Palos Verdes Estates

The City of Palos Verdes Estates, incorporated December 20, 1939, is the oldest of the four cities on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

New York financier Frank A. Vanderlip, Sr. purchased the land from the Bixby family in 1913 with the idea of building a planned, residential community. The new community was laid out and landscaped by the famous Olmsted Brothers, sons of Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr., who designed Central Park in New York City. Gently winding roadways, green hillsides, paths, stands of eucalyptus, pepper, and coral trees were established, and a full 28% of the land area was dedicated to be permanent open space. This early planning and dedication of parklands gives the City its unique rural character and has resulted in its international reputation for scenic beauty.

Vanderlip's plans were slowed by World War I, but subdivision of the land and construction of the first Spanish style homes in what is today Palos Verdes Estates began in the early 1920's. Deed restrictions were imposed on the land in 1923, when the Bank of America, as trustee for Vanderlip's Palos Verdes Project, drafted a trust indenture and outlined provisions for development. The area was unincorporated and governed by the Palos Verdes Homes Association, which was liable for taxes on all parkland. After the economic crash in 1929, the Association owed taxes to Los Angeles County and residents, concerned that the parklands might be sold for payment, in 1939 voted for City incorporation. In 1940, the parklands were deeded by the Homes Association to the new City.

Over the years, the City’s governance has been guided by the vision of the original founders with an emphasis on preserving, protecting and enhancing the quality of life and natural assets that make Palos Verdes Estates unique.

The Palos Verdes Homes Association and Art Jury (est. 1923, CA non-profit corporation) operate separate and apart from the organizational structure of the City of Palos Verdes Estates. They enforce the deed restrictions established in the early planning and development of the city. These restrictions determine the building setbacks within each lot as well as the type of architecture allowed.

The Art Jury, comprised of local architects and engineers, reviews all projects within Palos Verdes Estates to determine if the design meets the criteria set forth in the restrictions. Any project that modifies the exterior of a building (i.e. additional square footage, window/door changes, roof material change, paint color, etc.), or modifies the landscaping, requires Art Jury review and approval. This process is separate from any City approvals that may be required for a project.

The City has two small business districts: Malaga Cove Plaza located in the 200 block of Palos Verdes Drive West and Lunada Bay Plaza located in the 600 block of Yarmouth Road/2300 block of Palos Verdes Drive West. Real estate businesses - brokerage firms, escrow and title companies - are prominent at the Malaga Cove location. Small service, retail and grocery stores are found at both locations. City businesses are served by the peninsula-based Chamber of Commerce. Major shopping areas for the peninsula are located in Rolling Hills Estates (Silver Spur Road) and in Rancho Palos Verdes (Western Avenue).

Malaga Cove Library (2400 Via Campesina) is a branch of the larger Palos Verdes Library District. The site is a registered national historic building and Farnham Martin Park and its historic fountain are on the grounds immediately adjacent to the library.

Schools - The City is served by the peninsula-wide Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District (PVPUSD). PVPUSD schools have constantly ranked among the best in California and the nation. Administrative offices for the district are located within Palos Verdes Estates at the former Malaga Cove school site.

Source: pvestates.org

Owner Occupied 86% vs. Renter Occupied 14%