Redondo Beach runs from the Palos Verdes hills to King Harbor and the pier. It has its own fire department, its own permit counter and its own code enforcement, so the numbers to call are different from the Los Angeles neighborhoods around San Pedro. On the waterfront, winter surf is a bigger water risk than rain.
What’s different about Redondo Beach
- Older buildings, many of them rentals. About two-thirds of homes were built before 1980, close to half of households rent, and about 47% of homes are in buildings with two or more units. In a building with shared walls and plumbing, a leak in one unit often shows up in the next one.
- High surf at the waterfront. In January 2023, 12- to 14-foot waves at king tide went over the seawalls and flooded the beach; the pier closed and police closed roads near the water. (CBS Los Angeles, January 2023) In December 2024, waves reached a parking lot near the pier. (FOX 11, December 2024)
- Updated coastal flood maps. FEMA’s revised coastal flood maps for LA County, including Redondo Beach, took effect April 21, 2021. (LA County Public Works) Check your own address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center before you assume you’re outside a flood zone.
Housing figures: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates, City of Redondo Beach (via Census Reporter).
Who to call in Redondo Beach
- Water leak at the main or meter: Cal Water, (310) 257-1400 (the same number after hours). (Cal Water)
- Sewer overflow or flooding: the city runs its own sewer system. Call 911 for an emergency, or police non-emergency dispatch at (310) 379-5411. Public Works’ office line is (310) 318-0662. (Redondo Beach Police Communications)
- Permits: Building & Safety, 415 Diamond St., Door 2, (310) 318-0636. Reroofing, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits can be issued over the counter or online; call to ask whether your repair needs one. (Building & Safety)
- Renters: Redondo Beach Code Enforcement handles unsafe or unsanitary housing conditions: (310) 697-3665, or the Access Redondo app. (Code Enforcement) Put your repair request to the landlord in writing first; see our renter’s guide to mold.
- Free sandbags: the city lists the Public Works Yard (544 N. Gertruda Ave.) and the Parks Yard (1513 Beryl St.), up to 15 bags per household, with bags and shovels provided. Call ahead before a storm. (City of Redondo Beach)
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.
Talk to a local water damage or mold company
Free referral service. Give your ZIP code (90277 or 90278) so you’re matched with a company that serves Redondo Beach. Participating companies pay us for referrals.
Sources checked October 31, 2026: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates, City of Redondo Beach (via Census Reporter); City of Redondo Beach (Building & Safety, Code Enforcement, Police Communications, sandbag notice); Cal Water; LA County Public Works; FEMA; CBS Los Angeles (January 2023); FOX 11 (December 2024); U.S. EPA.