RPV Voluntary Property Buyout Program Applications due Nov. 8 and $1.9M in Reief Grants Distributed to Homeownwers

RANCHO PALOS VERDES — Reminder: Applications for the Voluntary Property Buyout Program in the landslide area are due tomorrow Nov. 8. Completed applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. and can be sent via email to landmovement@rpvca.gov or in person at City Hall. Make sure that all forms in the application are signed by all owners of the property.

Established with $42 million from FEMA’s hazard mitigation grant program, the voluntary property buyout program is intended to help eligible homeowners relocate to safer areas by offering a fair market value for their properties based on pre-disaster appraisals. Properties acquired by the city through this program will be permanently converted to open space and deed-restricted, protecting them from future redevelopment risks.

As of close of business on Nov. 6, the city has received 57 applications. The Building and Safety Division has conducted dozens of home inspections as part of the application process.

The city and Cal OES will review all applications to ensure they meet FEMA’s eligibility criteria. Properties will be prioritized for selection based on factors such as safety concerns, structural condition, and utility statuses.

If selected for a grant under the program, the city will purchase the property for a price determined by an appraisal that is based on the fair market value of the land on Dec. 1, 2022, prior to the acceleration of the landslide. The FEMA grant will pay for 75% of the sale, and property owners will contribute the remaining 25% through a reduction of the fair market value payment. Property owners who have been selected to proceed with the purchase of their property may withdraw at any time prior to sale closing.

Details: rpvca.gov/landmovement. If you have questions about the program, email landmovement@rpvca.gov.

$1.9 Million in Relief Grants Distributed to Landslide Property Owners

Over the past month, the city has distributed $1.9 million in emergency relief grants to residents impacted by land movement and utility shutoffs. The city’s finance department has been working diligently to get grants to those in need as soon as possible, typically issuing checks in five days.

Eligible property owners can still apply for up to $10,000 to cover critical expenses such as purchasing supplies, home repairs, temporary housing and other related costs due to land movement or utility interruptions. This program was made possible thanks to $5 million from Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, which included $2.8 million for individual assistance, and $2.2 million to help the city’s ongoing landslide response and stabilization efforts.

Details: rpvca.gov/landmovement.