Part 3 — Requirements for In-Depth and Feasibility Geologic Reports

Sec. C12-612. - General.

The following minimum information shall be provided with all in-depth geologic reports and feasibility geologic reports. These minimum requirements are intended to establish uniform quality standards in all geologic reports submitted for review by the County Geologist.

a.

Original signature and certification number. The original signature and certification number of the consulting engineering geologist who authored the report shall be affixed to the geologic reports.

b.

Index map. The site location and the regional setting of the proposed development shall appear on the index map. A map showing the County geologic hazard zones in the vicinity of the site is recommended.

c.

Area geologic map. A geologic map of the site vicinity at a scale of one inch equals 2,000 feet with the parcel outlines and the source(s) of the geologic data. An explanation defining the geologic features mapped at and near the site shall also be included.

d.

Site geologic map. A geologic map of the site at a scale of one inch equals 100 feet or larger showing geologic contacts, faults, landslides, borings, trenches, and any other field data points, parcel boundaries, proposed locations of improvements, limits of setbacks from hazardous areas, and recommended building envelopes. If geologic structure sections are included in the report, the lines of each section shall be indicated on the site geologic map.

e.

Geologic structure sections. Actual or probable subsurface relations shall be shown without vertical exaggeration. Relations that are conjectural shall be clearly labeled as such.

f.

Statement of conclusions and recommendations. A statement of conclusions and recommendations describing the geologic suitability of the site for the proposed development with recommendations for further work, if warranted, shall be included. A statement regarding methods of study and the approximate field time spent on the subject site is also required. A statement regarding the interrelated effects of existing or potential geologic hazards upon the proposed development and of the proposed development on geologic hazards and off-site properties shall be given. No geologic report shall be considered complete unless it considers appropriate locations for access roads, driveways, graded areas (cut or fill) and leach fields (unless the property is to be sewered).

g.

List of references of geologic literature. A list of references used in evaluation of the site shall be submitted, including any aerial photographs used as a basis for recommendations and conclusions.

h.

Additional information. Any additional information determined by the County Geologist to be necessary to evaluate the effects of the proposed land use may be required.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.111, § 1, 3-19-02)

Part 4. - Requirements for Geologic Letter Reports

Sec. C12-613. - Geologic letter report.

A geologic letter report shall include, but not be limited to, the items listed in Section C12-612(a), (b) and (f). A geologic sketch map and/or geologic structure section may be required if relationships are complex and difficult to describe in writing.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.111, § 1, 3-19-02)

Part 5. - Time for Submittal, Review and Fees

Sec. C12-614. - Time for processing.

The timing for submittal, review, and approval of investigations and reports with respect to the various land development projects shall be as described in this part.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.111, § 1, 3-19-02)

Sec. C12-615. - Residences, single building sites and mobile homes.

Where a geologic investigation is required for a residence, single building site or mobile home site, a report shall be prepared and submitted for review by the County Geologist. The report must be approved by the County Geologist prior to final action on the application. The decision of the County Geologist shall provide a basis for approval, or disapproval, of the application by the advisory agency, or other approval authority, and for guidance as to the location of proposed structures and improvements.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.111, § 1, 3-19-02)

Sec. C12-616. - Subdivision.

Where a geologic investigation is required for a proposed subdivision, a report shall be prepared and submitted for review by the County Geologist. The report must be approved by the County Geologist. The County Geologist's approval of the report must be obtained as follows:

a.

Prior to final approval of the tentative map; or

b.

Prior to final approval and recordation of the final map, if the Board of Supervisors finds, based on the recommendation of the County Geologist, that existing geologic information justifies delay of the report beyond the tentative map stage.

The decision of the County Geologist shall provide a basis for approval, or disapproval, of the application by the Board of Supervisors and for a determination of the number of usable lots, lot design, circulation systems, and other conditions and mitigations.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.111, § 1, 3-19-02)

Sec. C12-617. - Grading.

Where a geologic investigation is required for proposed grading, a report shall be prepared and submitted for review by the County Geologist. The County Geologist's approval of the report must be obtained prior to issuance of a grading permit.

The decision of the County Geologist shall provide a basis for approval, or disapproval, of the grading permit application and for guidance as to the design and control of the proposed grading and its effect on adjoining property. The County Geologist may require a plan review letter to be submitted prior to approval of the grading permit and/or a construction observation letter to be submitted prior to final inspection of the grading.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.111, § 1, 3-19-02)

Sec. C12-618. - Zone changes and use permits.

Where a geologic investigation is required for a proposed zone change or use permit, a report shall be prepared and submitted for review by the County Geologist. The County Geologist's approval of the report must be obtained prior to Planning Commission action or recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. The decision of the County Geologist shall provide a basis for approval or disapproval of the application and for conditions to be imposed on the zone change or use permit.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.111, § 1, 3-19-02)

Sec. C12-619. - Building permit.

Where a geologic investigation is required, a geologic report shall be prepared and submitted for review by the County Geologist. The County Geologist's approval of the report must be obtained prior to issuance of the building permit. The County Geologist may require a plan review letter to be submitted prior to approval of the building permit and/or a construction observation letter to be submitted prior to final inspection of the project.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.111, § 1, 3-19-02)

Sec. C12-620. - Review and approval of geologic reports.

Geologic reports submitted as required by this ordinance shall be reviewed by the County Geologist for completeness and adequacy in accordance with the standard of care used in the profession of engineering geology as practiced in the State of California. Guidelines issued by the California Division of Mines and Geology shall be considered in the review. In order for the County Geologist to find that geologic reports are complete and adequate, the reports must meet the minimum standards in this ordinance and present sufficient data to support conclusions regarding the extent and magnitude of the geologic hazards and the potential risks related to the proposed development.

If the geologic report is incomplete or inadequate, the applicant shall be required to submit additional information prepared by the consulting engineering geologist to address identified inadequacies. When the geologic report and any other supplemental information are found to be complete and adequate, the County Geologist shall approve the report and recommend specific conditions and requirements to be incorporated into any permits or other development approvals.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.111, § 1, 3-19-02)

Sec. C12-621. - Fees.

A geologic report submitted for review by the County Geologist shall be accompanied by a fee in an amount prescribed by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.111, § 1, 3-19-02)