The city of Malibu has banned the use of all pesticides, with few exceptions. The California Coastal Commission on Thursday granted special approval for the regulation, since state law does not otherwise allow local governments to regulate pesticides.
A staff report to the commission notes that 16 commercial vineyards would fall within the ban.
Commissioners approved the measure unanimously, as long as the city allowed limited use for controlling invasive species and restoring habitat. The commission has in the past approved prohibitions on rodenticides to protect mountain lions.
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Malibu first considered a citywide prohibition on only anticoagulants in 2014. Through planning commission and city council hearings, the effort evolved into a broader restriction on all pesticides. But it gained pushback from the Department of Pesticide Regulation.
