Soils Report Approvals in Los Angeles | Geotechnical & Permit Services
While Los Angeles hasn’t suffered a major earthquake in over three decades, it is a very seismically active location. That’s why you may have been told that you will need a Soils Report for your new construction.
What is a Soils Report in Los Angeles?
If you are working with an architect or a contractor, you may have heard them mention a Soils, Geological, or a Geotechnical Report. This is a report that is submitted with your parcel and tract map application with the Department of City Planning.
These reports are necessary if your project is planned in the following areas:
- Alquist-Priolo Fault Zone
- Landslide or Liquefaction seismic hazard zone
- City of Los Angeles Preliminary Fault Rupture Study Area
- Hillside Grading Area
Why do I need a Soils Report in Los Angeles?
When constructing in the above areas in the Los Angeles region, you want to make sure your construction will withstand an earthquake. The purpose of a soils report is to show that the proposed construction will be in compliance with the county’s building code and the state’s geotechnical standards.
Amongst other things, the soils report needs to show that no building or structure will be built on top of or on the trace of a known active earthquake faultline. In addition, the building site must be free of geological hazards such as landslides, settlement or slippage. Also, the construction cannot adversely affect another property.
Such a report must be completed by a geologist and our permit expeditors can ensure that your report covers all the necessary information needed by the city and county planning departments.
Our professional permit expeditors have extensive experience in all aspects of the construction permitting process, including soils reports. They know exactly the kind of information needed to submit to the Department of Building and Safety. Give us a call today for a free estimate.
