Council extends urgency ordinance allowing temporary foundations and housing in Portuguese Bend

The Rancho Palos Verdes City Council voted to extend an urgency ordinance that permits temporary foundation measures and temporary on‑site housing for properties affected by the active Greater Portuguese Bend landslide complex.

Staff presented the item as a two‑year continuation of an urgency ordinance first adopted on Sept. 3, 2024. "This is a 2 year continuation, and no new regulations are being introduced," staff member Brandy said, noting the local landslide emergency was originally declared on Oct. 3, 2023 and the current ordinance would now sunset on Dec. 31, 2028 unless further extended. Staff told council that five temporary foundation applications and one temporary housing application have been approved under the emergency rules to date and warned that, without an extension, homeowners relying on temporary measures would face a short deadline to install permanent solutions.

Council deliberation was brief after staff remarks; there were no public speakers for the hearing. The council adopted the extension by roll call. The action keeps in place the city's ability to authorize temporary structural measures and onsite temporary housing for properties the city has deemed uninhabitable because of accelerated land movement. The staff report emphasized continued monitoring, the ongoing hydrology study expected in the fall, and coordination with grant timelines for longer‑term repairs.