovery home in a very real way," City Manager Joe Irvin said. "The first Certificate of Occupancy means that a Malibu family can finally return to a home that was lost in the Palisades Fire. At the same time, reaching 100 permits to begin construction shows that rebuilding is moving forward throughout our community."
The Tobermans have also become advocates for other fire-affected homeowners, sharing rebuild updates and encouragement for families beginning their own projects.
"Coming home is something I have looked forward to since the fire," Denise Toberman said. "It is not easy or fast, but I hope seeing this first completed home gives other Malibu families hope that they can get there, too."
The city's rebuilding program offers direct assistance through planning, permitting, construction and inspection. Staff established the Malibu Rebuild Center, where property owners and their teams can meet with city and agency staff for guidance. The city also provides pre-submittal consultations, online project tracking and a dedicated rebuild website. The City Council has adopted measures to reduce financial and regulatory burdens, including rebuild fee waivers for eligible like-for-like projects.
As of Sept. 14, the city has issued 370 planning approvals, while 66 projects have been submitted for plan check and are under review.
"We know that every family's path home is different," said Community Development Director Yolanda Bundy, who leads the rebuild effort. "These are important steps for Malibu, and we will continue doing everything we can every day to help our community rebuild."
The Palisades Fire destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes and structures in Malibu. For information about recovery and rebuilding resources, visit https://www.maliburebuilds.org.
Edited by SMDP Staff