City Pauses Minimum Wage Hike, to Review Event Rules to Aid Local Businesses
To alleviate economic strain on local businesses still reeling from wildfire damage and extended Pacific Coast Highway closures, the Malibu City Council has approved a temporary halt to a scheduled minimum wage increase and is exploring new event permit regulations.
During its May 21 meeting, the Council introduced Ordinance No. 525, officially voting on May 27 to pause the city’s minimum wage adjustment originally slated for July 1, 2025. Officials said the move is intended to ease financial burdens on small businesses struggling to recover.
Under the ordinance, the next wage adjustment, set for July 1, 2026, will be based solely on the 2025 Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. Previous inflation metrics will not be factored in. The ordinance does not override state or federal wage laws, and employers are still permitted to offer wages above the local minimum if desired.
Also on May 21, the Council reviewed Resolution No. 25-23, a proposal aimed at loosening restrictions on local business events and signage during Malibu’s peak summer season. The existing permitting structure requires a 35-day advance application for all events, regardless of size, and limits businesses to six events per year.
The new proposal would introduce a three-tiered permitting system, subject to further Planning Commission review:
- Small Events (up to 99 attendees): Require only a planning clearance submitted at least three days before the event. No public notice would be required, and there would be no limit on the number of such events, though permits would still be necessary.
- Medium Events (100–250 attendees): Would require a permit application seven days in advance, and notification to properties within a 500-foot radius at least five days prior. A cap of 20 events per year would apply.
- Large Events (251+ attendees): Would remain subject to current regulations, including a 32-day notice period and a maximum of six events per year.
To expedite the process, the Council directed city staff to bypass the Zoning Ordinance Revisions and Code Enforcement Subcommittee. Instead, the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed changes at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 2. The agenda will be posted at MalibuCity.org/AgendaCenter.
The City of Malibu is also continuing its Business Micro Stabilization Grant Program, which offers financial assistance to independently owned local businesses impacted by recent disasters. Grants of up to $20,000 are available, and the application window remains open through Saturday, May 31.
Eligible businesses can apply online at MalibuRebuilds.org/BusinessGrants or submit paper applications in person at City Hall, located at 23825 Stuart Ranch Road.
