(A) Two copies of the soil investigation/ geotechnical report required in § 162.080 shall be submitted as part of the application for grading permit. Each report shall contain all information applicable to the project and shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted geotechnical engineering practice.
(B) Recommendations contained in the approved reports shall be incorporated into the grading plans and specifications and shall become conditions of the grading permit.
(1) Preliminary Soil Report. The preliminary (initial) soil engineering report shall include information and data regarding the nature, distribution, physical and chemical properties of existing soils including, but not limited to, expansion index and soluble sulfate content; conclusions as to adequacy of the site for the proposed grading; recommendations for general and corrective grading procedures; foundation and pavement design criteria; and shall provide other recommendations, as necessary, commensurate with the project grading and development.
(2) Preliminary Engineering Geology Report. Engineering geologic reports shall be required for all developments on hillside sites where geologic conditions are considered to have a substantial effect on existing and/or future site stability. This requirement may be extended to other sites suspected of being adversely affected by faulting, or by landslides. The preliminary (initial) engineering geology report shall include a comprehensive description of the site topography and geology including, where necessary, a geologic map; an opinion as to the adequacy of the proposed development from an engineering geologic standpoint; an opinion as to the extent that known or reasonably inferred instability on adjacent properties may adversely affect the project; a description of the field investigation and findings; conclusions regarding the effect of geologic conditions on the proposed development, and shall provide other recommendations as necessary, commensurate with the project grading and development. The preliminary engineering geology report may be combined with the preliminary soil engineering report.
(3) Final Engineering Soils/Geology Report. The final engineering soils/geology report shall be submitted upon completion of all grading operations and shall include a comprehensive description of the findings and conclusions, including but not limited to the results of compaction tests, arising from and related to the grading operation, and a statement that all issues and concerns raised in the Preliminary Engineering Geology Report and Preliminary Soil Engineering Report have been resolved to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Works.
(C) Seismicity/Liquefaction Report.
(1) A seismicity/liquefaction report shall be required as a condition for issuance or a grading permit and/or building permit for all subdivisions (tracts); and all sites for critical structures (fire stations, nursing homes, etc.) and major structures, as determined by the Director of Public Works. Additionally, sites containing earthquake-sensitive earth materials and/or sites that are located on or near potentially active or active faults shall also require a seismicity/liquefaction report, as determined by the Director of Public Works.
(2) The report shall be prepared by an engineering geologist, geophysicist or a civil engineer with expertise in earthquake technology and its application to buildings and other civil engineering works. The scope of the report shall be commensurate with the proposed development and shall reflect the state of the art. The seismic report may be combined with the soil and engineering geology reports.
(Ord. 1449, passed 10-19-05)