San Jose Municipal Code Part 5 Geologic Evaluation

No geologic evaluation which requires or contemplates any invasive testing or soil disturbance shall be conducted by an applicant unless and until the director approves a plan for the geologic evaluation which includes but is not limited to the following requirements and mitigation measures:

1. All geotechnical testing shall be designed and completed under supervision of a certified engineering geologist or geotechnical engineer; and

2. The incorporation of specific dust control measures to avoid air quality impacts from fugitive dust; and

3. The preparation of habitat assessment and the incorporation of specific measures to avoid habitat and biological impacts; and

4. The incorporation of specific measures to avoid impacts from erosion and sedimentation of surface waters; and

5. The preparation of a cultural resources assessment and the incorporation of specific measures to avoid impacts to cultural resources; and

6. A requirement that a qualified archaeologist examine any materials exposed during testing and make specific recommendations regarding appropriate mitigation that the director shall direct the applicant to perform.

(Ord. 25710.)

A. Each applicant for a certificate shall conduct a geologic assessment and, if required, a geologic investigation.

B. All reports required by this part shall be submitted in writing, in a form satisfactory to the director, shall contain a full analysis and all supporting data and be dated and signed by a certified engineering geologist or registered geotechnical or civil engineer, as appropriate.

(Ords. 24680, 25710.)

A. The geologic assessment shall include both a site specific evaluation and an off-site evaluation, which shall assess the potential of the development creating, adding to, affecting or being affected by any on or off-site geologic hazard. The off-site evaluation shall be limited to areas potentially affecting or affected by the site for which a certificate is sought.

B. The assessment shall identify any existing geologic hazard, the potential for erosion and sedimentation and recommended mitigation of any geologic hazard.

(Ords. 24680, 25710.)

A. A geologic investigation shall be conducted, unless the geologic assessment demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the director:

1. That there is no on or off-site geologic hazard; or

2. That implementation of recommendations in the geologic assessment will fully mitigate any geologic hazard.

B. The geologic investigation shall include, but is not limited to, a subsurface examination including boring and trenching and shall include recommendations for feasible mitigation of any identified geologic hazard.

(Ords. 24680, 25710.)

A. If existing or potential erosion problems are identified in the geologic evaluation an erosion control plan shall be prepared and submitted for the director's approval.

B. An erosion control plan may, as required by the director, include plans and specifications for plantings, checkdams, sedimentation basins, cribbing, riprap, or other devices or methods for controlling erosion and sedimentation. Scheduling of installation, maintenance and any other special considerations must also be addressed.

C. An erosion control plan, which utilizes vegetation, must take into account any special soils or climate conditions and should be compatible with vegetation in surrounding areas.

(Ords. 24680, 25710.)