Rancho Palos Verdes sits on hillsides above the ocean, a few minutes up the hill from San Pedro. Most homes here were built between 1950 and 1980, and parts of the city are in an active landslide area where moving ground has broken water lines. Both shape what water damage and mold problems look like here, and who you need to call.
Water damage in the landslide area
Since 2023 the Greater Portuguese Bend landslide complex has moved neighborhoods including Portuguese Bend, Seaview, Abalone Cove, Klondike Canyon and the Portuguese Bend Beach Club. The city declared a local emergency on October 3, 2023, and its request for state help described breaks in water, sewer and gas lines caused by the movement. (City of RPV, February 2024)
- Movement has slowed but not stopped. Dewatering wells and canyon liners cut movement sharply; by late September 2026 reports put it at under an inch a week. (Spectrum News, Sept. 29, 2026)
- Pipes keep breaking, including private lines. Cal Water’s Rancho Palos Verdes leak log for September and October 2026 lists repaired mains, realigned flexible joints, and several leaks on customers’ own service lines. (Cal Water RPV updates)
- Cracks let water in. Shifting foundations, slabs and walls can open paths for irrigation, rain and plumbing leaks. Hidden leaks under floors and inside walls are the ones that turn into mold.
Repairs in the landslide area need city approval
Ordinance No. 692, in effect since September 18, 2025, bans new homes, additions and new or repaired pools in the landslide area. Repair, replacement or restoration within the same footprint is allowed with a Landslide Exception Permit approved by the City Geologist, and maintenance can’t add water use. Before demolition or rebuilding after water damage, email landmovement@rpvca.gov or check the city’s landslide-area rules.
Who to call in Rancho Palos Verdes
- Water main or meter leak: Cal Water RPV leak line, (855) 778-5325 or (310) 602-5081.
- Sewer overflow: LA County Public Works, (626) 458-4357, 24 hours. Homeowners are responsible for the sewer lateral from the house to the main. (RPV sewer management)
- Permits: RPV Building & Safety, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd., (310) 544-5280. The city requires a permit to alter, replace or repair a building, including plumbing and structural repairs; ask whether your drywall or remediation job needs one. (RPV permits)
- Renters: see our renter’s guide to mold for LA County Environmental Health complaints.
What to do first
- Stop the water at the fixture valve or the main shutoff, and stay away from wet outlets and cords.
- Photograph the damage before anything is moved. Insurers and landlords both ask for it.
- Start drying within 24 to 48 hours. That is the EPA’s window for keeping mold from starting.
In the landslide area, also report leaks to Cal Water right away, even small ones, because water in the ground is what drives the slide.
Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates
Neighboring Rolling Hills has also had land movement: during the September 2024 emergency, dozens of homes there lost gas or power. In July 2023, a canyon landslide in Rolling Hills Estates destroyed about ten homes and broke a sewer line. If you live in 90274, check with your own city about permits before major repairs.
Talk to a local water damage or mold company
Free referral service. Give your ZIP code (90275 or 90274) so you’re matched with a company that serves the Peninsula.
Sources checked October 31, 2026: City of Rancho Palos Verdes; Cal Water; LA County Public Works; Spectrum News (May and September 2026); CBS Los Angeles and Spectrum News (September 2024); RPV Housing Element (housing age, 2014–2018 Census data).