(A) Soils report. The subdivider shall provide a preliminary soils report, based upon adequate subsurface exploration, test borings, and laboratory tests, with application of the tentative map or parcel map. In the event the preliminary soils report indicates the presence of collapsible or expansive soils, liquefaction, or other soil problems, which if not corrected could result in structural defects, a geotechnical investigation of each lot or parcel in the subdivision shall be undertaken, and a report shall be submitted recommending corrective action which is likely to prevent structural damage to each structure proposed to be constructed in the area where such soils problems exist. The subdivision or any portion thereof where such soils problems exist may be approved if it is determined that the recommended corrective action is likely to prevent structural damage to each structure to be constructed and that the issuance of any building permit shall be conditioned to include this recommended corrective action with the construction of each affected structure. The report may be waived if, in the exercise of his or her professional judgment, the City Engineer finds that sufficient knowledge exists as to the qualities of the soils within the proposed subdivision.
(B) Geologic and geotechnical reports shall be required, with application of the tentative map or parcel map, when a subdivision involves any of the following:
(1) The subdivision is within any zone requiring special study by the State Geologist or the City Engineer.
(2) The subdivision proposes to dispose surface water through the use of dry wells or other subsurface facilities.
(3) The site of the subdivision contains hillside areas where the existing gradient equals or exceeds 25%.
(4) The development of the subdivision requires excavation into bedrock.
(C) Geotechnical, geologic, and soils reports, as required herein, shall be prepared by an engineer or geologist based on guidelines determined by the City Engineer, as applicable, who is authorized or licensed to practice and prepare the reports by the State of California. Such reports shall be reviewed and approved by the City Engineer. If public improvement plans or grading plans are required as part of the tentative map approval process, the review and approval of the geotechnical, geologic, or soils reports shall be required prior to approval of public improvement plans or grading plans. The City Engineer may waive these requirements for parcel maps at his or her discretion, in the exercise of his or her professional judgment. The City Engineer shall make a copy of all approved reports available to the public.
(Ord. 2019-286, passed 11-20-2019; Am. Ord. 2019-291, passed 12-18-2019)