RPV Approves Construction Ban In Landslide Zones

RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA — City Councilmembers have OK'd a new ordinance that would see construction projects being banned from areas that have been affected by land movement.

The new ordinance, which was approved during a meeting on Tuesday, will go into effect starting Sept. 18, according to Rancho Palos Verdes city officials.

It would amend an existing code and permanently prevent new homes from being built in landslide-ridden areas, including the Portuguese Bend Beach Club and the Seaview neighborhood. The landslide complex boundary has also been expanded to include areas that weren't previously impacted by the ordinance.

Property owners will still be able to replace, restore or repair their homes within their existing foundation.

Rancho Palos Verdes' Landslide Moratorium Ordinance, which restricts development in areas affected by landslides, was established in 1978 due to accelerated land movement. Over the years, it has been updated to grant building exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

But recent and unprecedented land movement triggered by heavy rainstorms prompted city officials to declare a local state of emergency and implement an additional moratorium that prohibits new development in the landslide complex. State law, however, would have seen that prohibition end by Oct. 2.

Since June, land movement in areas such as Abalone Cove has decreased by 24 percent, and the Portuguese Bend by 25 percent, according to city officials.

SEE ALSO:

• FEMA Canceled A Program That Could Help Mitigate Landslide Issues In RPV. Now, CA Is Suing
• SoCal Edison Rejects RPV's Request To Re-Energize Landslide-Affected Homes
• Historic RPV Landmark Could Soon Be Moved To New Site
• RPV May Never Get Federal Funding To Help With Landslide: Report
• RPV To Buy Landslide-Damaged Homes, But It Could Take Years: Report
• Rollings Hills Looks Into Voluntary Buyout Program For Landslide-Affected Homes