RPV Wants To Update An Ordinance That Would Ban New Construction In Landslide Zones. Here's What That Means

RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA — A new ordinance could see new construction projects being banned from taking place in areas that have been affected by land movement.

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 see that prohibition end by Oct. 2.

Instead, city officials are hoping to establish a more permanent construction ban.

City council officials, during a meeting on Tuesday, introduced a new ordinance that 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.

It would not, however, prevent property owners from replacing, restoring or repairing their homes within its existing foundation.

The ordinance would also expand the boundaries of the landslide complex. Buildings or properties within these boundaries would be subject to area development regulations as part of the city's municipal code. This would include at least eight properties that were not previously subjected to the landslide moratorium, according to officials.

If approved during the Aug. 19 meeting, the new ordinance would go into effect before the end of September.

The city of Rancho Palos Verdes is still working on projects to establish long-term solutions that would slow down the Portuguese Bend Landslide. Some of these projects include its deep dewatering program, which removes hundreds of gallons of water trapped deep underground per minute.

Still, officials have faced financial difficulties, largely in part due to a lack of federal assistance and the termination of a federal program that was meant to help cities like Rancho Palos Verdes mitigate emergency disasters.

For now, the city is looking toward a new bill, AB 986, that would amend the California Emergency Services Act to include landslides as natural disasters. This would make the city eligible for further state assistance and funds.

Los Angeles County Supervisors, backed by Janice Hahn, voted unanimously last week to support AB 986.

“There is no question about it – the land movement that has devastated neighborhoods
in Rancho Palos Verdes and displaced families absolutely is a local emergency, and state
law should recognize it as such,” Supervisor Hahn said in a statement. “Right now, cities
impacted by landslides are forced to respond to these crises with one hand tied behind
their back. That has to change.”

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