City May Allow County To Regulate Debris Removal

Malibu is also going to have to decide whether to join a countywide fire debris removal program.

There are several items in play here.

First … the county is going around already to look for and remove hazardous material.

After that … each landowner has two options for mandatory debris removal.

The first … a state agency called CalRecycle.

It will provide fire debris removal services for most properties at no cost the property owner.

But some property owners may opt out of the free local Local Program . and want to hire their own crews to speed up the process.

Why would they do this?

Because homeowners insurance in most cases covers debris removal.

And it may be faster to hire an independent crew …. rather than wait for Cal Recycles.

Malibu will have to supervise those independent contractors. … and the city does not have the staff to do that.

L A County is offering to set up a regional effort.

Malibu is being offering the option to join the the program… and let the County to supervise debris removal for residents not participating in theCalRecycle program.

The Local Program will have more staff resources than the City to serve the large number of Malibu residents anticipated to opt-out of the CaIOES/CaiRecycle program.

The cities of Agoura Hills Calabasas, Hidden Hills, and Westlake Village will probably join the county effort.

If the city goes that route … the County would assign staff to administer the Local Program application process.

State law requires some government agency to oversee work plans for debris removal … with asbestos and heavy metal testing by licensed consultants and cleanup performed using certified hazardous waste disposal contractors.

The City will be responsible for enforcement and nuisance abatement within its own jurisdiction.

The City Manager is recommending that Malibu sign up for the Los Angeles County Fire Debris Removal Program.

A decision is due that the city council meeting Tuesday afternoon.