Santa Clara County Municipal Code Part 3 Requirements for In-Depth and Feasibility Geologic Reports

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)