CC RES 2025-084 RESOLUTION 2025-84
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING CERTAIN
SECTIONS OF THE GENERAL PLAN OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES TO UPDATE THE STATUS OF
THE LANDSLIDE CONDITIONS AND REFERENCES
ASSOCIATED WITH THE NEW RANCHO PALOS VERDES
MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 15.20, ENTITLED
"GREATER PORTUGUESE BEND LANDSLIDE COMPLEX
REGULATIONS ON LAND USE PERMITS" APPROVED
WITH THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 692, AND
DETERMINE THE GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENTS ARE
EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT
WHEREAS, the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex ("Landslide Complex"),
sometimes called the Ancient Altamira Landslide Complex, is a large ancient landslide complex
that includes but is not limited to four historically active landslide areas in the City of Rancho
Palos Verdes: the Portuguese Bend Landslide (PBL), the Abalone Cove Landslide (ACL), the
Klondike Canyon Landslide (KCL), and the Beach Club Landslide (BCL) that collectively consist
of approximately 1,076 acres as mapped by various agencies (i.e., U.S. Geological Survey and
California Geological Survey) and other researchers; and
WHEREAS, in the 1950s and again in the 1970s, these landslides were active, with recent
years seeing a dramatic increase in land movement, particularly since 2018 and accelerating
further after the 2022-2023 rainy season, threatening existing homes, infrastructure, and public
safety; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has previously established the Landslide Moratorium Area
(LMA) and adopted a series of interim urgency ordinances to restrict development and
construction within the Landslide Complex, as codified in Chapter 15.20 of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Municipal Code, to protect public health, safety, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City Council found that the circumstances today are different from the
circumstances that prompted the 2005 moratorium: the land movement is unprecedented in
terms of speed and size, encompassing approximately 715 acres within the mapped ancient
Landslide Complex, and includes movement on a significantly deeper slide plane that had not
been identified in previous studies; and
WHEREAS, on October 3, 2023, by a four-fifths vote, the City Council adopted Interim
Urgency Ordinance No. 674U, which put into immediate effect a moratorium on construction in
the Landslide Complex, including the acceptance or processing of applications for and issuance
of permits, with some limited exceptions; and
WHEREAS, on October 3, 2023, by a four-fifths vote, the City Council also adopted
Resolution No. 2023-47, declaring a state of local emergency in the Landslide Complex,
Resolution No 2025-84
Page 1 of 5
pursuant to its authority under Chapter 2.24 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code, and
Section 8558 of the Government Code. The state of emergency is currently active and has been
extended by the City Council pursuant to subsequent resolutions and is currently in place today.
It is anticipated that the state of emergency will continue to be extended until the land movement
is sufficiently stabilized. What constitutes sufficiently stabilized for the emergency to be lifted is
a determination that will be made in consultation with the City Geologist, in consideration of a
number of factors; and
WHEREAS, on November 6, 2023, California Department of Housing and Community
Development (HCD) approved the Moratorium for the entirety of the 24 months allowed by
Government Code Section 65858, were the City to extend it for that period of time. In a letter to
Brandy Forbes, Director of the City's Community Development Department, HCD acknowledged
"the severity of the Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex's condition and the potential harm to
public health and safety, and the environment, and anticipates that [the Moratorium] will need to
be extended beyond the 45-day period, pursuant to Government Code Section 65858. HCD
hereby approves the adoption and enforcement of Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 674U during
the effective period of 45 days from its adoption and its planned extension for up to 22 months
and 15 days by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes."; and
WHEREAS, on November 14, 2023, by a four-fifths vote, the City Council adopted Interim
Urgency Ordinance No. 675U, extending the Moratorium for an additional 10 months and 15
days, which Ordinance was set to expire on October 2, 2024; and
WHEREAS, on September 3, 2024, by a four-fifths vote, the City Council adopted Interim
Urgency Ordinance No. 686U, extending the Moratorium for an additional year for the maximum
two-year timeframe, which Ordinance is set to expire on October 2, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the landslide emergency is still active, with dozens of homes having
experienced severe damage. Based on voluntary inspections, as of today, 21 homes have been
red-tagged, where they are not habitable, and 38 have been yellow-tagged, where portions of
the home may not be habitable and may have experienced damage to the structures. The City
Council finds that the increase in land movement activity and changed circumstances in the
Landslide Complex is of great concern to the Districts, the City, and to the Palos Verdes
Peninsula as a whole, and presents an imminent threat to the public health, safety and welfare;
and
WHEREAS, the City Council found that the unprecedented ongoing accelerated land
movement has created an environment where construction of new structures and buildings in
the Landslide Complex constitutes a specific adverse impact that cannot satisfactorily be
mitigated at this time by less restrictive regulation, as additional load and utility infrastructure
would further destabilize the area and increase the risk to health and safety of existing structures
and residents; and
WHEREAS, on August 5, 2025 the City Council introduced Ordinance No. 692 to repeal
Chapter 15.20 (Moratorium on Land Use Permits) of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code
(RPVMC) and replace it with Chapter 15.20 (Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex
Regulations on Land Use Permits) to prohibit new construction on previously undeveloped land
Resolution No 2025-84
Page 2 of 5
in the Landslide Complex to permanently respond to the conditions that gave rise to the Interim
Urgency Ordinance Moratorium in 2023 and to protect public health, safety, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, on August 19. 2025 the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 692 to protect
public health, safety, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, because Ordinance No. 692 amended the title name and the referenced
landslide map of Chapter 15.20 and there are references in other sections of the RPVMC to this
Chapter that need revision, the revisions within Title 17 (Zoning) include updates to the
definitions and aligning reference sections in the code for consistency with the new Chapter
15.20, on August 5, 2025 City Council directed staff to initiate code amendment proceedings to
the Zoning Code to have the Planning Commission, in an advisory role, make recommendations
to the City Council on proposed RPVMC amendments to update references associated with the
adopted amendments to Chapter 15.20 of Ordinance No. 692; and
WHEREAS, the proposed code is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3), as it can be seen with certainty that there is no
possibility the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, and is further
categorically exempt under Section 15308 as a regulatory action for the protection of the
environment; and
WHEREAS, on September 23, 2025 the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public
hearing to consider adopting a resolution forwarding recommendations to the City Council to
consider revising Title 17 (Zoning) of the RPVMC to update references associated with the
adopted amendments to Chapter 15.20 and identified proposed text amendments to the General
Plan to recommend to the City Council; and
WHEREAS, on October 9, 2025 a notice was published in the Palos Verdes Peninsula
News, providing notice of a public hearing before the Planning Commission pursuant to the
requirements of the RPVMC; and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments are exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3), as it can be seen with certainty that there
is no possibility the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, and is
further categorically exempt under Section 15308 as a regulatory action for the protection of the
environment; and
WHEREAS, on October 28, 2025 the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public
hearing to consider adopting a resolution forwarding recommendations to the City Council to
consider revising the General Plan to update the status of the landslide conditions and
references associated with the adopted amendments to Chapter 15.20 with the adoption of
Ordinance No. 692, considering the information provided by City staff, public testimony, and
other evidence regarding the proposed amendments; and
WHEREAS, on October 30, 2025, a Public Notice was published in the Palos Verdes
Peninsula News, providing notice of a public hearing before the City Council on November 18,
2025; and
Resolution No 2025-84
Page 3 of 5
WHEREAS, on November 18, 2025, the City Council held a public hearing on this
Ordinance and all testimony received was made a part of the public record; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has duly considered all information presented to it, including
the Planning Commission findings, P.C. Resolution No. 2025-08, written staff reports, and any
testimony provided at the public hearing.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES, HEREBY FINDS, DETERMINES, AND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: The facts set forth in the recitals of this Resolution are true and correct and
incorporated herein by reference as though set forth in full.
Section 2: The proposed General Plan amendments are necessary to correctly update
the status of the landslide conditions and references to Chapter 15.20, intended to protect public
health, safety, and welfare due to the ongoing and accelerating land movement in the Landslide
Complex, and are consistent with the existing goals, policies, and objectives of the General Plan,
including the protection of life and property from geologic hazards, and the preservation of the
community's character and environment.
Section 3. The City Council determines this Resolution is exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3), as it can be seen with
certainty that there is no possibility the activity in question may have a significant effect on the
environment, and is further categorically exempt under Section 15308 as a regulatory action for
the protection of the environment.
Section 4: For the foregoing reasons and based on the information and findings included
in the Staff Report, Minutes, and other records of proceedings, including the Planning
Commission findings, P.C. Resolution No. 2025-08, and any testimony provided at the public
hearing; the City Council adopts the revised sections of the General Plan of the Rancho Palos
Verdes as attached as Exhibit A to this Resolution, with the additions presented as underline and
the deletions presented as .
Section 5: The City Clerk shall certify to the passage, approval, and adoption of this
Resolution and shall cause this Resolution and the City Clerk's certification to be entered in the
Book of Resolutions of the City Council.
Section 6: This Resolution shall go into effect at 12:01 AM on the 31st day after its
passage.
I
Resolution No 2025-84
Page 4 of 5
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED t = day of November 2025.
David Bradley, Mayor
Attest:
4 -4
"eresa - : •ka, City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
I, TERESA TAKAOKA, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, do hereby certify that the
above Resolution No. 2025-84, was duly adopted by the City Council of said City at a regular
meeting thereof held on November 18, 2025.
eresa ka, City Clerk
Resolution No 2025-84
Page 5 of 5
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-84
EXHIBIT 'A'
The following are amendments to the General Plan to update the status of the landslide activity
and references to RPVMC Chapter 15.20. The page is referenced, and the full paragraph(s) to
be revised are included, with the additions presented as underline and the deletions presented
as strikethrough.
Page AA-2
II Acronyms and Abbreviations:
LMA Landslide Moratorium Area
LME Landslide Moratorium Exception
ME Moratorium Exclusion Permit
Conservation and Open Space Element- Page C-13
Under '`Future Conditions"
Traffic growth will come from expansion of existing houses and businesses, buildout of the
remaining 439 vacant developable parcels (436 of which are zoned single-family residential) in
the City. as well as visitors from outside the City. The 439 vacant parcels include many vacant
parcels in the Portuguese Bend area. Although the Portuguese Bend area is currently under a
building moratorium within the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex and has specific
landslide regulations resulting from the landslide situation, this area contains over half of the City's
identified vacant lots. As such, only for purposes of conservatively estimating the maximum
potential traffic growth at full buildout of the City, the traffic growth analysis assumes that the
Portuguese Bend area may be developed at some time in the future. Additionally, a list was
compiled of all pending projects in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, as well as in the City of
Rolling Hills Estates and the City of Los Angeles. These pending projects were included in the
traffic growth analysis in order to maximize the potential future conditions resulting from buildout.
Under "Effects of Landslides"
The Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex impacts the City's circulation system along a
1-mile segment of Palos Verdes Drive South. Constant earth movement has resulted in this
segment of Palos Verdes Drive South becoming distorted. warped, and broken, which impacts
the smooth flow of traffic through this area of the City. However, the City continuously repairs and
maintains this segment to ensure a safe flow of traffic.
Conservation and Open Space Element Page COS-1
Table of Contents
Figure 2A: Slope Stability
Figure 2B: Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex Map
Conservation and Open Space Element Page COS-10
The Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Landslide Complex complex is the most studied and
publicized landslide in the area, identified as a large complex that extends from the top of the111
ridge of the City to the ocean. The recently active portion of the Greater Portuguese Bend
Landslide Complex began in 1956 as a result of grading operations. Stability of portions
of the landslide area has been in debate for many years, and other landslides, such as the South
Shores landslide system. have been at equilibrium for some time. However, starting in 2023,
development activities. heavy rain, and erosion may chat changed the existing conditions and
lead led to renewed failure of certain landslides that appeared stable."
The following four categories of slope stability have been mapped, shown in Figure 2A, Slope
Stability: Active Landslide, Old Landslide, Possible Landslide, and Non-Landslide Areas. The four
categories of slope stability were developed from the landslide mapping developed as a portion
of the Geotechnical and Public Safety Report for Cities of Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills
Estates. and Rolling Hills (Envicom Corporation 1975). Old Landslide Areas are presently in a
metastable condition and could change to Active Landslide Areas with minor changes in the
natural or human-caused environment. although some Older Landslide Areas are in a stable
condition and could be suitable for residential development (subject to detailed geologic
investigations) and human habitation. The significance of the slope stability categories in terms
of land use planning are described below (interpretations by Kling Consulting Group 2015).
• Active Landslide Areas. Areas now undergoing downslope movement; extremely
unstable ground not suitable for residential development. Possible use as passive
recreational area, parks. or area of geologic interest, but unsuitable for construction of any
new permanent structures, unless the movement is stopped by some natural or human-
induced force.
• Old Landslide Areas. Areas determined by investigative techniques by a geologist to
have had past movement and/or identified in the California Department of Conservation s
landslide inventory maps that portray the location of prior failure. Landslide inventory maps
show existing landslides and reveal the extent of past movement. These landslides have
experienced downslope movement in the past but are no longer moving. Most of these
areas would not be suitable for residential development without conclusive demonstration,
through detailed geologic studies. that they are stable enough to accommodate both the
activities of site preparation and long-term human habitation.
• Possible Landslide Areas. Areas suspected to be a landslide area on the basis of
topographic evidence, indicating less confidence in the landslide's existence. Some of
these areas may prove to be stable areas that have not experienced sliding at all. or are
very ancient slide areas that are now fairly stable. Some of these areas may be suitable
for residential development, but they would require detailed engineering geologic studies
to show that they are stable enough for development and human occupancy.
• Non-Landslide Areas. Areas where no natural landslides have been identified. A wide
range of existing and potential slope stability exists within this category, and new
landslides could be triggered in some areas by human activities, such as excavation. Most
of the areas. however, would not be subject to slope failure if development were carried
out properly. Although there is less chance of slope instability in this area, geologic and
soil engineering investigations will still be required for any proposed development.
Resolution No. 2025-84
Exhibit A
Page 2 of 10
As a consequence of these geologic conditions, existing and potential slope stability must be
recognized as a prime consideration in determining land use within the City. Although some types
of limited development may be possible within certain landslide areas. detailed geologic
investigations are necessary to demonstrate the required degree of stability. Appropriate geologic
investigations often precede certain developments in Non-Landslide areas of the City. as new
ground failure could well be triggered by human activities.
Due to changed circumstances following severe weather events and advanced land movement
in 2023. the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex, as described in more detail in the Land
Use Element and shown in Figure 2B, is considered an Active Landslide Area and Slope Stability
as shown in Figure 2A should be considered accordingly."
Conservation and Open Space Element COS-11
Figure 2A: Slope Stability
[image to remain the same]
Conservation and Open Space Element Added COS Page
Figure 2B: Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex
- •ater Portu'uese Bend Landslide Com ilex Map
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Conservation and Open Space Element Page COS-23
The last four sensitive fauna species listed in Table 3 are sensitive wildlife that have been found
to thrive in the various vegetation communities within or near the City. Two populations of El
Segundo blue butterfly (Euphilotes battoides allyni) were found during focused biological surveys
conducted in 2006. One population was found just north of Point Vicente in a large patch of coast
Resolution No. 2025-84
Exhibit A
Page 3 of 10
buckwheat (36 observed). and the other population was found southeast of Point Vicente at the
Fisherman's access area (13 observed). Historically. Palos Verdes blue butterfly has been
observed near the `switchback" area of Palos Verdes Drive East. within the landslide moratorium
area Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex, and in Agua Amarga Canyon. Federally
designated critical habitat for Palos Verdes blue butterfly includes Fred Hesse Park. Agua Amarga
Canyon, and the "switchback" area of Palos Verdes Drive East. Coastal California gnatcatcher
habitat is coastal sage scrub vegetation. This habitat is protected and managed throughout the
NCCP/HCP area and by the Endangered Species Act. The coastal population of cactus wren
(Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) nests in southern cactus scrub habitat dominated by
extensive stands of tall prickly pear or cholla cacti.
Conservation and Open Space Element Page COS-29
Add at the bottom of the page. "Due to changed circumstances following severe weather events
and advanced land movement in 2023, the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex, as
described in more detail in the Land Use Element and shown in Figure 2B above, is considered
an Active Landslide Area and Resource Management Districts (Public Health & Safety) as shown
in Figure 6 below should be considered accordingly."
Conservation and Open Space Element Page COS-43
Filiorum Reserve. This 189.8-acre parcel was purchased by the City from a private developer
with a combination of funds from the California Coastal Conservancy, State Wildlife Conservation
Board, and private donations, and is mostly located within the City's
Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex. The site contains outstanding habitat and is used
by hikers and equestrians.
Land Use Element Page L-3
Table of Contents
9 Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex
Land Use Element Page L-10
3.1 Hazard
The Hazard areas possess extreme physical constraints, such as active landslide, sea cliff
erosion hazard, and extreme slope of 35 percent and greater. These areas will be maintained as
open space at this time. with very light intensity uses permitted. such as agriculture and passive
recreational activities. for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare. These relate directly
back to the analysis and policies in the Conservation and Open Space Element and the Safety
Element in consideration of public health and safety.
The Hazard area designation includes an area of existing properties that are part of the
Portuguese Bend community. located within the active Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide
Complex landslide. This Plan recognizes that these properties are in a density range of 1-2
dwelling units per acre (d.u./acre), overlaid with the Hazard designation. The criteria and policies
Resolution No. 2025-84
Exhibit A
Page 4 of 10
to regulate this area have been codified in the City's Greater
Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex Regulations on Land Use Permits (Chapter 15.20 of the
City's Municipal Code), which was originally enacted in September 1978. The purpose of the
Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex regulations inance is
discussed in more detail in this Element.
The Hazard area designation also occurs on other properties throughout the City that are blufftop
lots along the City's coastline. In many cases, the Hazard designation along the coastline has
been applied to portions of these properties.
Land Use Element Page L-11
Table 1 under notes. "* Residential includes the combined land use designation of Residential 1-
2 d.u./acre and Hazard that is found within the active Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide
Complex ."
Land Use Element Page L-12
1 Dwelling Unit per Acre. Land designated in this density in the original General Plan was of two
primary types. First, areas identified in Chapter 2. Conservation and Open Space Element, as
having high slopes, wildlife habitats. natural vegetation, canyons within the general area, some
ancient landslide, plus some immediately adjacent areas included for continuity, are designated
at this density. This density would tend to promote development that would have low
environmental stress and be so designed under the use of overlay control districts that the
physical and social impacts could be minimized. Much of the land originally designated at this
density in these environmentally sensitive areas has now been re-designated as Open Space
Preserve, as discussed above. Exceptions include the undeveloped Point View and Plumtree
properties within the City's Landslide-M torium Area Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Area.
Second, areas in or near the Coastal Specific Plan District that were not yet committed to urban
use at the time of the City's adoption of its first General Plan (which is further described in Section
3.6, Specific Plan Districts) was designated at this density. Since the adoption of the first General
Plan, most of this land has been committed to urban use. including the Lunada Pointe and
Oceanfront Estates neighborhoods and the Trump National Golf Club. There currently remain
only a few vacant lots within the Coastal Specific Plan District that are designated for future
development at this density, mostly within the Trump National Golf Club project.
Land Use Element Page L-19
State Facilities While there are no state facilities or land in the City, the Abalone Cove contains
a State Ecological Preserve with important natural marine resources at the bottom of the Greater
Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex.
Land Use Element Page L-25
Table 3 under notes, '`* This combined land use designation occurs within the active Greater
Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex ."
Land Use Element Page L-26
Resolution No. 2025-84
Exhibit A
Page 5of10
Table 6 under notes. '`* This combined land use designation occurs within the active Greater
Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex4a-14d-slide-yea."
Land Use Element Page L-31
9 Landslide Moratorium Area
Roughly contiguous with the former RDA project area is the City's Greater Portuguese Bend
Landslide ComplexLandslide Moratorium Area (LMA). The area was originally considered the
Landslide Moratorium Area (LMA) established in 1978 in response to potentially
unstable soil conditions and active landslide movement. Since 1978. development activity has
been strictly limited within the LMA. In 1993, a former City Geologist (Dr. Perry Ehlig) investigated
the possibility of allowing development of certain areas within the boundaries of the LMA by
establishing overlay zones. Dr. Ehlig divided the LMA into 8 separate zones and provided
suggested guidelines for permitting development in each area based on geologic characteristics.
The City considered Dr. Ehlig's findings, but decided not to proceed with establishing overlay
zones.
Ordinance (ChapterT5`0�TeCity's Municipal Code). In general. properties in the LMA that
are currently developed with residential structures are permitted to make limited improvements if
on properties in the LMA that are not currently developed with residential structures unless a
Moratorium Exclusion (Exclusion) is granted. which would effectively remove the subject
properties from the LMA.
In 2002. a group of Portuguese Bend property owners filed an Exclusion application to exclude
their undeveloped lots within the area known as '`Zone 2" from the LMA. Zone 2 is a portion of the
LMA that had been designated by the late Dr. Perry Ehlig in 1993 as being potentially suitable for
development. Shortly after this Exclusion application was deemed incomplete for processing, the
applicants filed suit against the City. Eventually. the case (Monks v. Rancho Palos Verdes (2008)
167 Cal.App.4th 263) was decided in the applicants'/plaintiffs' favor in December 2008, the City
being found to have taken the plaintiffs' property by virtue of preventing the development of their
undeveloped lots. The City has been ordered to remove regulatory impediments in its Municipal
Code that prevent the development of the 16 Monks plaintiffs' lots. The City began this process
with the adoption of Ordinance 498 in 2009 to allow the Monks plaintiffs to apply for Exceptions
for their lots. The City began issuing Exception permits for these properties in 2010. At the same
time. the City was considering broader revisions to the Landslide Moratorium Ordinance that could
also permit the owners of the other undeveloped lots in Zone 2 to be developed with new
residences. Although this discussion has had been tabled at this the time, if enacted, this it would
have resulted in the possible future development of new residences on existing legal lots in Zone
2 within the Portuguese Bend community. Additionally, in early 2016, a code amendment was
adopted. revising the Landslide Moratorium Ordinance that alloweds the property owners of the
94-acre Point View property and the 28-acre Plumtree property to be developed with one dwelling
unit on each lot plus ancillary structures.
The City experienced an unprecedented and unanticipated acceleration in land movement in the
Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex following the historic winter rains of 2022-23 and
Resolution No. 2025-84
Exhibit A
Page 6 of 10
2023-24, which caused significant damage to local homes, roads, utilities, and other vital
infrastructure. On October 3, 2023,the City Council adopted Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 674U,
which put into immediate effect a moratorium on construction in the Greater Portuguese Landslide
Complex, and subsequently extended the Interim Urgency Ordinance for the maximum allowed
two-year timeframe.
On August 19, 2025, City Council adopted amendments to Chapter 15.20 of the City's Municipal
Code, now titled Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex Regulations on Land Use Permits.
New construction is not permitted on properties in the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide
Complex that are not currently developed with residential structures. Properties within the
Complex may be permitted to make limited improvements if the City grants a Landslide Exception
Permit (Exception). A property may apply for a Landslide Exclusion (Exclusion), which would
effectively remove the subject properties from the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex.
In addition to the consideration of new-development
Safety Element Page S-3
Table of Contents
Figure 3A: Landslide Inventory
Figure 3B: Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex Map
Safety Element Page S-23
Translational or Block Slides: These slides are the largest, most impressive type of landslide.
They involve a single coherent mass that translationally moves down-slope with little rotation or
backward tilting. The basal failure plane (rupture surface) is controlled by planar zones of
weakness, such as bedding, foliation, jointing or a formation contact. or fault. These failures
typically occur in layered rocks of sedimentary or metamorphic origin where lateral support is
removed by erosion or grading. The Portuguese Bend Landslide is a complex version of a
translational landslide. The Portuguese Bend Landslide has been conductive to ground failure for
approximately 250.000 years and has been officially mapped as a landslide complex before the
1950s. While the history of landslides dates back, the current slippage began in 1956, coincident
with the construction of the Crenshaw Boulevard extension, south of Crest Road. along the top of
the ancient landslide complex. Another possible contributing cause of the sliding was the
construction of hundreds of homes on and above the unstable rock and soil in the early 1950s
prior to the slide.
Due to changed circumstances following severe weather events and advanced land movement
in 2023, the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex Map was expanded to include active
areas that were triggered by atmospheric rivers and extreme high winter rainfall accumulations in
the winter of 2022-2023 and again in the winter of 2023-2024. The newly-mapped area is shown
in Figure 3B.
Safety Element Page S-24
Resolution No. 2025-84
Exhibit A
Page 7 of 10
Landslides in the City can be grouped into two major landslide systems that represent complex
groups of smaller coalescing landslides: the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex and
the South Shores. Smaller. isolated landslides are scattered throughout the City. outside the two
major systems (Figure 3A. Landslide Inventory Map).
The Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex is the most studied and publicized landslide in
the area. and perhaps in the Los Angeles Basin. The Portuguese landslide Greater Portuguese
Bend Landslide Complex has been mapped as a large ancient complex that extends from close
to the top of the ridge of the city to the ocean. The most recent Early recorded movement began
in 1956. apparently as the result of grading operations, and involved movement in about one-third
of the system. The recently active portion is shown on Figure 3B below a 9. This area includes the
Abalone Cove, Klondike Canyon. and the Portuguese Bend Landslides.
The upper limit of the landslide has been under debate for many years. The Landslide Inventory
Map (Figure 3A) places the ancient landslide scarp at the Valley View Graben adjacent to Crest
Road. The Valley View Graben is a narrow valley interpreted as the remnant of the original pull-
away at the top of the slide mass. Previous maps by Dibblee (1999) and others place the top of
the landslide much further down slope from the Valley View Graben. The more recently adopted
Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex Map is shown on Figure 3B.
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Figure 3A: Landslide Inventory
[image to remain the same]
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Figure 3B: Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex
Resolution No 2025-84
Exhibit A
Page 8 of 10
Greater- Portu Tuese Bend Landslide ide Complex Map
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In the lower portion of the landslide, Palos Verdes Drive South transverses the landslide along
with water and sewer lines. The roadway and pipelines are under constant scrutiny to determine
areas in need of repair. The roadway is modified as necessary, more recently due to accelerated
land movement that began in 2023 this has required major and ongoing der grading and
pavement repair. The pipelines have all been placed aboveground so that easy observation and
maintenance can be performed. The risk to the roadway and pipelines is significant should
portions of the as the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex hase accelerate.
Due to changed circumstances following severe weather events and advanced land movement
in 2023. the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex Map was expanded to include active
areas that were triggered by atmospheric rivers and extreme high winter rainfall accumulations in
the winter of 2022-2023 and again in the winter of 2023-2024. The newly-mapped area is shown
in Figure 3B and is considered an Active Landslide Area and the Landslide Inventory in Figure
3A and the Landslides & Liquefaction in Figure 4 should be considered accordingly"
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5.9 Coastal Cliff Retreat
The Palos Verdes Peninsula coastal cliffs are exposed to wave energy and subject to erosion and
cliff retreat. Cliff retreat is the landward migration of the cliff face as a result of erosion processes,
Resolution No. 2025-84
Exhibit A
Page 9 of 10
including ocean, wind, and gravity. This chronic coastal evolution plagues the City's infrastructure
and threatens the communities that are situated above and adjacent to these cliffs. Cliff retreat
rates from the Point Vicente area north are approximately 0 to 0.77 meters (2.5 feet) per year,
and has locally retreated more than 50 meters (180 feet)within a 65-year period (Hapke and Reid
2007). Cliff retreat rates in the Point Fermin area are estimated at between 0 to 0.95 meters (3
feet) per year, and has locally retreated more than 60 meters (197 feet) in 65 years (Hapke and
Reid 2007). Along the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex, shoreline erosion removes
stabilizing support.
Resolution No. 2025-84
Exhibit A
Page 10 of 10