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 Permanently Ban New Construction in Landslide Areas
In a decisive action, the city of Rancho Palos Verdes (RPV) is taking steps to permanently prohibit new residential construction and home additions in designated landslide areas to enhance public safety. This development follows a recent vote by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors supporting Assembly Bill 986, which aims to address landslides as natural disasters, thereby facilitating disaster assistance for affected communities.
The board’s support for Assembly Bill 986 comes at a crucial time as it will amend the California Emergency Services Act, allowing communities to declare emergencies related to landslides more effectively. This move has been spearheaded by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi and emphasizes the urgent need to recognize landslide-induced displacement as a local emergency. The bill has already passed through the Assembly and is awaiting hearings in the Senate.
Amidst rising concerns over public safety, the RPV city council has introduced an ordinance that firmly prohibits new residential construction in recognized landslide zones. However, property owners in these areas will still have the opportunity to replace, restore, or repair their homes, as long as they remain within their existing footprints.
Updates on Landslide Complex Boundaries
The proposed ordinance includes updates to the boundaries of landslide complexes, which will now impact eight additional properties—seven in the Seaview neighborhood and one at the Portuguese Bend Beach Club. For property owners wishing to contest their classification under the landslide regulation, there are strict criteria that need to be met in relation to safety before applying for exclusion from the restricted zones.
The first reading of this ordinance has already taken place, with a second reading and vote scheduled for August 19. If approved, the new regulations could take effect as early as 30 days following the vote.
Formation of Geological Hazard Abatement District
In response to ongoing landslide challenges, RPV’s city council is also initiating the formation of a new Geological Hazard Abatement District (GHAD), specifically aimed at addressing the
Portuguese Bend Landslide. This initiative includes plans to engage a geologist to provide an engineering report and to develop a comprehensive landslide abatement plan.
Following the completion of this report, the city will hold public meetings to discuss the establishment of the new GHAD, which is expected to facilitate more flexible and effective land management strategies.
Historical Context and Current Issues
RPV officials report that there have been two years of unprecedented landslide movements leading to considerable damage to homes, roads, and utilities. As a result, approximately 40 homes have been declared red-tagged (uninhabitable), while 38 homes have been yellow-tagged due to significant structural damage. The city’s initiative to implement a permanent construction ban in these high-risk areas is seen as a necessary step to protect residents.
Local opposition has surfaced, particularly from homeowners who live in areas recently stabilized, as well as those owning undeveloped lots concerned about potential economic implications and diminished property values due to these stringent regulations.
With a history of landslide challenges dating back to a complex reactivated in 1956 due to previous construction, RPV continues to pursue long-term mitigation strategies, including a deep dewatering program currently underway.
Future Steps
The council’s decisive moves towards prohibiting new constructions and establishing the GHAD illustrate a proactive approach to managing geological hazards and ensuring that residents’ safety remains a top priority.
FAQs
What is the significance of Assembly Bill 986?
This bill aims to classify landslides as natural disasters eligible for disaster assistance, providing clearer pathways for local authorities to declare emergencies related to landslides.
What does the proposed ordinance entail?
The ordinance will prevent new residential construction and home additions in designated landslide areas, but allows for replacement, restoration, or repair of homes within existing footprints.
How will the changes affect property owners?
Property owners can apply for exclusion from landslide regulations under strict safety criteria, though they will face limitations regarding new constructions.
What is the purpose of the Geological Hazard Abatement District?
The GHAD will address the specific geological hazards in the Portuguese Bend area, allowing for more effective land management and mitigation plans.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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
Author: Construction TX News
TEXAS STAFF WRITER The TEXAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructiontxnews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Texas and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Texas Construction Expo, major infrastructure unveilings, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated General Contractors of Texas and the Texas Building Branch, plus leading businesses in construction and real estate that power the local economy such as Austin Commercial and CMiC Global. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructionflnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
