In April 1998, the Mission Peak Landslide occurred during an El Nino season. It was a mile long and was considered one of the largest landslides in the Bay Area. A study for landslide hazards was conducted ranging from Ohlone College on the north to approximately Stanford Avenue on the south, and uphill of Mission Boulevard.

A study was done assessing potential landslide risks.  A policy constraining development on higher risk parcels was adopted by the City Council in February 1999 as an interim measure. A finalized development policy was adopted by City Council February 2000.  On December 9, 2003, City Council rescinded the development policy, and amended the Municipal Code for geotechnical peer review authority in all hillside areas.

Resources

• Frequently Asked Questions About Hazards

Maps, a summary of parcels, and the development policies are no longer available online. If you are interested in receiving a copy, please contact the Development Organization at 510-494-4460 for further information. Also, the maps may be reviewed upon request at the Development Center at 39550 Liberty Street,  1st floor. 

Is my parcel affected by the Hillside Geotechnical Study requirements?

Contact the City Development Organization at 510-494-4460 for information.  Also, the maps may be reviewed upon request in the Development Center at 39550 Liberty Street,  1st floor. 

Why is the City adding geotechnical requirements on hills?

There are two main reasons:

1. To provide consumer protection information city-wide in the hill area for current and future landowners that there are greater than normal landslide risks associated with certain parcels.

2. To provide the City immunity for public lands which have potential for earth movement on to private property.