Is there a prohibition in Malibu against car washing, garage washing, balcony washing, and plant watering?
No. Car washing, garage washing, balcony washing, and watering your plants are not prohibited per se. However, residents may not allow fluids to runoff of their property because the runoff can enter the storm drain system or deposit pollution on the street that will be carried to the ocean with the next rain. These runoff restrictions derive from the requirements in the federal Clean Water Act, the California Water Code Section 13000 et. seq., the California Ocean Plan and the Los Angeles Region Water Quality Control Plan (also referred to as the Basin Plan).

These regulations are implemented locally through Malibu's Municipal Code (M.M.C.), including the following sections:•M.M.C. Section 9.08.060, Causing or permitting certain substances to flow onto highways or into drainage channels prohibited
•M.M.C. Section 13.04.060, Storm water management and discharge control - Prohibited activities
•M.M.C. Section 13.04.080, Requiring good housekeeping practices
•M.M.C. Section 8.28.020, Duty of owner or possessor of property
•M.M.C. Section 9.20.020, Regulation of irrigation practices
•M.M.C. Section 9.20.030, Regulation of exterior washing practices
The requirements for new landscaping can be found in M.M.C. Section 9.22.090, Landscape water conservation design standards.

Show All Answers

1. What is an Area of Special Biological Significance and how is it regulated?
2. What is the City of Malibu doing to protect ASBS #24 and comply with state regulations?
3. Is there a prohibition in Malibu against car washing, garage washing, balcony washing, and plant watering?
4. What can I do on my property to prevent runoff and protect the ASBS?
5. What is an Ocean Friendly Garden?
6. Can I irrigate my landscaping?