More Delays for Hearing on Controversial Malibu Road Home

The Malibu Planning Commission will likely not hold a public hearing until late January on a planned new two-story home on Malibu Road near a popular surfing spot.

The hearing for a coastal development permit and variance for the proposed 4,277-square-foot home at 24024 Malibu Road is now set for the Jan. 22 meeting at Malibu City Hall.

The plans call for a two-car garage, concrete bulkhead, staircase to the beach, swimming pool and spa, view corridors and the installation of an alternative onsite wastewater treatment system, according to city documents.

The property, which is currently vacant and only houses a fence, guardrail and concrete retaining wall, is owned by Ardie and Tania Tavangarian.

A petition started by Malibu resident Oliver Damavandi in opposition to the plans has garnered 74 votes as of this week. Neighbors are concerned that the proposed two-story home may compromise the stability of the slope and disrupt their views.

Lori Dome, who said she lived on Malibu Road for 24 years, said she enjoyed the gap in houses and view of the ocean.

"When I first moved there, this part of the road was one lane because of subsiding. It's not stable, and this house would block access to the view and the beach walk," Dome wrote on the petition.

Sara Gepp of Malibu also wrote that she opposes the project.

"Enough is enough. No more building on Malibu Road. Public Access for all!!! No one owns the beach!" Gepp said.

Surfers fear the home will block a public viewing area and access area to the popular surf spot known as the Colony. The property is within feet of public access way that is recorded with the State Coastal Conservancy.

City staff wrote in a Commission Agenda Report prepared on Nov. 21 that the home would not have a significant impact on the view of neighbors and public areas of the beach and Malibu Road.

The project requires one variance because of the steepness of the slope leading from Malibu Road to the beach. The slope was made during the construction of Malibu Road, according to the report.

A retaining wall was constructed on the property by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works in 1987 in response to a landslide.

The Tavangarians have offered to dedicate a lateral public access along the shore, the report states