Camarillo Municipal Code Ch. 16.38 Geotechnical Studies

A. A reconnaissance geohazards assessment study ("study") was commissioned by and prepared for the city to evaluate geologic, goetechnical and slope conditions in the city in order to assist the city's engineering and planning departments; a copy of this study is on file with the department of engineering.

B. The study has defined the presence of several instabilities and potential instabilities in the city in the form of landslides, mudflows, areas of laterally unsupported bedding, locally steep slopes, and areas of potential seismic instabilities.

C. The study has determined that the effects of water have played a key role in the slope instability.

D. The study has determined that in order to reduce and prevent future stability problems, with attendant structural damage to new development, it is imperative that consideration be given to drainage, geologic factors and foundation aspects of each new development.

E. The intent and purpose of this chapter is to protect against instabilities and potential instabilities in the city in the form of landslides, mudflows, areas of laterally unsupported bedding, locally steep slopes and areas of potential seismic instabilities. In order to safeguard the life, limb, property and public welfare against these dangers in areas of development, it is necessary to require geotechnical studies reports as part of the permitting process.

(Ord. 653 § 1 (part), 1988.)

The following developments shall all be required to submit a geotechnical study prior to final map approval or issuance of building permits:

A. Final map approval under the Subdivision Map Act;

B. Vesting tentative maps under the Subdivision Map Act;

C. Building permits for any type of planned developments;

D. Building permits upon lots which have been previously subdivided;

E. Building permits for additions to existing developments where the addition will in any part be in a slope area or where the development will constitute at least a fifty percent addition to the existing development.

(Ord. 653 § 1 (part), 1988.)

The city engineer, in consultation with the director of planning and community development, or their designees, may upon application, waive any of the required studies under the following conditions:

A. There exists a recently completed and satisfactory report which covers the same area;

B. The reports are included as part of an environmental impact report or negative declaration, if either is required or has been satisfactorily completed for the proposal; or

C. The property was located in the unincorporated area of the county on or after January 1, 2006, and was subsequently annexed to the city before January 1, 2007, for reasons unrelated to any development application by the property owner that had either been initiated in good faith or was pending with the county at the time of annexation.

(Ord. 1014 § 1, 2007: Ord. 653 § 1 (part), 1988.)

A. The contents of the geotechnical studies shall conform to the requirements and maps adopted by resolution of the city council. The requirements shall cover the performance of studies in general, as well as set forth requirements for studies in slope, nonslope and fault areas.

1. Slope and nonslope studies shall include at a minimum exploration, laboratory testing, seismicity, and analysis and report.

2. Fault studies shall include at a minimum analysis and report and subsurface exploration, as site conditions indicate.

B. These maps and requirements may be amended as need dictates upon the recommendation of the director of engineering services.

(Ord. 653 § 1 (part), 1988.)

For purposes of this chapter only, a "slope area" shall be that where the slopes are generally or locally inclined at about five horizontal to one vertical (5:1) or steeper (approximately twenty percent).

(Ord. 653 § 1 (part), 1988.)

All geotechnical studies will be reviewed by a certified engineering geologist and/or a registered civil engineer licensed as a geotechnical engineer. The reports will then be reviewed from the city's perspective by the department of engineering services to see that appropriate measures are taken to mitigate any geohazards identified on the property.

(Ord. 653 § 1 (part), 1988.)

This chapter is not intended to repeal, abrogate or impair any existing ordinances, easements, covenants or deed restrictions. However, where this chapter and any other ordinance, easement, covenant or deed restriction conflicts or overlaps, whichever imposes the more stringent restrictions shall prevail.

(Ord. 653 § 1 (part), 1988.)

The degree of protection required by this chapter is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations. This chapter shall not create any liability on the part of the city, or any officer or employee thereof, for any damages from geotechnical hazards that result from reliance on the provisions of this chapter or any administrative decision made in relation thereto.

(Ord. 653 § 1 (part), 1988.)