San Bernardino Municipal Code Ch. 15.08 Liquefaction

Local governing bodies are required to adopt policies for the protection of the community against geologic and seismic hazards pursuant to Cal. Gov’t Code § 65302. The primary geologic and seismic hazards that could potentially affect San Bernardino include fault rupture, ground shaking historic high ground water, and soil matrix. These hazards could cause liquefaction resulting in extensive property damage and loss of life in susceptible areas of the city. Liquefaction reports plus mitigation measures for new development in susceptible areas will greatly reduce the risk of damage from liquefaction induced building failures during an earthquake occurrence.

(Ord. MC-676, passed 9-19-1989; Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026)

The purpose of this code is to reduce the potential risk of property damage and loss of life due to liquefaction induced building failures during an earthquake occurrence by requiring liquefaction reports and mitigation measures for development in areas susceptible to liquefaction within this jurisdiction.

(Ord. MC-676, passed 9-19-1989; Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026)

A map is included in the general plan indicating areas of liquefaction susceptibility. All new development projects, or structural modifications over 25% of the building area, which are located within the areas of liquefaction susceptibility as determined by the latest adopted edition of the general plan map (“map”) may be required to provide liquefaction reports and mitigation measures. The liquefaction susceptibility areas indicated on the map have a historic high ground water table within 30 feet of the surface.

(Ord. MC-676, passed 9-19-1989; Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026)

LIQUEFACTION is defined as the transformation of a granular material from a solid state into a liquefied state as a consequence of increased pore-water pressures. Soils and clastic sediment with particle size in the medium sand to silt range, as determined by the Unified Soils Classification System, are particularly susceptible to LIQUEFACTION when they are saturated with water and shaken by an earthquake. LIQUEFACTION at or near the surface can result in foundation failure and property damage.

(Ord. MC-676, passed 9-19-1989; Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026)

A liquefaction report plus mitigation measures prepared by a Registered Civil Engineer shall be required by the Director of Development Services for new construction or structural modification of more than 25% of the building area for the buildings or structures listed below which fall within the high liquefaction susceptibility areas as indicated on the map:

(A) Essential facilities, as defined in Table 1604.5 of the California Building Code, including but not limited to hospitals and other emergency medical facilities, fire and police stations, and government disaster operation and communication centers.

(B) Buildings where the primary occupancy is for assembly use for more than 50 persons in one room.

(C) Buildings over two stories in height.

(D) Buildings with the following occupancies, as listed in the California Building Code:

(1) Group A, (Assembly) Divisions 1, 2 and 2.1;

(2) Group E, (Educational) Division 1;

(3) Group H, (High Hazard) Divisions 1 and 2; and

(4) Group I, (Institutional) Divisions 1 and 2.

(E) Buildings with an occupant load of more than 300, as determined Table 1004.5 of the California Building Code.

(F) Underground tanks of more than 5,000 gallons, for storage of toxic, hazardous or flammable materials.

(G) Tanks with a height of more than 35 feet.

(H) Towers with a height of more than 35 feet.

(Ord. MC-676, passed 9-19-1989; Ord. MC-1027, passed 9-9-1998; Ord. MC-1525, passed 1-15-2020; Ord. MC-1643, passed 10-2-2024; Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026)

[Reserved]

(Ord. MC-1525, passed 1-15-2020; Ord. MC-1643, passed 10-2-2024)

The Director of Community Development and Housing shall promulgate written procedures, regulations, guidelines and fees pertaining to the implementation and enforcement of this chapter. Such procedures, regulations, guidelines and fees shall not become effective until they have been approved by the Mayor and City Council.

(Ord. MC-676, passed 9-19-1989; Ord. MC-1027, passed 9-9-1998; Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026)

Any person, business, organization or corporation failing to provide the required liquefaction reports and mitigation measures to the Director of Community Development and Housing in compliance with this chapter shall be denied issuance of grading and building permits.

(Ord. MC-676, passed 9-19-1989; Ord. MC-1027, passed 9-9-1998; Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026)

Any interested person aggrieved by the determination of the Director of Community Development and Housing may appeal the decision to the Mayor and City Council in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 2.64.

(Ord. MC-676, passed 9-19-1989; Ord. MC-1027, passed 9-9-1998; Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026)