ORD 696 ORDINANCE NO. 696
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, AMENDING CERTAIN
SECTIONS OF TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE RANCHO
PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPDATE
REFERENCES TO THE GREATER PORTUGUESE BEND
LANDSLIDE COMPLEX REGULATIONS ON LAND USE
PERMITS AND ASSOCIATED REGULATIONS IN TITLE 15
(BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION) OF THE RANCHO
PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE ASSOCIATED WITH
THE ADOPTED AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 15.20
APPROVED WITH THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO.
692, AND DETERMINE THE CODE AMENDMENT IS
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 finds 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
Ordinance No. 696
Page 1 of 11
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,
pursuant to its authority under Chapter 2.24 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code, III
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." HCD's November 6, 2023 letter as attached
as Exhibit A; 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 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 finds 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
Ordinance No 696
Page 2 of 11
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 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 4, 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, 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 with the adoption of
Ordinance No. 692, considering the information provided by City staff, public testimony,
and other evidence regarding the proposed code amendments.
WHEREAS, on September 23, 2025, the Planning Commission adopted P.C.
Resolution No. 2025-06, recommending that the City Council adopt the same; 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
Ordinance No 696
Page 3 of 11
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. 2025-06, written staff
reports, and any testimony provided at the public hearing; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance 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, all legal prerequisites to the adoption of the Ordinance have been met.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES DOES
HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council finds that the recitals set forth above are true and
correct, and material to the adoption of this ordinance, and are incorporated herein by
reference.
Section 2. The City Council determines this Ordinance 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 3. The Project is consistent with the following General Plan goals and
policies:
• Circulation Element Policy 30: Discourage the installation or extension of any
infrastructure component into any area known to be hazardous unless appropriate
liability safeguards (such as geological hazard abatement districts) are in place
and adequate mitigation measures are incorporated into the design.
• Conservation and Open Space Element Goal 3: To protect the environment by
reducing environmental hazards in the community.
• Conservation and Open Space Element Policy 3: Require any development within
the Resource Management Districts of high slopes (RM 3) and dormant landslide
area (RM 5) to perform at least one, and preferably two, independent engineering
studies concerning the geotechnical, soils, and other stability factors (including
seismic considerations) affecting this site following established geological industry
standards.
• Safety Element Goal 1: Provide for the protection of life and property from both
natural and human-made hazards within the community. 111
Ordinance No 696
Page 4 of 11
• Safety Element Goal 4: Protect life and property and reduce adverse economic,
environmental, and social impacts resulting from any geologic activity.
• Social Services Element Policy 19: Prioritize enforcement activities of residential
structures with known health hazards.
Section 4. RPVMC Chapter 17.09 (Second Units and Two-Unit Developments
in Single-Family Zones) is hereby amended as follows, with the additions presented as
underline and the deletions presented as '
CHAPTER 17.09. - SECOND UNITS AND TWO-UNIT DEVELOPMENTS IN SINGLE-
FAMILY ZONES
17.09.030. - Requirements.
Proposed second units and two-unit developments:
A. Shall be located in the RS zoning district;
B. Shall be located on a parcel that meets all the requirements of Government
Code § 65913.4(a)(6)(B)—(K);
C. Shall not require or allow the demolition or alteration of anyof the following
types of housing:
1. Housing that is subject to a recorded covenant, ordinance, or law that
restricts rents to levels affordable to persons and families of moderate, low,
or very low income;
2. Housing that is subject to any form of rent or price control through a public
entity's valid exercise of its police power; or
3. Housing that has been occupied by a tenant in the last three years;
D. Shall not require or allow the demolition of more than 25 percent of the existing
exterior structure walls on the parcel if the parcel has been occupied by a tenant
in the last three years;
E. Shall not be located on a parcel on which an owner of residential real property
has exercised the owner's rights under Government Code tit. 1, div. 7, ch. 12.75
(Government Code § 7060 et seq.)to withdraw accommodations from rent or lease
within 15 years before the date that the development proponent submits an
application;
F. Shall not be located within a historic district or on property included on the state
historic resources inventory, as defined in Public Resources Code § 5020.1, or
within a site that is designated or listed as a city or county landmark or historic
property or district pursuant to a city or county ordinance; and
Ordinance No. 696
Page 5 of 11
G. Shall not be located in the Greater Portuguese Bend
Landslide Complex, as defined in section 15.20.020, unless the proposed project
falls within one of the exception categories in section 15.20.040. If applicable, a
landslide mocatorium exception permit shall be obtained by the applicant prior to
the approval of the application for a second unit or two-unit development.
Section 5. RPVMC Chapter 17.32 (Open Space Hazard (OH) District) is hereby
amended as follows, with the additions presented as underline and the deletions
presented as :
CHAPTER 17.32. - OPEN SPACE HAZARD (OH) DISTRICT
17.32.030. - Uses and development permitted.
Land in open space hazard districts may be used for the following, provided that the
applicable Natural Overlay Control District (OC-1) performance criteria established in
chapter 17.40 (Overlay Control Districts) is satisfied:
A. Outdoor passive recreation uses, such as parks, trails and other suitable
facilities;
B. The preservation of areas of outstanding scenic, geologic, historic or cultural
value;
C. The preservation of natural resources, including, but not limited to, plant and
animal life;
D. The regulation of areas for public health and safety, including, but not limited to,
areas which require special management or regulation because of hazardous
conditions;
E. The conservation of water supply land, including, but not limited to, watershed
and groundwater recharge areas;
F. Single-family residential structures existing on June 26, 1975. Such structures
may be replaced, repaired, or restored
location in accordance with the provisions of Code section 15.20.040(B), if such
structures have been damaged or destroyed due to a geologic hazard or a hazard
other than a geologic hazard. The applicant shall comply with any conditions of
approval, including, but not limited to, the abatement measures listed in section
15.20.050 (Landslide Mitigation Protection Measures Required) determined to be
applicable by the city's geotechnical staff;
G. Remedial grading and grading, as per section 17.76.040 (Grading Permit);
Ordinance No. 696
Page 6 of 11
H. Temporary special uses and developments, if a special use permit is first
obtained, pursuant to chapter 17.62 (Special Use Permits);
I. Commercial filming or photography, if a city film permit is first obtained, pursuant
to Code chapter 9.16 (Still Photography, Motion Picture and Television
Productions);
J. The growing of crops and/or fruits on one acre or less for noncommercial
purposes;
K. The use of a cargo container for storage on a developed lot, as per
section 17.76.180 (Cargo Containers); and
L. Other uses as provided in any applicable overlay or special districts.
Section 6. RPVMC Chapter 17.76 (Miscellaneous Permits and Standards) is
hereby amended as follows, with the additions presented as underline and the deletions
presented as
CHAPTER 17.76. - MISCELLANEOUS PERMITS AND STANDARDS
17.76.180. - Cargo containers.
Cargo containers shall not be stored, maintained, or otherwise kept on any property within
the city except as follows:
A. Temporary construction storage. One or more cargo containers may be used
for temporary storage in conjunction with construction allowed through an active
building permit, in accordance with the provisions set forth in section 17.56.020(E)
of this Code. The time period for which a cargo container may be used for
temporary construction storage under this subsection is limited to the time when
the building permit is active, as determined by the city's building official.
B. Temporary emergency storage. In the event that a structure in any zoning
district becomes uninhabitable due to an involuntary act, or due to a voluntary act
against the structure, which is not the fault of the property owner or lessee, one or
more cargo containers may be used for temporary storage of household materials
until said structure is repaired or reconstructed, but for no more than 180 days
unless additional time is approved by the director of planning, building, and code
enforcement. After 180 days, the location of the cargo container is subject to the
review and approval of the director of planning, building, and code enforcement
and the building official.
C. City-owned property and city uses. For city-owned property and city uses
(regardless of the underlying zoning district), one or more cargo containers for
storage use may be permitted with approval of the city manager. The number of
Ordinance No. 696
Page 7 of 11
cargo containers allowed and the time period for which a cargo container may be
used under this subsection shall be established by the city manager.
D. Residential zones. The use of cargo containers as integral structural elements
of a residence utilizing a conventional foundation system may be permitted,
provided that all applicable zoning and building code requirements are satisfied.
E. Portuguese Bend landslide area. For parcels within the most continuously and
actively moving portion of the , identified "
Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex as defined in section 15.20.020, and
that have a primary street of access from one of the following streets Cherry Hill
Lane, Kumquat Lane, Limetree Lane, Peppertree Drive, Pomegranate Road,
Roseapple Road and Tangerine Road—the use of one cargo container per
developed parcel for storage may be permitted through a special use permit
application after 15-day notice is provided to adjacent property owners, provided
the cargo container is substantially screened from view from any other private
property, public right-of-way, or street easement, subject to the review and
approval of the director of planning, building, and code enforcement. The applicant
shall construct a silhouette of the proposed cargo container to demonstrate to the
director that this provision will be satisfied. The cargo container shall also be
modified as determined necessary by the director so as to mimic the appearance
of a residential accessory structure, including, but not limited to, application of
siding and false roof elements. The enclosed area of the cargo container shall not
count as additional structure size for the purposes of section 15.20.040 (H) of this
Code.
F. Landslide meFatefium area. One or more cargo containers may be used as a
specialized foundation for a structure located in the areas identified as "Portuguese
Bend landslide" and "Abalone Cove landslide" as determined by the city geologist
and shall not apply in other areas of the city or other portions of the Greater
Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex per section 15.20.020, as4epieted-GR-e*hibit
- - -- e. - - ! - - - = == -• on June 1, 1999, but only if such use has
been approved by the building official, pursuant to section 15.04.060 of this Code.
G. Development standards. The following development standards shall apply to all
cargo containers:
1. Unless incorporated into the design of a residence that meets all the
applicable zoning and building code regulations pursuant to subsection E
of this section:
a. Cargo containers shall not be used for human habitation.
b. Cargo containers shall not have any factory-built or field applied
plumbing, heating, or air conditioning systems.
Ordinance No 696
Page 8 of 11
c. Cargo containers shall not be stacked on top of each other or on
any structure.
2. Except for temporary construction storage or temporary emergency
storage, a scaled site plan drawn to show the location of all existing
buildings, parking spaces, and the size and location of the proposed cargo
container shall be submitted. Additionally, the site plan shall show all slopes
on the lot, as well as all slopes adjacent to the subject site.
3. Except as otherwise permitted pursuant to subsection E of this section,
cargo containers shall be set back a minimum five feet from any property
line and a minimum ten feet from any structure.
4. Cargo containers shall not block, obstruct, or reduce in any manner any
required exits, windows, vent shafts, parking spaces, and/or access
driveways or any area designated or used for emergency access.
5. Refuse and/or debris shall not be stored in, against, on, or under the
cargo container.
6. The cargo containers shall be constructed of metal, except for a wood
floor within the metal shell. Structural plans and calculations are not
required.
7. The keeping of animals in cargo containers is not permitted at any time.
8. Cargo containers shall not be placed on extreme slopes (i.e., 35 percent
steepness or greater).
9. Each cargo container permitted pursuant to this section shall be painted
an earth-tone color that is approved by the director of planning, building,
and code enforcement. No cargo container may contain any names, logos,
or other markings painted on, or otherwise attached to, the exterior of the
container.
10. Any permitted cargo container shall not exceed a height of eight feet
and six inches, a width of eight feet, and a length of 40 feet.
H. Amortization. All cargo containers existing in the city as of the effective date of
the ordinance codified in this section (September 21, 2007) shall conform to the
requirements of this subsection.
1. Cargo containers for which prior approval was granted by the city or
another agency with jurisdiction over permit issuance shall be allowed to
Ordinance No 696
Page 9 of 11
remain, subject to continued compliance with their original conditions of
approval, if any.
2. Cargo containers that have been installed without prior approval of the
city shall be allowed to remain for one year after which they shall be brought
into conformance with the requirements of this chapter or removed within
90 days of the date written notice is mailed to the property owner. Penalty
fees are waived for all applications submitted within this period.
Section 7. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph,
sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance or its application to any person or
circumstance, is for any reason held to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of
competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or
enforceability of the remaining sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs,
sentences, clauses or phrases of this Ordinance, or its application to any other person
or circumstance. The City Council declares that it would have adopted each section,
subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase hereof, irrespective of the
fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences,
clauses or phrases hereof be declared invalid or unenforceable.
Section 8. Certification and Posting. The City Clerk shall cause this Ordinance
to be posted in three (3) public places in the City within fifteen (15) days after its passage,
in accordance with the provisions of Section 36933 of the Government Code. The City
Clerk shall further certify to the adoption and posting of this Ordinance, and shall cause
this Ordinance and its certification, together with proof of posting, to be entered in the
Book of Ordinances of the Council of this City.
Section 9. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall go into effect at 12:01 AM on
the 31st day after its passage.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 2nd day of December, 2025.
Pa I Seo, Ma
Attest:
Ay/ J._
Mesa ak. c k a, City Clerk
Ordinance No. 696
Page 10 of 11
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 whole number of members of the City Council of said City is five; that the
foregoing Ordinance No.696 passed first reading on November 18, 2025, was duly
adopted by the City Council of said City at a regular meeting thereof held on December
2, 2025, and that the same was passed and adopted by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, and Mayor Seo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
2,k1;46(1..t i
eres akaoka, City Clerk
I
I
Ordinance No. 696
Page 11 of 11
STATE OF CALIFORNIA-BUSINESS,CONSUMER SERVICES AND HOUSING AGENCY GAVIN NEWSOM,Governor
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ,,cownU"`r'...5
DIVISION OF HOUSING POLICY DEVELOPMENT :. =„o
2020 W EI Camino Avenue Suite 500 i" '
Sacramento CA 95833 ° �-h'`, "` 7
(916)263-2911/FAX(916)263-7453 \C4:I:c0,0C'/
www hcd ca gov
November 6, 2023
Brandy Forbes, Director
Community Development Department
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Dear Brandy Forbes:
RE: Approval of Urgency Ordinance— Moratorium on Construction within the
Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex
The purpose of this letter is to provide a determination to the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes (City) regarding the request to approve the adoption of Interim Urgency
Ordinance No. 674U (Ordinance), prohibiting any construction within the geographic
boundaries of the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex (Landslide Complex).
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is
statutorily required to provide determination regarding proposed moratoria (Gov. Code,
§ 66300, subd. (b)(1)(B)(ii)). HCD received a request for approval for the proposed
Ordinance, met with the City staff, and reviewed relevant materials (e.g., staff letter,
resolution declaring a local emergency, Interim Ordinance No. 674U, land movement
monitoring surveys, etc.). Upon review of the written materials and discussion with the
local jurisdiction, HCD has determined that the current conditions of the Landslide
Complex pose an imminent threat to the health and safety of persons residing in the
area subject to the Ordinance.
Background
Since the 1950s to 1970s, three large landslides have been active in the City, including
Portuguese Bend Landslide (PBL), Abalone Cove Landslide (ACL), and the Klondike
Canyon Landslide (KCL). The Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex or
Landslide Complex encompasses these three active landslides. Beginning in May of
2023, land movement has increased in the PBL and KCL complexes. Based on a
surveying report of PBL in October 2022 and revised assessment in June 2023,
"movement velocities have accelerated over the average velocity for the previous four
years, which saw an acceleration over the previous 15-20 years".1 The accelerating
I1 McGee Surveying Consulting, Conditions Assessment Report, dated October 19, 2022
and revised June 6, 2023, Page 2.
Ordinance No 696
Exhibit A
Page 1 of 3
Brandy Forbes, Director
Page 2
land movement has destroyed homes, impacted the Portuguese Bend Reserve,
increased water main breaks, and caused roadway and utility line distress.
The City established Landslide Moratorium Area in 1978, imposing development
restrictions in response to the, Landslide Complex. Since then, the City has adopted a
series of Interim Urgency Ordinances (Nos. 108U, 139U, 427U, 459U, 526, etc.) to
temporarily halt permit processing and construction, and make amendments to enforce
appropriate landslide mitigations measures in designated areas (Rancho Palos Verdes
Municipal Code sections 15.20.040 and 15.20.050).
The proposed Ordinance No. 674U is to encompass the entire Portuguese Bend
Landslide Complex (including ACL and KCL). The Ordinance would address an
imminent threat to public health and safety and prevent the exacerbation of existing
unstable geologic conditions caused by activities related to new construction within the
Landslide Complex. During the effective period of this Ordinance, the City will not
accept or consider any permit applications, nor issue any permits for construction on
any property within the Landslide Complex. This Ordinance also applies to any pending
applications and to any permits or entitlements that have issued but upon which
construction has not commenced.
The City has confirmed that no sites included in its housing element site inventory are
within the Landslide Complex. As a result, no such sites are subject to the proposed
Ordinance. Pursuant to Government Code section 65858, the City seeks to adopt and
enforce the proposed Ordinance that will begin with a 45-day period, following its date
of adoption, and if necessary extended for up to 22 months and 15 days.
The City is in the process of implementing a large-scale remediation project to stabilize
the Landslide Complex. The project will proceed in three phases: (1) repairing existing
fractures, (2) improving surface drainage of stormwater, and (3) installing a network of
hydraugers. Staff anticipates that 90 percent of the planning and Environmental Impact
Report certification will be complete by September 2024, and final engineering and
permitting will be complete by September 2025.
Local Moratorium Regulations Under the Housing Crisis Act (HCA)
Pursuant to Government Code section 66300, subdivision (b)(1)(B)(ii), a city cannot
enforce a moratorium that would limit housing development until it has submitted the
ordinance to and received approval from HCD. Conditions for imposing a moratorium,
or similar restrictions on housing development, must demonstrate "an imminent threat
to the health and safety of persons residing in, or within the immediate vicinity of, the
area subject to the moratorium".(Gov. Code, § 66300, subd. (b)(1)(B)(i)).
I
Ordinance No 696
Exhibit A
Page 2 of 3
Brandy Forbes, Director
Page 3
111
HCD acknowledges 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 Ordinance 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.
Conclusion
In summary, HCD approves the adoption and enforcement of the Ordinance and hopes
for a speedy resolution of this matter.
If you have any questions regarding the content of this letter or would like additional
technical assistance, please contact Mehrsa Imani, of our staff, at
mehrsa.imani�hcd.ca.gov.
Sincerely,
Shannan West
Housing Accountability Unit Chief
111
Ordinance No 696
Exhibit A
Page 3 of 3
CITY OF RA\CHO HALOS VERDES
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES )
The undersigned, being first duly sworn, deposes and says:
That at all times herein mentioned, she was and now is the City Clerk of the
City of Rancho Palos Verdes;
That on December 3, 2025, she caused to be posted the
following document entitled: ORDINANCE NO. 696, AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES,AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS
OF TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES
MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPDATE REFERENCES TO THE
GREATER PORTUGUESE BEND LANDSLIDE COMPLEX
REGULATIONS ON LAND USE PERMITS AND ASSOCIATED
REGULATIONS IN TITLE 15 (BUILDINGS AND
CONSTRUCTION) OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES
MUNICIPAL CODE ASSOCIATED WITH THE ADOPTED
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 15.20 APPROVED WITH THE
ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 692,AND DETERMINE THE
CODE AMENDMENT IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT, a copy of which is attached
hereto, in the following locations:
City Hall Ladera Linda Community Park
30940 Hawthorne Blvd. 32201 Forrestal Drive
Rancho Palos Verdes Rancho Palos Verdes
Hesse Park
29301 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes
I certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is a true and correct
affidavit of posting.
Cie
City Clerk