Santa Clara County Municipal Code Part 6 Construction Requirements and Procedures

The permittee is required to construct all improvements shown on the plans approved by the Grading Official. Construction inspection is required and all inspections on the approved inspection card shall be completed prior to final inspection and approval and release of the improvement security.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.120, § 1, 4-9-13)

The Grading Official will assume full jurisdiction over the inspection of the approved grading after the permittee's engineer has set alignment and grade stakes in accordance with accepted engineering practices.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.120, § 1, 4-9-13)

(a) Upon request, the Grading Official may authorize a private registered civil engineer to perform the inspection work, and certify compliance with the approved plans and render any required reports. The permittee shall make his or her own contractual arrangements for such engineering services and be responsible for payment of all costs. Upon authorization for such services, the inspection fee set forth will be reduced as outlined in Section C12-475.

(b) The permittee shall cause the work to be performed in accordance with the approved plans. If, during the course of construction, the engineer finds that the work is not being performed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications, the inspector will immediately notify the person in charge of the work and the Grading Official of the nonconformity and the corrective measures to be taken. When changes in the plans are required, the inspector will prepare such proposed changes and submit them to Grading Official for plan checking and approval.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.120, § 1, 4-9-13)

Whenever the location of a property line or easement, or the title thereto, is disputed as the result of the application or during a grading operation, a survey by a licensed land surveyor or registered civil engineer, or resolution of title, may be required by the Grading Official, at the applicant's expense.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.120, § 1, 4-9-13)

Periodic progress reports shall be rendered by the private civil engineer as required by the Grading Official, including, but not limited to, laboratory tests, slope stability, placement of materials, retaining walls, subdrains, drainage, utilities, and any special permit or plan requirements. Upon completion of the work the engineer shall submit to the Grading Official an "as-built" plan, a final construction observation report, and certification of completion in accordance with the approved plans and conditions.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.120, § 1, 4-9-13)

If field conditions identified during the course of construction show that the grading is not properly designed for field conditions, or does not substantially conform to the approved plans or County standards, the property applicant may propose to modify the approved plan or the Grading Official may require modification of the approved plans.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.120, § 1, 4-9-13)

If the Grading Official finds that the work is not being performed in substantial conformance with the approved plans, specifications, or permit conditions, the Grading Official may order the work to be stopped and require revised plans to be submitted. Notice will be posted on site and mailed to the applicant and property owner. No further grading work shall be performed until the necessary corrective measures have been determined and revised plans have been submitted to, and approved by the Grading Official.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.120, § 1, 4-9-13)

If the private civil engineer authorized by the Grading Official to perform the inspection work terminates his duties for any cause prior to completion, he shall notify the Grading Official in writing within 48 hours of such termination, and describe the status of the work at his last inspection. The Grading Official will immediately suspend the work until either a new civil engineer acceptable to the Grading Official is retained by the permittee, or the County takes over the inspections and additional inspection fees are paid.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.120, § 1, 4-9-13)

The Grading Official may require final reports including, but not limited to, certification of slope stability and soil bearing capacity, summaries of field and laboratory tests, locations of tests, recommendations, setbacks, and other information determined to be necessary by the Grading Official. The final soils report or engineering geologic report shall be based on the as-built grading plan as affected by soils or geologic factors. A revised geologic map and cross-sections may be required.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.120, § 1, 4-9-13)

(a) When the grading work has been completed, the Grading Official shall be notified. Final approval and release of improvement security will not be granted until all the work has been completed and the as-built grading plan and any required reports have been submitted and approved by the Grading Official.

(b) If the design engineer finds that the work is not being done in conformance with this chapter, the permit, the approved plans, or accepted practices, he shall immediately notify the person in charge of the grading work, the permittee, and the Grading Official in writing, including recommendation of necessary corrective measures.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.120, § 1, 4-9-13)

A private civil engineer authorized by the Grading Official to perform the inspection work shall certify that all grading was completed in compliance with the permit and approved plans, and shall furnish as-built grading plans.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.120, § 1, 4-9-13)