Chapter 87.08 — SOIL REPORTS

This Chapter provides standards for the preparation and review of soils reports, in compliance with the Map Act Chapter 4, Article 7.

(Ord. 4011, passed - -2007)

A preliminary soils report based upon adequate test borings and prepared by a registered civil engineer shall be required for every subdivision for which a Final Map is required or when required as a condition of development when soils conditions warrant the investigation and report. The preliminary soils report shall be submitted with the Tentative Map application.

(a) Form of Report. A preliminary soils report may be divided into two parts:

(1) Soils Reconnaissance. The soil reconnaissance shall include a complete description of the site based on a field investigation of soils matters. The soils matters reviewed shall include stability, erosion, settlement, feasibility of construction of the proposed improvements, description of soils related hazards and problems, and proposed methods of eliminating or reducing these hazards and problems; and

(2) Soils Investigation and Report. This investigation and report shall include field investigation and laboratory tests with detailed information and recommendations relative to all aspects of grading, filling, and other earthwork, foundation design, pavement design and subsurface drainage.

(A) The report shall also recommend any required corrective action for the purpose of preventing structural damage to subdivision improvements and the structures to be constructed on the parcels. The report shall also recommend any special precautions required for erosion control, and the prevention of sedimentation or damage to off-site property.

(B) If the preliminary soils report indicates the presence of critically expansive soils or other soils problems which, if not corrected, would lead to structural defects or environmental impacts, a subsequent soils investigation of each parcel in the subdivision may be required and shall be submitted to and approved by the Building Official before approval of a Parcel or Final Map.

(b) Preliminary Soils Report Waiver. The preliminary soils report may be waived if the Building Official determines that existing available information on the qualities of the soils of the subdivision makes no preliminary analysis necessary.

(Ord. 4011, passed - -2007)

A final soils report prepared by a registered civil engineer shall be required where a preliminary soils report was required, unless the final report is waived by the Building Official.

(a) Filing of Report. The final soils investigation and report shall be filed with the improvement plans.

(b) Content of Report.

(1) The report shall contain sufficient information to ensure compliance with all recommendations of the preliminary soils report and the specifications for the project.

(2) The report shall also contain information relative to soils conditions encountered which differed from that described in the preliminary soils reports, along with any corrections, additions, or modifications not shown on the approved plans.

(Ord. 4011, passed - -2007)

If the Building Official determines that conditions warrant, a geologic investigation and report may also be required. (Ord. 4011, passed - -2007)