Building in Malibu means balancing ocean views with a rigorous permitting process. The City’s online Development Portal requires you to register, submit your project, upload plans, track status, pay fees and request inspections through a multi‑phase process . Rapid permits are available for minor replacements when submitting as a guest user , but most custom homes or significant remodels must progress through Phase 1 Planning and Phase 2 Building. Submittals often require multiple resubmissions and corrections, and every project must meet California’s Title 24 energy code as adopted by Malibu. Managing these steps alongside structural, MEP and energy requirements can bog down even the best‑planned projects.

AI‑powered engineering for Malibu homes

Spacial streamlines Malibu projects by delivering permit‑ready structural engineering and MEP plans in days, not months. Our AI converts your 2D drawings into a detailed 3D model, checks them against Malibu and California building codes, and coordinates structure, MEP and energy before anything goes to the City. Licensed engineers review, finalize and stamp every set. Our platform is aware of Malibu’s Development Portal process, including Phase 1 Planning and Phase 2 Building with document uploads, fee payments and iterative reviews , and ensures that your plans are packaged accordingly. The goal is to protect your design, remove guesswork from engineering and help you navigate Malibu’s permit process with fewer surprises.

A simple three‑step process for Malibu homes

Step 1: Plan. You securely submit your architectural plans for a Malibu project. Our system immediately analyses the layout, structure and mechanicals against local building and fire codes, Malibu’s plan‑check requirements and the latest California energy standards. This supports a smoother permit process through the Development Portal.

Step 2: Convert and validate. Our AI converts your 2D plans into an object‑based 3D model. Structural and MEP agents size spans, reactions and equipment, coordinate ducts and risers with beams and joists and work with the energy model to meet Title 24 requirements adopted by Malibu . Our in‑house engineers then review the outputs together, refine the structural and MEP systems and make sure everything is coordinated and code‑compliant for the local coastal climate.

Step 3: Approve. You receive a complete, stamped set of engineering plans that is fully coordinated and ready for submission to Malibu’s Development Portal. We tailor the deliverables to the portal’s Phase 1 Planning and Phase 2 Building requirements, helping you move from initial submittal through plan corrections, fee payment and final permit issuance .

Structural, MEP and energy under one roof for Malibu

Our integrated approach means you don’t have to juggle multiple consultants. Structural engineering for Malibu homes addresses seismic forces, coastal winds and hillside slopes. We design foundations, retaining walls and framing that meet California code while preserving views and architecture. MEP engineering happens in parallel. We deliver HVAC, electrical and plumbing designs that fit within the structural layout and anticipate EV charging and solar readiness. Energy modeling is embedded from the beginning. Malibu has adopted the California Energy Code (Title 24) 2022 edition as its local energy code . We perform the required energy analysis and coordinate it with the envelope and MEP design so your project meets efficiency targets without last‑minute redesigns.

ADU permit expediting in Malibu

Malibu’s ADU rules include coastal, zoning and wildfire considerations. Our team produces structural, MEP and energy packages for ADUs that align with the city’s Development Portal requirements. By delivering coordinated and code‑compliant sets, we help accelerate the portal’s review and reduce the need for resubmittals.

Why Spacial is a fit for Malibu

• We know the Development Portal. Our workflow matches Malibu’s online system, from registration and document upload to fee payment and inspection requests . We prepare deliverables that fit each phase.

• We understand Malibu’s codes. Our platform integrates California building codes, local coastal and hillside considerations and Malibu’s adoption of the Title 24 energy code . We check against these standards before submittal.

• We appreciate Malibu’s architecture. Homes range from beachfront cottages to hillside estates. We design structural and MEP systems that support open layouts, large windows and indoor–outdoor living without compromising performance.

• We are builder‑led. We design details that work in the field. Plans need to be constructible and code‑compliant, so we coordinate closely with contractors and inspectors.

See how this works on a real project

Want to see our process in action? Explore our “Structural plans that protect the design” case study. You’ll see how early coordination and AI‑assisted modeling kept a custom home’s design intact while moving smoothly through plan review.

Common questions about building in Malibu

How does Malibu’s Development Portal process work? The portal requires you to register or sign in as a guest, submit your project, upload plans and documents, pay fees and request inspections. Projects move through Phase 1 Planning and Phase 2 Building, with reviewers providing comments and requiring resubmittals until plans are approved . Rapid permits are available only for very limited work . We provide permit‑ready sets that align with this workflow.

What energy code applies in Malibu? Malibu has adopted the 2022 edition of the California Energy Code (Title 24) as its local energy code . The code establishes minimum energy efficiency standards for new residential and non‑residential construction. Our energy modeling ensures your project meets these standards.

Do you need a structural engineer for an ADU or new build in Malibu? Yes. A licensed structural engineer must stamp plans for new structures. Our team provides structural, MEP and energy engineering for ADUs, remodels and new homes, delivering complete packages that satisfy Malibu’s plan‑review requirements.