By: Gracee Arthur
I have been selling real estate in Malibu since 1991 and the most asked question is “does it have a view?” A view is not only a treat for the eyes but some money in the pocket. Depending on the width and breathe of your vista a view can add $50,000, $100,000 or more to the the value of your home. Now, imagine the view you paid for disappearing bit by bit until you have to get on the roof to see the ocean over your neighbors trees!
The Malibu City Council and the committee appointed to explore the view preservation and restoration issue finally brought a view proposal to a vote this week. The View Preservation Ordinance was approved Monday in a 3 to 2 vote by the Malibu City Council with council member John Sibert as the swing vote. The new ordinance, effective immediately, allows owners to request a review and determination of their primary view. Photographs will document, for perpetuity, the right to that view. Should a neighbor’s foliage block a designated view and the neighbor refuses to trim their foliage, the city would enforce the ordinance. The fee for the planning staff to assess and determine primary view is $260.
Although an advisory measure asking about view restoration was approved by 60% of Malibu voters, no decision was made on view restoration at the Monday meeting. A proposal by John Sibert to allow a one time. 6 month period to file view restoration claims with the city is being considered. Council staff is preparing a program to notify homeowners of the one time window for view restoration, as well as looking into the possibility of law suits as a result of such action.
