Malibu’s beloved weekly farmers market found a new home on Sunday morning at the City Hall parking lot, operating under a temporary permit while city officials continue to search for a long‑term, fully compliant location.
City Hall posted on X, “Good morning Malibu!! The Sunday Malibu Farmers Market is on up here at Malibu City Hall parking lot with a temporary permit, open today, 10 AM to 3 PM!” The announcement highlighted the market’s commitment to serving the community and thanked the Cornucopia Foundation for its support.
Background on the relocation
Earlier this week, Malibu officials ordered the market operator to cease operations at Legacy Park, citing unresolved public‑safety concerns, limited parking, and non‑compliance with the market’s conditional‑use permit. The market had moved to Legacy Park from its originally approved site at the Los Angeles County Library parking lot on Civic Center Way.
City staff explained that while they worked with the operator to keep the market at Legacy Park, the park was never designed or approved for permanent market use. Summer traffic increases have amplified concerns about vehicle congestion and pedestrian safety in the Civic Center area.
Impact on local businesses and parking
According to city data, vendor vehicles and booths occupy nearly 40 % of the public parking spaces in the Civic Center vicinity, reducing available spots for shoppers and patrons of nearby businesses. City Manager Joe Irvin emphasized that the decision was not intended to shut down a market the community values, but to protect public safety and ensure fair application of city requirements.
“We have worked to make the current arrangement work, but we also have a responsibility to protect public safety and ensure city requirements are applied fairly,” Irvin said.
Future plans
Irvin indicated that the city hopes the market will eventually return to its approved location on the county‑owned lot. In the interim, the city has offered to host the market at an approved site outside City Hall while the permanent license is processed by Los Angeles County.
Officials reaffirmed their support for maintaining a farmers market in Malibu and pledged to continue collaborating with the operator to secure a properly permitted venue.
What residents can expect
Shoppers can enjoy fresh produce, local crafts, and community interaction at the temporary City Hall location this Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM. The city encourages visitors to plan for limited parking and to consider carpooling or alternative transportation to ease congestion.
Malibu residents are invited to share feedback with city staff as the search for a permanent, safe, and accessible market site progresses.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
