Shafter Zoning Code § 10.320 Soil Reports

A preliminary soils report, prepared by a civil engineer registered in the State of California, based upon adequate test borings, shall be required for every subdivision for which a final tract map is required, and may be required by the City Engineer for other development applications. The preliminary soils report requirement may be waived if the City Engineer finds that sufficient knowledge exists as to the quality of the soils located on the development site.

In the event the preliminary soils report indicates the presence of critically expansive soils or other soils problems which, if not corrected, could lead to structural defects, a soils investigation of each lot, parcel, or building site in the subdivision or development may be required. Such soils reports must be performed by a civil engineer, registered in the State of California, who shall recommend a corrective action likely to prevent structural damage to each structure proposed to be constructed in the area where such an identified soils problem exists.

The subdivision, or other type of development, or any portion thereof where soil problems exist, may be approved by the City Engineer if it is determined that a recommended action would prevent an occurrence of damage to any structure to be constructed and that the issuance of a building permit be subject to the inclusion of such recommended action(s) for the construction of each structure involved.

All soils reports prepared specifically for subdivisions shall be kept on file for public inspection by the City, pursuant to the provisions of Section 66434.5 of the Subdivision Map Act.

Final soils reports shall certify that all soils meet engineering requirements prior to issuance of any building permit.