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Council confirms $151,561.18 lien after demolition of unsafe landslide‑damaged property
Summary
Council unanimously approved staff’s recommendation to confirm nuisance‑abatement costs and record a $151,561.18 lien on the property at 4361 Exultant Drive after the owner failed to reimburse the city for demolition and abatement work under a signed agreement.
Rancho Palos Verdes City Council on Feb. 3 confirmed staff’s report of nuisance‑abatement costs for 4361 Exultant Drive and authorized staff to record a special assessment lien of $151,561.18 to recover the demolition and associated costs.
Background and timeline
Staff explained the property was red‑tagged in September 2023 due to unsafe building conditions and foundation damage caused by the Portuguese Bend landslide. The city issued a notice and order to abate and, after owner noncompliance, entered a right‑of‑entry and reimbursement agreement with the property’s mortgage lender in May 2025 to allow the city to perform demolition and abatement work. Demolition was completed in August 2025 and the city issued letters requesting repayment; the lender did not pay, and follow‑up legal notices were sent.
Costs and council reaction
Staff summarized costs (demolition, city staff time, city attorney time and related expenses) totaling $151,561.18. The city attorney told council the property owner (an institutional lender) had promised reimbursement and did not follow through, leaving the city to record a lien so the sums can be collected if the property is sold.
Action
Council unanimously adopted the resolution confirming the abatement costs and authorized staff to submit the confirmed amount to the Los Angeles County Auditor/Controller and to record appropriate notices of lien with the county recorder.
Why it matters
Recording a lien protects the city’s ability to recoup outlays for public‑safety abatement work. The decision also underscores the city’s approach to cost recovery for demolitions performed to eliminate public nuisances when owners or lenders do not pay.
Next steps
Staff will record the lien and submit the assessment for collection through county procedures.
