What would you do if the ground beneath your home started shifting inches every week? That’s the reality many Rancho Palos Verdes homeowners are facing as the Portuguese Bend landslide complex continues to move faster than ever before.

Pools, home additions, and even entire properties are now directly affected. New ordinances permanently ban construction in landslide zones, leaving many residents with questions about what they can — and cannot — do with their property.

The good news is that homeowners aren’t powerless. There are preventative measures, remediation strategies, and options to protect both your property value and your family’s safety.

In this article, we’ll explain what’s happening in Palos Verdes, how the city is responding, what the regulations mean for homeowners, and what proactive steps you can take if you live or plan to build in this area.

What’s Happening in the Palos Verdes Peninsula?

The area known as the Portuguese Bend landslide complex is one of the fastest-moving in California.

• In 2025, NASA and city monitoring revealed that land was sliding at a rate of 5–9 inches per week — far faster than the inches-per-year rate of inches per year.
  
  
• Heavy rains in 2023 and 2024 reactivated dormant slide areas, accelerating ground movement.
  
  
• Homes in Rancho Palos Verdes collapsed in 2023, while fissures cracked roads, buckled walls, and damaged utilities.

This is no longer a slow-moving nuisance — it’s a serious and ongoing hazard.

How Is the City Responding?

Rancho Palos Verdes has committed millions to landslide mitigation and safety.

• $42M FEMA Buyout Program: Helps eligible homeowners sell at pre-disaster value. 22 properties are currently covered, with more pending funding.
  
  
• Groundwater Control Projects: Since 2024, 11 dewatering wells have pumped out 145M gallons of water, slowing land movement in some areas.
  
  
• Portuguese Bend Remediation Project: Large-scale plan including surface drainage, new hydrauger wells, and fissure infill to prevent water infiltration.
  
  

The city is spending nearly 90% of its general fund to manage this hazard — but homeowners still face significant restrictions.

What Are the New Construction Rules?

As of September 18, 2025, new construction and pool projects are permanently banned in designated landslide areas.

Here’s what the ordinance allows and prohibits:

Allowed:

• “Like-for-like” replacement or repair of existing structures (same size/footprint only).
  
  
• Routine maintenance and minor structures (sheds under 320 sq. ft., barns up to 1,600 sq. ft., fences, and walls without grading).
  
  
• Manufactured home replacements of the same size.
  
  

Prohibited:

• New homes, additions, garages, or accessory structures.
  
  
• Swimming pools — even repairs or replacements.
  
  
• Any construction that expands a footprint or increases water usage.
  
  

Pro Tip: If you believe your parcel should not fall within the landslide zone, you may petition for removal — but the safety and engineering criteria are strict.

How Fast Is the Ground Moving Right Now?

As of September 2025, average land movement is 5–9 inches per week in Portuguese Bend.

• The center of the slide is the fastest, exceeding 9 inches weekly.
  
  
• This rate is slower than the peak of 12 inches earlier in 2025, thanks to dry weather and well installations.
  
  
• However, movement is still 76% faster than it was earlier in the year, and nearly 80 times faster than it was in 2022.
  
  

Homeowners should expect seasonal changes: slides accelerate during rainy winters and ease during dry summers.

What Homeowners Can Do to Protect Their Property

While you can’t stop a landslide on your own, there are proactive measures:

• Drainage Management: Ensure all surface runoff is directed away from slopes. Poor drainage accelerates instability.
  
  
• Structural Monitoring: Hire engineers to regularly monitor foundation cracks, retaining walls, and pool structures.
  
  
• Insurance Review: Standard homeowners' insurance doesn’t cover landslides. Ask about supplemental “Difference in Conditions” policies, though availability is limited.
  
  
• Professional Guidance: If you’re considering a pool or major remodel, consult with licensed geotechnical engineers and contractors familiar with Palos Verdes regulations.
  
  

Pro Tip: Aftermarket “patch” fixes (such as small retaining walls) often fail because they don’t address the deep underground water pressure—the primary driver of slides. Always consult professionals before spending.

The Future of Landslide Mitigation in Palos Verdes

The Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project is the city’s long-term hope. It focuses on:

• Expanded well systems to reduce groundwater pressure.
  
  
• Surface drainage to divert rainwater directly to the ocean.
  
  
• FEMA-backed buyouts are converting vulnerable neighborhoods into permanent open space.
  
  

Experts agree that the risk of a sudden, catastrophic collapse into the sea is very low. Instead, homeowners should expect ongoing movement, costly repairs, and continued regulation for years to come.

Making the Right Choice for Your Property

Landslides are reshaping what’s possible in Rancho Palos Verdes — from property values to pool construction.

With movement measured in inches per week, ignoring the risks is no longer an option. New construction, including pools, is permanently banned in the affected zones.

If you live in or near the landslide zone, your next step is to consult with licensed geotechnical engineers and pool contractors familiar with Palos Verdes regulations. We can help you understand whether a project is feasible, safe, and compliant.

At J Desins, we’ve helped countless homeowners in hillside and coastal zones navigate complex regulations. Our goal is to provide clear answers, safe solutions, and guidance so that you can make informed decisions for your property.

Want to learn more about hillside and slope-safe pool construction? Next, read our guide on 'Do You Need Caissons?' and explore solutions designed for challenging landscapes.