Frequently Asked Questions
Why are we against this development?
We support the development of affordable housing. This 471 unit, 11 story project is too large for this location. This project will increase traffic, impact local vegetation and wildlife, and blocks neighbor’s views. As we are in a high fire danger region, the increased number of units and limited evacuation routes will put all Palos Verdes Peninsula neighborhoods in danger. Construction in this canyon will affect the existing drainage channel, sewer easements, and risks the stability of the hillside. All of these make this the wrong place for such a massive project.
Won’t the city evaluate this and block the development if it will cause harm?
No. Not this time. The city does not have the usual power because the Builder’s Remedy law restricts the city from denying a project even if it exceeds city rules, blocks views, setbacks, or zoning rules.
What is the Builder’s Remedy law?
The Builder’s Remedy law is part of the Housing Accountability Act. In cases where the city does not have an approved Housing Element, a builder can apply to build a housing development that is exempt from typical local zoning rules if they show that at least 20% of the total units are “affordable”. However, there are things we and the city can do to restrict this project. Please work with us to see that this completely incompatible development does not forever loom over our quiet neighborhood.
What is the Housing Element?
The state of California requires the city to create a Housing Element as part of their general plan every 8 years. The Housing Element is the city’s guide for meeting the housing needs of RPV’s population. The 6th cycle Housing Element was to be adopted by Fall 2021. The Element was to include a plan to create a total of 639 new units spread around the city (but not in Silver Spur Canyon). Please see the City of RPV for more info: RPV Housing Element Updates FAQ Rev 3
What happens if RPV does not have a housing element certified by the State Department of Housing and Community Development?
The city is vulnerable to Builder’s Remedy applications where a builder can build a development that does not comply with local zoning or development standards. The city submitted our most recent revision of our housing element on January 30, 2024. Housing Element as of Jan 30. Even if it is accepted by the state, projects that were submitted before approval will still be considered valid.
So once our Housing Element is certified we are safe from Builder’s Remedy projects?
Not necessarily. Any applications submitted before the certification are still valid. And most importantly, if the State decides our City is not making enough progress toward housing, it can de-certify our Housing Element at any time. This place us right back under the possibility of another huge Builder’s Remedy project. This is why one of our goals is to gut the Builder’s Remedy law and replace it with something that makes more sense.
Who is doing this?
Akhilesh Jha, and his company Verdes Estates, have applied for this 471 unit, 11 story project.
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