Rancho Palos Verdes Moves to Ban Construction in Landslide Areas

Rancho Palos Verdes, August 12, 2025

News Summary

Rancho Palos Verdes is taking significant steps to enhance public safety by permanently prohibiting new residential construction in landslide-prone areas. Following support from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for a related bill, the city council is set to introduce an ordinance formalizing this construction ban. Residents in these zones may still repair their homes, but concerns of property value impacts linger. As the city addresses extensive landslide damage, this move aims to protect community safety and ensure comprehensive emergency management.

Rancho Palos Verdes Moves to Ban New Construction in Landslide Zones

In an important decision aimed at ensuring public safety, the city council of Rancho Palos Verdes (RPV) is taking steps to permanently ban new residential construction in areas prone to landslides. The move comes shortly after the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to support Assembly Bill 986. This bill aims to enhance disaster assistance for communities dealing with landslide-related emergencies, officially labeling landslides as natural disasters.

Details of Assembly Bill 986

The recent proposal, led by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, seeks to amend the California Emergency Services Act, making it easier for affected areas like RPV to declare emergencies caused by landslides. Recognizing that landslides can displace residents and damage properties, Supervisor Janice Hahn pointed out the need for government acknowledgment and assistance in these instances.

Having passed through the Assembly in June and subsequently making its way through the Senate governmental organization committee in July, the bill is set to face a Senate appropriations committee hearing on August 18. This legislative backing may provide additional fortitude to RPV’s efforts to manage construction in landslide-prone areas.

The City Council’s Ordinance

This past week, the RPV city council introduced an ordinance that would make it illegal to approve new residential constructions or any home additions in specified landslide zones. It’s worth noting that property owners living within these restrictions will still have the ability to replace, restore, or repair their existing homes, as long as it remains within their current footprint.

The ordinance also aims to update the current boundaries of landslide complexes, impacting eight additional properties, which include seven homes in the Seaview neighborhood and one in the Portuguese Bend Beach Club.

For those who believe they should be exempt from these new regulations, the city is allowing for applications to be submitted, though they will face stringent safety and compliance criteria.

Next Steps for the Ordinance

The first reading of the ordinance has already taken place, and a second reading along with a vote is scheduled for the city council meeting on August 19. If passed, these regulations will take effect 30 days later, marking a significant milestone in how RPV manages its landslide risks.

Formation of Geological Hazard Abatement District

The council is also moving forward with plans to form a new geological hazard abatement district (GHAD) aimed at addressing the ongoing issues faced in the Portuguese Bend Landslide area. To assist in this endeavor, the city intends to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to hire a geologist. This geologist will be tasked with creating a detailed engineering report and developing a comprehensive landslide abatement plan.

Once the report is complete, public meetings will be held to discuss establishing the new GHAD. This initiative is intended to accelerate and improve land management in the area.

Existing Landslide Issues

RPV officials have reported that there have been two years of active landslide movements leading to extensive damage to homes, roads, and utilities. The situation has created a pressing urgency for city officials to act. The decision to implement a permanent ban on new construction in landslide areas has been framed as a necessary measure for ensuring public safety.

However, not all residents are in agreement. Local opposition primarily arises from homeowners in stabilized areas and owners of undeveloped lots, who are concerned about potential economic impacts and reduced property values. Currently, around 40 homes are red-tagged, indicating they are uninhabitable, while 38 homes bear yellow tags due to significant structural damage.

In response to the ongoing landslide issue, the city continues to execute long-term mitigation plans. These include projects such as a deep dewatering program, which are already in motion to address the complexities surrounding the region’s geological hazards.

FAQs about the Construction Regulations in Rancho Palos Verdes

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Additional Resources

• Los Angeles Times: Rancho Palos Verdes Development Ban in Landslide Zone
• Wikipedia: Landslide
• Daily Breeze: Rancho Palos Verdes to Ban New Construction in Landslide Area
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Landslide
• Patch: RPV Officials Look to Ban New Construction in Landslide Zones
• Google Search: Rancho Palos Verdes landslide
• The Architect’s Newspaper: Rancho Palos Verdes Ban on New Construction in Landslides
• Google News: Rancho Palos Verdes landslide moves
• CBS News: NASA Mapping Rancho Palos Verdes Landslide Movement