The Malibu Tow Yard Nobody Wants

The council wants impounded cars parked below City Hall; two commissions this week said no.

By Holly Bieler · July 29, 2026

Malibu needs somewhere to put towed cars. Just not, apparently, anywhere anyone can see them.

Both the Parks and Recreation and Public Works commissions pushed back this week against City Council’s plans to install a temporary impound yard on the Ioki parcel, the prime open land below City Hall slated to become permanent soccer fields

"We have fought hard enough for public lands. A tow yard does not belong."

Plans for the temporary yard call for a capacity of up to 65 vehicles. Currently, towing operates only in the summer out of a lot at Malibu High School, an arrangement staff said can't run year-round.

The Public Works Commission floated a compromise; shrink the yard to roughly 30 cars and let staff negotiate with the public safety department and vendors over whether a smaller lot is viable. Staff agreed to take it back and return with specifics, including how much the city actually collects in parking fines, before the joint commission meeting Aug. 12.