C ounty of Los Angeles

Department of P ublic Works

Manual for P reparation
of
G eotechnical R eports

December 2006

ENGINEERING DIVISION

GE OL OGY S OIL S GE OL OGY S OIL S

GEOTECHNICAL AND MATERIALS

GE OL OGY S OIL S GE OL OGY S OIL S

GE OL OGY S OIL S GE OL OGY S OIL S

GE OL OGY S OIL S GE OL OGY S OIL S

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
General Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Types of Engineering Geology Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Environmental Impact Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Tentative Subdivision Map Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Digital Submittal Ordinance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Subdivision of a Landslide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Ungraded Site Lots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Remainder Parcels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Grading Plan Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Building Plan Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
In-Grading Geology and Soils Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Final Geology and Soils Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Restricted Use Area Letter/Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Report for Reconstruction (Damage due to Geologic Hazard) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Change of Consultants Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Fault Investigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Active Fault Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Fault Setback Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Single-Family Residential Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Commercial Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Subdivision Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Seismic Hazard Investigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Single-Family Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Commercial Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Subdivision Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Report Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Surficial Uncemented Earth Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Geologic Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Geologic Map, Cross Sections, and Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Evaluation of Potential Adverse Geologic Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Subsurface Exploration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Landslides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Conclusions and Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Additional Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Manual for Preparation of Geotechnical Reports
http://dpw.lacounty.gov/gmed/manual.pdf
Revised December 2006

SOILS ENGINEERING
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Guidelines for Preparation of Soils Engineering Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Age of Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description of the Site and the Proposed Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental Conditions and Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Geology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subsurface Exploration/Conditions and Design Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Laboratory Test Results and Substantiating Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engineering Analyses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conclusions and Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
County of Los Angeles Building Code Section 111 Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Geotechnical Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subsurface Exploration and Laboratory Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Soils Engineering Report Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of Soils Engineering Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental Impact Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Geotechnical Site Inspection Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tentative Subdivision Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital Submittal Ordinance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Geotechnical Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restricted Use Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ungraded Site Lots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remainder Parcel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Geotechnical Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Grading Plan Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Geotechnical Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Geotechnical Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Groundwater Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Water Infiltration Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description of Laboratory Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Slope Stability Analyses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Geotechnical Cross Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Collapsible Soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unsuitable Soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Liquefaction Potential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subdrains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental Concerns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Building Plan Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In-Grading Soils Engineering Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rough Grading Soils Engineering Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Infrastructure Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Required Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works
Manual for Preparation of Geotechnical Reports
http://dpw.lacounty.gov/gmed/manual.pdf
Revised December 2006

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Spacing, Location, and Depths of Exploratory Borings . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Debris Basins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Detention Basins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retention Basins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bridge Foundations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Road Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Detailed Description of Required Data/Analyses and Soils Engineering Standards . .
Laboratory Test Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shear Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Moisture-Density Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidation or Compression Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expansion Index Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compaction Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sand Equivalent Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Permeability Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sieve and Hydrometer Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Test Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engineering Analysis and Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Slope Stability Analyses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Landslide Stabilization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Soils Subject to Consolidation and Hydroconsolidation . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Liquefaction/Lateral Spreading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expansive Soil and Bedrock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemicals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engineered Fills and Backfills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foundation Design Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Small Dam Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shoring System Design Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retaining Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cut/Fill Transition Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Private Sewage Disposal System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buttress Fill Design for Slope Stabilization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subdivision Impacted by Existing Landslide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Differential Settlement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Settlement Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reinforced Earth Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debris Flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vinyl and Fiberglass Pools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Soil Cement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Design Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Policy Regarding Geotechnical Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Manual for Preparation of Geotechnical Reports
http://dpw.lacounty.gov/gmed/manual.pdf
Revised December 2006

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APPENDIX
Figure 1

Buttress Fill Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2

GS001.0
GS002.0
GS015.0
G045.0
GS047.0
GS051.0
GS063.0
GS086.0

Ungraded Site Lots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3

Subdivision - Remainder Parcel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A5
County Subdivision Code Extracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A6
Ground Failure/Liquefaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A12
Surficial Slope Stability for Natural Slopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A16
Final Map Clearance Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A20
Restricted Use Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A23
Subdivisions Impacted by Existing Landslides . . . . . . . . . . . . . A26

Guidelines for Preparing Engineering Geology Reports

(James Slosson, Revised 1992 - in AEG Special Publication #5, Ch. 2)

. . A29

CGS Note 44 - Guidelines for Preparing Engineering Geologic Reports

CGS Note 49 - Guidelines for Evaluating the Hazard of Surface
Fault Rupture
Guidelines for Engineering Geology Reports
(Board for Geologists and Geophysicists)

Geologic Guidelines for Earthquake and/or Fault Hazard Reports

(Board for Geologists and Geophysicists)

County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Manual for Preparation of Geotechnical Reports
http://dpw.lacounty.gov/gmed/manual.pdf
Revised December 2006

iv

INTRODUCTION
This manual presents the requirements for geotechnical work for development projects
within the County of Los Angeles. Many civil engineering projects require geotechnical
investigations with input from both a soils engineer and an engineering geologist. The
results of the investigations may be presented separately or combined as one report.
When soils engineering and engineering geology reports are required, the geologist and
the soils engineer shall coordinate their reports prior to the submission to the
Department of Public Works.
The purpose of this manual is to provide engineering geologists and soils engineers
with the information necessary to prepare adequate and acceptable reports, and to
address questions commonly asked by consultants and the public. With regard to
private development, it is not the purpose of these guidelines to establish rigid
requirements, but rather to act as a guide for the preparation of geotechnical reports to
meet the requirements of County Codes and other governmental regulations, policies,
and criteria.
Although this Manual is updated periodically, written County policies and codes are
subject to revision and the most current versions may not be represented in this
document. The Geotechnical and Materials Engineering Division (GMED) may notify
the consultants of substantive changes via direct mail, or publication in local Society
newsletters (AEG, ASCE). Should a question arise, it is recommended that the
geotechnical consultants contact the reviewer directly for clarification.
Effective August 1, 2006, all geotechnical (geology and soils engineering) reports
submitted to the County of Los Angeles must include a text-searchable PDF version on
compact disk. At this time we cannot accept report submittal via e-mail.
Comments and questions about this manual may be directed to Charles Nestle
(geology) at [email protected] or (626) 458-4923; or to Amir Alam (soils
engineering) at [email protected] or (626) 458-4972.

County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Manual for Preparation of Geotechnical Reports
http://dpw.lacounty.gov/gmed/manual.pdf
Revised December 2006

ENGINEERING GEOLOGY REPORT PREPARATION GUIDELINES

The following guidelines are for engineering geology reports prepared by private
consulting engineering geologists for compliance with governmental regulations. These
guidelines are intended to supplement those outlined by the State Board for Geologists
and Geophysicists, California Geological Survey, the United States Geological Survey,
and other professional organizations. Copies of some pertinent references are found
in the Appendix, and links to others are provided in the Additional Resources section.
It cannot be overemphasized that these are minimum standards, and that geologic
conditions on many development project sites may warrant that these standards be
exceeded.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
The California Geological Survey (CGS) formerly California Division of Mines
and Geology (DMG), the Association of Engineering Geologists (AEG), and the
California State Board for Geologists and Geophysicists (BGG) have prepared
various guidelines to assist in the preparation of engineering geology and fault
hazard/seismic reports. Robert R. Comptons Manual of Field Geology (1962) is
an excellent basic reference and contains a chapter entitled Preparing Geologic
Reports (Chapter 11).
The "Guidelines for Evaluating and Mitigating Seismic Hazards in California"
(DMG Special Publication 117), the Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment
for the State of California (DMG Open File Report 96-08), and the
Recommended Procedures for Implementation of DMG Special Publication 117
Guidelines for Analyzing and Mitigating Liquefaction in California (SCEC, 1999)
are particularly applicable for the preparation of the seismic portion of an
engineering geology report. It is important to carefully understand the definition
of a project as defined in the above documents to determine if the proposed
development must meet the requirements of those documents.
The proposed development, site conditions, and most importantly, the nature
and extent of potential geotechnical hazards ultimately dictate the scope of the
investigation and the applicability of these or any other guidelines.
Seismic criteria and requirements for structural design of buildings are the
responsibility of Building and Safety Division (B&S); therefore, the geotechnical
reviewers shall consider only ground failure potential with regard to these
guidelines.
Varying geologic conditions, purposes, and project proposals will require reports
of different length, scope, and orientation. Nevertheless, for a consultant
engineering geology report to be considered adequate for a typical hillside site
and plan it should, at a minimum, include the following:

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An evaluation of at least one set of stereo aerial photographs for the

potential presence of landslides and/or faults.

A review of published maps of the CGS, USGS, State Seismic Hazard

Mapping Act, and Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act.

A review of Public Works development files of adjoining property(ies), and

published and unpublished maps of the USGS and CGS. Discrepancies
between researched data and data obtained by the consultant must be
resolved.

An accurate site location map.

A regional geology map and/or cross sections as applicable to depicting

site stability.

A site geology map and geologic cross sections to illustrate local geologic
structure.

Exploration data to substantiate geometry and geologic conditions relative

to stability.

Geology cross sections for use by a soils engineer for stability analyses.

Plot of geology vs. depth of data obtained in exploration borings on

geology maps and cross sections for assessment of site stability.

An explanation of how the geologic data presented substantiates

conclusions drawn.

A full and complete presentation of all pertinent geologic data and factors must
be included in the report. The conclusions and recommendations presented in
the report must be fully supported by the data, and must be based on the most
logical analysis.
Addenda engineering geology reports may be requested for additional
information and supporting data to substantiate regulatory compliance and
professional opinions.
Preparers of reports must consider existing available data for a site or plan
evaluation. The consultant is advised that all available geologic data from
existing Public Works files and from adjacent developments to the particular site
being studied will be used in the review process. Resolution of pertinent
discrepancies between the submitted reports and on-file data will be required.
Adjacent property files used or reviewed should be referenced in submitted
reports.
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TYPES OF ENGINEERING GEOLOGY REPORTS

Different types of engineering geology reports are required depending upon the
stage of development review or approval requested, such as environmental
impact, tentative subdivision, building or grading permit, rough grading, final map
recordation, etc. The general scope of reports required for purposes of the
various development stages are provided below. Additional details for review
and processing of these reports are found in applicable G & GS Directives in
the appendix.
Environmental Impact Reports or Documents (Geologic Portion)
The scope of the geologic portion must be sufficient to identify existing and
potential geologic hazards and to present measures to mitigate their effects on
the environment relative to the proposed development project. The investigation
should provide sufficient data to determine the extent of mitigative grading
required to nullify any potential geologic hazards.
Tentative Subdivision Map Reports
All geologic reports which are submitted for the purpose of determining
development feasibility of a tentative subdivision map must be based on the
latest tentative map submitted to the Department of Regional Planning.
Sufficient geologic information must be presented to substantiate that the site is
suitable for the proposed development as designed and that existing or potential
geologic conditions have been identified, their effect on development
established, and adequate mitigative measures and design provided.
A copy of the tentative map must be used as a base for the geologic map.
Cross-sections must be provided through landslides, high cut slopes or those
requiring stabilization, high fill slopes requiring slope stability analyses, and over
steepened natural slopes, or those with potentially unstable conditions.
Confirmation of geotechnical mitigative design in peripheral areas of subdivisions
in hillside terrain must be provided where off-site properties may be affected or
where off-site access for remediation could be inhibited.
Generally, the scale of the tentative map should be sufficient for geologic
purposes (usually 1=100). In some cases, the consultant or reviewer may
deem it necessary for a larger scale map and cross sections to be prepared.
Digital Submittal Ordinance
Sections 21.40.040 and 21.40.080 of the Los Angeles County Subdivision Code
have been amended to require geology and soils engineering reports prepared
for new tentative maps submitted through Regional Planning on or after
September 10, 2005 to be submitted in digital format. Each report must be
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submitted on compact disk in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) with

searchable text and include all maps, tables, figures, cross sections, etc.
associated with the report. One (1) hard copy of each report must also be
submitted with the digital copy.
Subdivision of a Landslide
By policy, landslides may not be subdivided. Lot lines must be located such that
the landslide is located entirely within one lot, or the landslide must be stabilized.
Hazards from landslides must be evaluated as outlined in this Chapter and must
be remediated for proposed building areas on lots within the subdivision. Each
lot of a subdivision must have a safe buildable area.
Where an existing landslide affects an adjacent lot in the same subdivision or
adjacent properties, GMED Directive GS 086.0 must be followed and
geotechnical data as outlined in this Chapter must be provided. Refer to the
current GS 086.0, "Subdivisions Impacted by Existing Landslides," in the
Appendix for details.
Ungraded Site Lots
Division 2, beginning with Section 66410 of the Government Code and Titles 21
and 22 of the Los Angeles County Subdivision and Zoning Codes (respectively),
state that every lot must have a building site safe for the intended use. In
addition, Section 21.24.010 of the County Code requires that access free of
geotechnical hazards must be provided for each lot. Any geotechnical hazards,
which must be removed in order to provide a building site and access, generally
must be mitigated before the tract or parcel map may be recorded.
Some developments may be subdivided into lots where the specific types and
locations of structures have not been determined and/or the developers do not
intend to perform any grading or required corrective measures prior to the
recordation of the Final Map. These types of developments may be designated
as "Ungraded Site Lots" and the subdivision recorded in accordance with criteria
and requirements from GMED Directive GS001.0. (copy in Appendix).
Remainder Parcels
Whenever a "Remainder Parcel" is permitted in a subdivision of land,
geotechnical requirements of GMED Directive GS002.0 must be completed. A
copy of this Directive is in the Appendix.
Grading Plan Reports
The report shall present all the geological information for the area pertinent to
the proposed grading. Cross sections of existing and proposed significant
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slopes that may be unstable must be included. The geology map must utilize a
copy of the latest grading plan as a base. The scale of the map should be
appropriate to permit sufficiently accurate measurements for analysis of remedial
design and construction. Generally, for geologic purposes, the scale of the map
and cross sections should be prepared at a minimum scale of 1=40. If the
grading plan is revised, a geology map and cross section(s) should be prepared
based on the new plan.
Generally, the geotechnical consultants must manually sign and date copies of
the grading plan to verify that their recommendations have been incorporated in
the grading design and are shown correctly on the plans. Engineering geology
reports prepared to address a tentative map are commonly requested to be
expanded to provide additional exploration, detailed analysis, and testing for the
grading plan review.
Reports for grading plans must substantiate that the proposed grading (and by
implication the proposed future structures) will be stable and safe from geologic
hazards. Where on-site sewage disposal is necessary, the reports must include
data, analysis, and recommendations to assure that effluent will not "daylight" on
the surface, create instability or adversely affect adjacent property.
Building Plan Reports (Hillside Developments)
The report shall present all the geological information relevant to the stability of
the project area, with cross sections of all slopes that may be unstable. The
geology map and cross sections must be prepared utilizing a copy of the latest
foundation/building plan with existing topography as a base. Generally, for
geologic purposes, the scale of the map and cross sections should be prepared
at a minimum scale of 1=40.
If the plan is revised, a geology map and cross sections based on the new plan
will probably be necessary. Generally, the geotechnical consultants must sign
the plans to verify that their recommendations have been incorporated and that
the building location is approved.
Where on-site sewage disposal is necessary, the report must include an
evaluation and recommendation to assure that effluent will not surface, create
instability, or adversely affect adjacent property.
In-Grading Geology and Soils Reports
Sufficient geologic and soils inspections must be made by the consultant to
assure that all geologic conditions are as anticipated and that any geotechnical
remediation is completed per their recommendations. Periodic in-grading
inspection reports are generally required during project construction. If
unanticipated adverse conditions are encountered, the Building Official may
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require that the construction cease until the impact of the conditions can be
properly assessed.
Primary purposes of in-grading geotechnical reports are to inform Public Works
Geology and Soils Review Sections of: (1) grading status, (2) any unanticipated
geologic conditions encountered, (3) compliance with the consultants'
recommendations, and (4) any revised recommendations and/or corrective
measures. Adequate inspections must be made, particularly of canyon cleanouts and buttress and shear keys, prior to placement of fill, to verify geologic and
soils conditions and determine, with the geotechnical engineer, the need for
subdrains or removal of surficial or landslide materials.
If a design change is made during grading, the consultants should immediately
notify the geotechnical reviewers to determine if review of the revised design will
be required prior to its construction.
Final Geology and Soils Reports and Geologic Map
At the completion of rough grading and prior to geotechnical approval for the
issuing of a building permit, the geotechnical consultants are commonly required,
in accordance with the County Building Code, to submit final soils and geology
reports with a geologic map superimposed on the as-graded plan. Additionally,
one or more as-graded geologic cross sections may be required. The purposes
of final geology and soils reports are to present additional mapping performed
during grading (including buttress/stabilization fill back cuts, removal bottoms,
etc.), to obtain the consultants' specific approval of rough grading, to show and
discuss any change in geology which may have been encountered, to present
recommendations for proposed structures, and for on-site sewage disposal
where proposed. The geotechnical consultants must include in their final reports
a Section 111 statement and a statement that, to the best of their knowledge, the
work within their area of responsibility is in accordance with their reports and
applicable provisions of the County Building Code. The final geologic map must
be based on a map showing original topographic contours and post-site grading
(as-built) contours. This data will become a permanent record and can be used
to assess any future grading or construction, or to evaluate any problems should
they arise.
Final Reports should contain references to all existing reports applicable to the
grading. Those not previously submitted should accompany the Final Reports,
to expedite geologic approval of rough grading.
The final geologic map should, at a minimum, include the following:

The geology as exposed by the grading in natural slope areas in sufficient

detail to justify the geologist's conclusions that the site will be safe for the
intended use.

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The fill areas.

The location of all final geologic cross-sections, subdrains, springs or

seeps, shear key (fill) excavations, buttress fills, approved sewage
disposal area, special replacement fills, recommended "Restricted Use
Areas," geologic hazard setback lines, landslides removed and/or not
removed by grading, pertinent geology of the adjoining natural terrain,
exploratory excavations and borings not removed by grading, areas of
over-excavation and replacement, and sufficient geologic symbols to
clearly depict site geology.

Tract, parcel and lot numbers, and their boundaries corresponding to the
subdivision map.

The geologic data collected prior to and during grading.

The geologic data collected in back cut excavations.

If the Geology Review Section determines that the final geologic map is not
sufficiently detailed to substantiate site stability, verify that the site's intended use
will meet Code requirements, or departs from field observations of as-graded
conditions, geologic approval of the rough grading will be withheld until the map
is revised to reflect existing conditions.
"Restricted Use Area" Letter/Report
The "Restricted Use Area" (RUA) report is part of the geotechnical subdivision
recordation process. See GS063.0 and GS051.0 for specific details regarding
the requirements for this process.
All geologic hazards that may affect a proposed subdivision must be mitigated.
In some cases, if it can be demonstrated that the hazard will not affect buildable
areas, the consultants may recommend that the area affected by the hazard be
designated as a Restricted Use Area. Only unmitigated geologic hazards may
be designated as a Restricted Use Area and the application of this process is
subject to the approval of the geotechnical reviewers. RUAs are easements
dedicating to the County of Los Angeles the right to restrict building within those
areas.
Prior to recordation of a subdivision, a letter or report is required to be submitted
by the consulting engineering geologist and soils engineer that states whether or
not RUAs are recommended. If so, the RUA letter must provide a discussion of
the basis for its delineation, and include a geotechnical map that depicts the
boundaries of the RUA.

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Once established by the consultant and approved by the geotechnical reviewers,

the RUA must be labeled as "Restricted Use Area" on the recorded Final Map.
Report for Reconstruction (Damage Due to Geologic Hazard)
Unless otherwise allowed in the County of Los Angeles Building Code and Public
Works policies, geotechnical reports and remediation must meet current
requirements for new construction. Therefore, the applicant is encouraged to
contact the Building and Safety District Office (BSD) for guidance regarding
proposed repair of damages from ground failure, such as from landsliding or
earthquakes. The BSD may, at their discretion, refer the proposed work to the
Geotechnical and Materials Engineering Division for review.
Change of Consultants Letter
The GMED requires that a letter/report from both the prior and "new" engineering
geologist of record be submitted when a change in consultant occurs during the
process of review or during construction. If a change of consultants occurs
during project construction the construction must stop until the change has been
approved by the building official. Clarification and resolution of pertinent
discrepancies in professional opinions and data of in-progress construction or
grading will be required before approval.
Fault Investigation Reports
General Requirements
The following text is extracted from the 2002 County of Los Angeles Building
Code:
SECTION 113 -- EARTHQUAKE FAULTS
113.1 General. The construction of a building or structure near a known active
earthquake fault and regulated by this Code shall be permitted as set forth in this
Section.
113.2 Scope. The provisions of this Section shall apply only to permits for
buildings or structures on individual lots or parcels and are not intended to be
supplementary to geologic investigations required to qualify divisions of land as
set forth in Title 21 of the Los Angeles County Code, the Subdivision Code.
113.3 Definition. For the purpose of this Section, a geologist shall be a
registered geologist, licensed by the California State Board of Registration for
Geologists and Geophysicists to practice geology in California. [Effective
January 1, 2005, the title registered geologist is replaced by professional
geologist.]
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113.4 Known Active Earthquake Faults. For the purpose of this Section,
known active earthquake faults are those faults which have had displacement
within Holocene time (approximately the last 11,000 years) as defined in the
most current issue of Special Publication 42 of the California Division of Mines
and Geology [Name changed to California Geological Survey].
113.5 Construction Limitations. No building or structure shall be constructed
over or upon the trace of a known active earthquake fault which is shown on
maps maintained by the Building Official. These maps include, but are not limited
to, earthquake fault zone maps prepared under Sections 2622 and 2623 of the
California Resources Code.
The absence of a known active earthquake fault trace at the proposed building
location shall be determined by the Building Official or a geologist in the following
cases:
1.

When the proposed building is within 50 feet of that line designated by the
Building Official as the assumed location of a known active earthquake
fault on the aforementioned maps.

2.

When the proposed building is within 50 feet of the most probable ground
location of the trace of a known active earthquake fault shown on the
aforementioned maps.

In these cases when a geologist has not otherwise made such a determination,
the building official may require the excavation of a trench for the purpose of
determining the existence of an active earthquake fault. Such a trench will be
required if a lack of distinguishable fault features in the vicinity prevents the
building official from determining by a site examination, review of available aerial
photographs, or by other means that the fault trace does not underlie the
proposed building. The trench shall be approximately perpendicular to the most
probable direction of the fault trace, at least 1-1/2 feet wide, and at least 5 feet in
depth measured from natural grade, or to a depth satisfactory to the building
official. [All fault investigation excavations must extend through the Holocene
and into Pleistocene deposits in order to unequivocally eliminate the possibility of
Holocene fault activity.]
The trench must be accessible for mapping and inspection by the Building
Official, when requested, and meet the requirements of Title 8 of the California
Code of Regulations, Construction Safety Orders. The trench need not extend
further than the full width of the proposed structure plus 5 feet beyond the
traversed exterior walls. A known active earthquake fault shall be presumed
nonexistent if an exposure is not found by the Building Official or a geologist in
the walls or floor of the trench.

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The Building Official may require a more extensive investigation by a geologist

as evidence to the absence of a known active earthquake fault prior to the
issuance of a permit for Groups A, E, I, H and R, Division 1 Occupancies and B,
F, M and S Occupancies over one story in height.
The results of the investigation, conclusions and recommendations, shall be
presented in a geology report prepared by a registered geologist as defined by
Section 113.3. The report shall comply with the guidelines presented in Note 49
prepared by the California Department of Conservation, Geological Survey.
EXCEPTION: The provisions of this Subsection do not apply to:
1.

One-story, light-frame buildings not intended or used for human

occupancy and not exceeding 1,000 square feet in area or 12 feet in
height.

2.

Alterations or repairs to an existing building provided that the aggregate

value of such work within any 12-month period does not exceed 50
percent of the value of the existing building.

3.

Swimming pools, retaining walls, fences and minor work of a similar

nature.

113.6 Maps of Active Faults. The Department of Public Works shall maintain
maps available to the public showing the location of known active earthquake
faults. In the absence of additional information, the location of known active
earthquake faults shall be as shown on Earthquake fault zone maps as required
by Section 112.
113.7 Earthquake Fault Zones. Work within the earthquake fault zones
established under Sections 2622 and 2623 of the California Public Resources
Code shall comply with State laws, policies, criteria, rules and regulations
applicable to such work. Fees established by Chapter 7.5 of Division 2 of the
California Public Resources Code shall be collected and disbursed as required
by State law.
In addition to the State regulations, the provisions of this Section shall apply
when geologic investigations, mapping, aerial photographs, other acceptable
data or Earthquake Fault Zones Maps show the location of a known active
earthquake fault as defined by Section 113.4. (Ord. 95-0065 3 (part), 1995.)
Active Fault
The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones Act (Section 3601(a)) defines an
active fault as one which has had surface displacement within Holocene time
(about the last 11,000 years). This definition is followed in DMG Special
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10

Publication 42 (revised 1990), page 4 by: This definition does not, of course,
mean that faults having no evidence for surface displacement within Holocene
time are necessarily inactive. A fault may be presumed to be inactive based on
satisfactory geologic evidence; however, the evidence necessary to prove
inactivity sometimes is difficult to obtain and locally may not exist [emphasis
added].
Surface rupture of an active fault in a depositional environment could
subsequently be covered by additional material, and would, therefore, not
necessarily have ruptured the current ground surface, yet still have had activity in
Holocene time. Therefore, the County of Los Angeles considers a fault active if
it has displaced Holocene materials, and requires a fault investigation to
penetrate the Holocene-Pleistocene boundary. All fault investigation excavations
must extend through the Holocene and into pleistocene deposits in order to
unequivocally demonstrate the lack of Holocene fault activity. If appropriate data
cannot be provided, then the presence of an active fault trace within the area of
investigation must be assumed.
Fault Setback Requirements
The County of Los Angeles has not established a minimum setback from the
trace of an active fault. Section 113.5 of the County of Los Angeles Building
Code states that "no building or structure shall be constructed over or upon the
trace of a known active earthquake fault... ." The same Section states that a
geology investigation is required "when the proposed building is within 50 feet
of...the assumed location of a known active earthquake fault..." or "when the
proposed building is within 50 feet of...the most probable ground location of a
trace of a known active earthquake fault... ."
The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones Act of 1972 also does not establish a
minimum fault setback. Section 3603(a) of the Act states that "the area within 50
feet of such active faults shall be presumed to be underlain by active fault
branches of that fault unless proven otherwise.... The Act requires fault studies
for "projects" (defined as subdivisions of land, any commercial development, and
a development of four or more single family residences), but does not require a
fault study for a single-family wood frame dwelling (Section 2621.6).
The building setback from an active fault trace is recommended by the
consulting geologist investigating the property. Many geologists recommend a
50-foot fault setback; however, shorter setbacks have been recommended by
some consultants based on the data obtained during the fault investigation. In
most cases the consultant-recommended setbacks are approved by the County.

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Single-Family Residential Development

Fault investigations for a single family residential developments are governed by
the County of Los Angeles Building Code and are required whenever the
proposed building location may be underlain by the surface trace of an active
fault.
Section 113.5 of the Los Angeles County Building Code states that "no building
or structure shall be constructed over or upon the trace of a known active
earthquake fault... ." The same Section states that a geology investigation is
required "when the proposed building is within 50 feet of...the assumed location
of a known active earthquake fault..." or "when the proposed building is within 50
feet of...the most probable ground location of a trace of a known active
earthquake fault... ."
All available fault maps such as the State Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones
maps, CGS and USGS Open File Reports, various published and unpublished
fault maps, and consultants reports for nearby properties are used to make this
determination.
Commercial Development
Fault investigations for commercial developments are governed by the County of
Los Angeles Building Code AND the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones Act
(commercial development is defined as a project by the Alquist-Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zones Act). Therefore, a fault investigation for a commercial
development is required whenever the proposed building location may be
underlain by the surface trace of an active fault, and/or if the property, or a
portion of the property lies within the boundaries of an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake
Fault Zone.
The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones Act of 1972 requires fault studies for
structures for human occupancy... when they are located within zones of active
faulting as mapped by the State (Section 2621.6). The Act also states that "the
area within 50 feet of such active faults shall be presumed to be underlain by
active fault branches of that fault unless proven otherwise..." (Section 3603(a)).
Additionally, Section 113.5 of the Los Angeles County Building Code states that
"no building or structure shall be constructed over or upon the trace of a known
active earthquake fault... ." The same Section states that a geology investigation
is required "when the proposed building is within 50 feet of...the assumed
location of a known active earthquake fault..." or "when the proposed building is
within 50 feet of...the most probable ground location of a trace of a known active
earthquake fault... ."

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Subdivision Development
A fault investigation for a tentative subdivision of land is required whenever the
property, or a portion of the property to be subdivided lies within the boundaries
of an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone, or if the property, or a portion of the
property may be underlain by a fault that, based on available information, is
considered active by the County.
The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones Act of 1972 requires fault studies for
subdivisions of land within zones of active faulting as mapped by the State
(Section 2621.6). The Act also states that "the area within 50 feet of such active
faults shall be presumed to be underlain by active fault branches of that fault
unless proven otherwise..." (Section 3603(a)). Additionally, Special Publication
42 states on page 6 that Zone boundaries on early maps were positioned about
660 feet (200 meters) away from the fault traces to accommodate imprecise
locations of the faults and possible existence of active branches. The policy
since 1977 is to position the SSZ [now known as EFZ] boundary about 500 feet
away from major active faults and about 200 to 300 feet away from well-defined,
minor faults. The County of Los Angeles interprets these statements to imply
that an active fault trace may be present anywhere within the boundary of the
APEFZ, and therefore, all areas within the project site must be investigated per
the requirements of the Act. In some cases, the County may allow areas of
potential faulting to be designated as Restricted Use Areas in lieu of
investigation.
Seismic Hazard Evaluation Reports
General Requirements
See G045.0 - Ground failure / Liquefaction in the Appendix.
Single-Family Residential Development
Public Resources Code Sections 2621.6 and 2693 exempt single-family
dwellings from the requirements of the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act.
Commercial Development
Proposed commercial structures must comply with the requirements of the
Seismic Hazards Mapping Act. However, Section 2693(d)(2) of the Public
Resources Code states that a Project does not include alterations or additions
to any structure within a seismic hazard zone that do not exceed either 50
percent of the value of the structure or 50 percent of the existing floor area of the
structure.

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Subdivision Development
All areas within proposed tentative subdivision maps and all subdivision grading
plans must comply with the requirements of the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act.
REPORT CONTENTS
Some of the information presented in this section is repeated from General
Guidelines.
General Information
Except for the above-discussed "In-Grading Reports," and "Restricted Use Area
Reports," all geologic reports shall contain the following items and statements:

A title page that includes all available property identifiers such as site
address, tract or parcel map and lot number, APN, and the plan check
number (most or all of this information is indicated on the Geologic
Review Sheet after the first review).

Location and size of the area being investigated, and its general setting
with respect to major geographic and/or geologic features.

Topography and discussion of drainage, runoff, rainfall, and vegetation as

pertinent to development and site stability.

A description of earth materials within the subject area and an indication

of their competency.

Information regarding the nature and source of available subsurface data.

Name of the geologist(s) responsible for the field mapping upon which the
report is based, and the dates the mapping was performed.

Manual, original wet signature by a State-certified engineering geologist.

on all reports submitted for review.

A citation list of all references and aerial photographs cited and/or

reviewed. Note: references should be applicable to the property in
question. For example, citing Zoback & Zoback State of stress in the
conterminous United States is not considered useful for the seismicity
section of a development project in the Los Angeles area.

County Building Code Section 111 Statement.

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Geologic map based on the development plan and depicting existing and
proposed topography (if grading plan) and description of earth materials
from field surface mapping and subsurface exploration.

Surficial Uncemented Earth Materials

Define and map areas of surficial materials present relative to development,
including distribution, thickness, and stability (with evaluation by a soils
engineer). See GS047.0 for additional detailed guidelines for proposed building
along the toe of natural slopes.
Geologic Structure
Map and identify daylighted or unsupported discontinuities such as bedding,
schistosity, joints, faults, slide planes, etc. When daylighting is encountered,
provide orientation on cross sections and define pertinent engineering geology
characteristics for stability consideration by the soils engineer.
Geologic Map, Cross Sections, and Data
The engineering geologist should map the geologic formations and other
mapable earth materials, geologic structures, and surficial features in detail, in
accordance with professional practice. The map and cross sections should
present all relevant geologic features needed for a complete and accurate
evaluation of the feasibility and design of the project, so that site geology can be
objectively reviewed.
A detailed geologic map is an essential part of all geologic reports, such that all
data pertinent to site analysis and stability is shown. A regional geologic map is
commonly necessary for the typical hillside development as geology of adjacent
properties must be considered for a thorough evaluation of on-site stability.
Existing maps prepared by other qualified engineering geologists may be
adequate if acceptable to the engineering geologist in responsible charge, and to
the reviewing geologist.
All geologic maps must use as their base the most recent legible development
plan and topography. Information shown on the base map must be at an
appropriate scale sufficiently large to clearly show geologic features for reviewing
proposed development. The scale for a grading plan should be no smaller than
1=40, and for a subdivision map no smaller than 1=100. Terminology,
nomenclature, symbols, lithologic descriptions, formation names, etc., used on
the maps, cross sections, legends, etc., should conform to the USGS or CGS.
Cross sections are generally necessary to depict geologic conditions, and must
be at true scale (horizontal=vertical). The consultant engineering geologist is
responsible for providing the necessary geologic profiles in the report in sufficient
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detail that the stability of the site can be determined. The plotting of true and
apparent dips of bedding and other discontinuities, such as joints, faults, etc., is
required on the geologic cross sections to substantiate interpretations.
Data and features to be shown on the geologic map are to include, but not be
limited to, geologic structure and distribution of bedrock and surficial materials.
The geologic structure must be supported by data to establish a clear statistical
trend or lack thereof.
Evaluation of Potentially Adverse Geologic Conditions
If not already included in other sections of the geologic report, the following
should be addressed by the consultant:

Potential daylighted or unsupported bedding/discontinuities in cut and

natural slopes or underlying fill areas.

Evidence and cause of subsidence or settlement (such as observed

fissures, cracks in structures, drainage offsets, or evidence from historic
records and surveys).

Potential for debris flows on natural slopes (e.g., colluvial-filled swales,

colluvial aprons, talus, debris flow deposits, etc.).

Active faults and their effects upon the proposed development relative to
County of Los Angeles Building Code. Sites in zones of Alquist-Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zoning Act maps must be acknowledged and must
comply with Act requirements and guidelines; see CGS Special
Publication 42 and Note 49 for specific details.

Hydrogeologic conditions and characteristics relative to stability,

particularly relative to existing landslides and potential liquefaction areas.

Seismic shaking related to potential ground failure, such as landslides,

liquefaction, etc. Sites located within Seismic Hazards Mapping Act zones
must be acknowledged and must comply with Act requirements and
guidelines; see DMG Special Publication 117 and G 045.0 for specific
details.

Potential presence of earth materials subject to hydroconsolidation or

consolidation, or that may be contaminated with hazardous materials or
fluid.

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Subsurface Exploration
NOTE:

County reviewers will refer to published geologic maps and reports on file
for the subject and adjacent properties during review of the project. This
information may aid in limiting or guiding subsurface work, so it is strongly
suggested that consultants review the same information prior to initiating
their subsurface investigation. If published information indicates the
property is within, or may be affected by a mapped landslide, the
consultants must review, reference, and acknowledge that information,
depict the mapped landslide boundaries on their geologic map, and
provide subsurface data that confirms or denies the existence of the
landslide. If reports submitted for a project indicate conditions that differ
from those presented in reports on file, the consultants will be required to
review, reference, and acknowledge that work and provide subsurface
data to substantiate their conclusions.

Subsurface exploration with detailed graphic and descriptive logs is one of the
most important and necessary aspects of any engineering geology investigation.
They are needed to show and substantiate professional opinions, conclusions,
and remediation proposed. The nature of a geologists work is visual, and that is
also true of the geologist reviewing the report. The preparation and presentation
of clear and accurate graphic logs of the observed subsurface data significantly
reduces the time required to review the report, and often minimizes or eliminates
review comments based on the written description (which, depending on the
thoroughness of the description, may appear more as opinion than fact).
Detailed logs and graphic depictions should illustrate and describe conditions in
exploratory borings or excavations, including physical properties, discontinuities,
etc.
Subsurface exploration and testing requires coordination with the soils engineer
where geotechnical engineering evaluation and analyses are warranted or
required.
Subsurface exploration for the investigation of a proposed subdivision should be
sufficient to preclude design changes after the tentative map has been approved.
If adverse geologic conditions requiring a design modification are discovered
during the investigation for the grading plan review, the approved tentative map
will have to be revised and resubmitted through Regional Planning and possibly
require another public hearing. Additional subsurface data will be required by
the geotechnical reviewers in areas where a potential design change may be
necessary. This will generally occur along the perimeter of the project where the
proposed grading is adjacent to natural terrain such as at the base of natural
slopes and swales (will a debris basin be required resulting in the loss of one or
more lots?).

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The following are some conditions or circumstances warranting subsurface

exploration:
Landslide areas: (1) to define the depth and areal extent of the landslide deposit
and affected area; (2) to identify slide planes or zones of deformation, and
materials for geotechnical engineering testing and analysis; (3) to define threedimensional geometry and hydrogeology (piezometers may be required)
necessary for analysis and/or design of remediation); and (4) to check geology
peripheral to and beneath the landslide for potential enlargement and the
consequent need for additional remediation.
Areas of suspected landsliding and/or anomalous topography: to determine the
origin of the land form and if any present or future hazard exists.
Areas which: (1) do not contain sufficient natural exposures to establish a clear,
reliable, geologic structural picture, or (2) contain unreliable natural exposures
(e.g., exposures affected by creep).
Proposed fill areas for slopes exceeding 20 feet in height, unless data gathered
in the immediate vicinity permits an assessment of stability.
Proposed cut slopes exceeding 50 feet in height (required exploration at least 10
feet below the elevation of the toe of the cut, or equivalent data, to determine
geologic conditions affecting slope stability). If fills are proposed above the cut,
the total height of the slope includes the fill portion.
Areas shown on tentative subdivision maps as ungraded lots (left in a natural
state), unless data gathered in the immediate vicinity permits an acceptable
assessment of site stability and a safe buildable site.
To substantiate remediation design.
To identify and investigate active and potentially active faults identified on site
and as required in the State Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones Act, County
of Los Angeles Building Code, and the Los Angeles County Safety Element.
To substantiate mathematical models used for slope stability and landslide
analyses.
To investigate potential liquefiable areas (minimum 50 feet depth of exploration
is required) and to explore geomorphic/depositional areas susceptible to the
presence of collapsing soils.

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Landslides
The investigation of a landslide should: (1) consider proposed development and
remediation; (2) determine geometry and mechanics of movement; (3) evaluate
groundwater/hydrogeologic conditions past and present, and estimate effects of
change in land use; (4) provide slope stability analyses and earth material testing
by a soils engineer; and (5) include specifically observed slide plane data,
geologic mapping, and study of stereo pairs of aerial photographs.
The interpretation of three-dimensional geometry, groundwater conditions, and
material strengths of landslides (for stability analyses by the soils engineer),
must be based on subsurface exploration data. Although "worse case"
scenarios may be useful where information is scarce, data are necessary for
landslide parameters for approval of plans for development and remediation.
Generally, a minimum of three points/borings are necessary to define a planar
failure, and more are needed for arcuate or other complex landslide geometries
and large planar type landslides.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The consultant should verify that:
All report conclusions are based on the most logical interpretation of the data
presented in the report. Consider that simple interpretations may be more
accurate than complex ones.
Geologic recommendations specify remediation methods that are commensurate
with the reliability of the data presented.
Possible or required corrective measures are clearly depicted on the geologic
map, subsequently incorporated into the development plans, and approved by
the consultant geologist.
In general, the conclusions and recommendations consider the effects of the
proposed development upon future geologic processes as well as the effects of
geologic features and processes upon the proposed grading, construction, or
land use.
Geotechnical conditions and remediation have been cooperatively determined
between the geologist and soils engineer where geotechnical engineering testing
and stability analyses are appropriate.
Governmental regulations and policies have been met:
Compliance with County codes is required, including, but not limited to the
following:
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Los Angeles County Subdivision Code Title 21 (see GS 015.0 for

specifics).

County of Los Angeles Building Code Title 26: Chapter 1, Sections 110.2
(Geotechnical Hazards), 111 (Engineering Geology and Soils Engineering
Reports), 112 (Earthquake Fault Zone Maps), and 113 (Earthquake
Faults); and Appendix Chapter 33 (Excavation and Grading).

Compliance with State regulations and policies is also required including the
following:

Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act and applicable portions of

CGS Special Publication 42.

Seismic Hazard Mapping Act and Special Publication 117 as applicable

(see G 045.0 for details regarding review of reports on liquefaction).

Unequivocal findings are stated in all reports for building or grading plans that
the proposed and/or completed grading, site, and structure will be safe from the
hazards of "landslide, settlement, or slippage" and will not adversely affect
property outside of the developed area in accordance with County Building Code
Section 111.
The content of the engineering geology reports leads to conclusions that assure:

All grading and building areas will be safe and stable, including any
proposed off-site work.

The presence of a safe buildable site exists on each lot of a subdivision

where ungraded lots are proposed.

Remaining natural slopes have been assessed for stability, including the
potential for daylighted discontinuities and surficial failure.

Geologic conditions in proposed fill areas have been found to be

adequate to support surcharges, and the need for benching, keying and
removal of surficial materials and subdrains has been addressed.

Additional subsurface exploration warranted by a change in development

plans has been provided.

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Compton, Robert R., 1962, Manual of Field Geology, John Wiley & Sons, NY., 378 pp.,
ISBN: 0471166987. [Some prefer this edition over the later version, Geology in
the Field, published in 1985].
AEG Professional Practices Handbook, 3rd Edition (particularly chapters 2 and 6).
http://www.aegweb.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3785
The California Board for Geologists and Geophysicists
http://www.dca.ca.gov/geology/
The California Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
http://www.dca.ca.gov/pels/
The California Geological Survey
http://www.consrv.ca.gov/cgs/index.htm
Southern California Earthquake Center
http://www.scec.org/

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SOILS ENGINEERING REPORT PREPARATION GUIDELINES

INTRODUCTION
Provided below are the guidelines for preparation of a soils engineering report.
Identified geologic hazards must be analyzed and remedial measures recommended.
This includes special grading or establishing restricted use areas on subdivision maps
or non-buildable areas on single lot developments. The procedures for establishing
restricted use areas are described on page 25 of this Chapter. The following are
minimum standards for the preparation of soils engineering reports for compliance with
government regulations.
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR PREPARATION OF SOILS ENGINEERING REPORTS
It is the responsibility of the Soils Engineer in responsible charge to review the
project and determine what items must be covered in the preparation of a soils
engineering report. The report must demonstrate that life or limb, property, and
public welfare will be safeguarded in accordance with the provisions of the
current edition of Los Angeles County Building Code. The County has
established a Building Code, minimum standards, and policies that must be
followed. Provision of the Building Code Section 110.2 requires that the building
site will be free of geotechnical hazards such as landslide, settlement, or
slippage, and that the proposed work will not adversely affect off-site.
The Los Angeles County Building Code, Section 111 requires that specific
unequivocal findings must be stated in the report to show compliance with
Section 110.2 of the Los Angeles County Building Code.
A Section 111 statement is mandatory for all geotechnical reports except for
reports prepared for tentative subdivision and environmental impact reports for
which the 111 statement is optional. However, there must be sufficient
supporting information that demonstrates to the satisfaction of the County
Engineer that the sites will be developable and that a statement required by
Section 111 can be issued later.
The following are minimum standards/contents of a soils engineering report:
Age of the Report
The report must have been prepared within one year prior to submittal to the
Geotechnical Engineering Section for verification of compliance with the County
codes and policies. For soils reports older than one year prior to submittal, an
update report/letter will be required, as a minimum, to verify the validity and
applicability of the original report.

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Description of the Site and the Proposed Development

The report must contain the description of the site (e.g., location, size,
topography, etc.) to be developed and the description of the proposed
grading/building for the development.
Environmental Conditions and Culture
The report must describe the current site environment and the effect of the
development on the site. The past use of the area must also be noted. If the
site is suspected to have environmental concerns, a copy of permit, letter of nonobjection, processed application, etc., as applicable will be required from the
appropriate State agencies (e.g., Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal
Resources; Department of Toxic Substances Control; South Coast Air Quality
Management District; Regional Water Quality Control Board; etc).
Geology
The report shall provide a general geologic summary as it affects the project
development. If applicable, an engineering geology report should be referenced
at this time.
Subsurface Exploration/Conditions
The report shall describe the encountered materials during the subsurface
exploration. Reference shall be made to the boring logs, trenches, pits, and
other information.
The historical groundwater highs and lows must be included in the report. A
discussion as to the possible effect of groundwater on the project construction
shall be presented.
Laboratory Test Results and Substantiating Data
The report shall describe all laboratory testing conducted along with any other
substantiating data utilized in the engineering analyses. Reference shall be
made to all laboratory test results contained in the Appendix.
Engineering Analyses
The report shall describe and address all engineering analyses conducted,
including slope stability analyses, liquefaction analyses, settlement analyses, etc.
Supporting analyses, calculations, computer printouts, diagrams, etc. shall be
contained in the Appendix, as necessary.

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Conclusions and Recommendations

The report shall clearly state all conclusions and recommendations by the soils
engineer. All mitigation measures must have supporting engineering analyses,
and figures and diagrams as necessary.
County of Los Angeles Building Code Section 111 Statement
The soils engineer of record must provide a statement in compliance with
Section 111 of the County of Los Angeles Building Code. The statement must
clearly make a finding regarding the proposed building / grading construction
against hazard from future landsliding, settlement, or slippage and a finding
regarding the effect of the proposed building / grading construction will have on
the stability of property outside of the building site. The finding must be
substantiated by appropriate data and analyses.
Geotechnical Map
Showing location of subsurface exploration, geology of the site, lot lines, existing
and proposed grades, locations of sewage disposal systems, existing and
recommended remedial measures, and recommended restricted use area(s).
SUBSURFACE EXPLORATION AND LABORATORY TESTING
All subsurface exploration programs must first consider the need for geological
information. If geological exploration is required, the subsurface exploration
program must be coordinated and both the engineering geologist and soils
engineer must agree as to the extent of the program. If geological information is
not required, the soils engineer must determine the exploration needed to
determine that the development will be safe in accordance with the State,
County, and other pertinent Codes. The soils engineer must be in responsible
charge of the work.
Sufficient laboratory test results must be provided to substantiate all findings,
analyses, and recommendations.
SOILS ENGINEERING REPORT ORGANIZATION
A complete soils engineering report is required to ensure that all soils
engineering factors affecting site stability have been considered, including
temporary conditions during construction. The soils engineering report must
contain recommendations with the supporting data, analyses, and calculations,
including all references used.
The report, along with all field and laboratory information, shall be submitted on
bound 8-by-11-inch sheets and shall be presented in such a manner that future
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reproduction can be made. Plans and maps greater than 8 by 11 inches shall
be folded to this size and presented in such a manner that future reproduction
can be made.
The soils engineering report shall be signed by a registered civil engineer
competent in the filed of soils engineering and stamped with the civil engineers
registration seal including the expiration date of the civil engineers license.
TYPES OF SOILS ENGINEERING REPORTS
Environmental Impact Documents
From a geotechnical standpoint, the purpose of an Environmental Impact
Document is to identify the possible adverse geotechnical impacts on the
environment and in analyzing the proposed mitigation measures. The report
shall contain the following items as a minimum:

Soil descriptions and behavior.

Current and future slope stability and soil erosion problems.

Settlement/heave potential affecting the proposed development (i.e.,

hydroconsolidation/expansive soils, etc.).

Subsurface water conditions and water infiltration potential.

Location of subject site on the State of California Seismic Hazard Zone

Maps to determine if the project is located within mapped potentially
liquefiable areas or seismic induced landslide areas.

Geotechnical Site Inspection Report

Soils engineering requirements for preparation of a geotechnical site
inspection report are basically the same as those required for a grading
and/or building plan report.
Tentative Subdivision Report
The purpose of a tentative subdivision map and the accompanying reports is to
demonstrate that the site is physically suitable for the proposed type of
development. Therefore, the geotechnical consultants must present sufficient
information to establish that the site will be safe for the intended use and that all
existing and potential geotechnical hazards will be mitigated. This includes
demonstrating satisfactorily that the mitigation measures are feasible for the
proposed development, including building pads, utility corridors, and access.

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Both the grading plan and road plans have soils engineering requirements. The
division of responsibility between the grading plan and the road section of a
street to be dedicated to the County is three feet below the road surface. Once
the Tentative Subdivision Map is accepted, there will be conditions of Tentative
Map Approval issued. All development must conform to these conditions.
Digital Submittal Ordinance
Sections 21.40.040 and 21.40.080 of the Los Angeles County Subdivision Code
have been amended to require geology and soils engineering reports prepared
for new tentative maps submitted through Regional Planning on or after
September 10, 2005 to be submitted in digital format. Each report must be
submitted on compact disk in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) with
searchable text and include all maps, tables, figures, cross sections, etc.
associated with the report. One (1) hard copy of each report must also be
submitted with the digital copy.
Geotechnical Hazards
Landslides exhibiting factors of safety below the minimum County standard along
with their possible affected areas are considered geotechnical hazard and may
not be subdivided. Lot lines must be located such that the landslide or hazard is
located entirely within one lot. The hazard must not pose a threat to any building
areas on the lot containing the hazard or to the adjacent lots. Each lot must
have a site suitable for development as determined by Public Works.
Where an existing landslide or other geotechnical hazard affects an adjacent lot
in the same subdivision, it must be removed, stabilized, or otherwise mitigated
(see GS 086.0).
Where an existing landslide or geotechnical hazard affects off-site property
(outside of the subdivision), but the existing conditions will not be changed,
worsened, or otherwise affected by the proposed development, and the hazard
does not affect on-site or off-site building areas, the hazard does not have to be
mitigated. When it can be demonstrated that the proposed development will not
increase the potential for failure, mitigation measures will not be required.
Slopes exhibiting factors of safety below the minimum County standards and
areas with unsuitable/compressible/collapsible soils greater than five feet in
depth are considered geotechnical hazards.
Restricted Use Area
An unmitigated geotechnical hazard, and any affected surrounding area within
the proposed subdivision, must be designated as Restricted Use Area by the

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geotechnical consultants. Restricted Use Areas must be shown on the

geotechnical map and the final Subdivision map.
A letter must be submitted by the consulting engineering geologist and/or soils
engineer identifying any areas to be designated as Restricted Use Areas.
Any development within a Restricted Use Area will require a soils engineering
report that demonstrates to the satisfaction of Public Works that the
development will be safe for the intended use and will not adversely affect
adjacent property. Restricted Use Areas can be modified on the recorded
subdivision map if it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of Public Works that
the area removed from the Restricted Use Area meets the requirements
described above.
Ungraded Site Lots
In cases when the developer/subdivider does not intend to physically provide a
buildable site free of geotechnical hazards within each lot, "Ungraded Site Lots"
may be approved if the geotechnical report(s) demonstrate, by appropriate data
and analysis, to the satisfaction of Public Works that, as a minimum:

A buildable site can be developed in the future. Mitigation measures to

create a buildable site must be recommended and supported by
appropriate data and analysis.

Access to the lots on stable material for vehicles and utilities must be
provided by the developer. Stable material is defined for these purposes
as material not subject to landslide, slippage, or settlement.

All public right-of-ways and easements will be on stable material at the

time of final map recordation.

A note must be placed on the final map stating that soils engineering report(s)
detailing development requirements are available for review both in B&S Division
of Public Works and the Office of the County Recorder.
Remainder Parcel
A Remainder Parcel is that portion of the subdivision that will not be part of the
new subdivision. A Remainder Parcel may be approved if the soils engineering
report(s) demonstrates by appropriate data and analysis to the satisfaction of
Public Works that, as a minimum:

Remainder Parcel may be subdivided into two or more parcels with a

buildable site free of existing or potential geotechnical hazards on each
parcel.

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Access free of geotechnical hazards may be provided to each lot.

A note must be placed on the Final Map referencing the geotechnical report(s),
detailing development requirements.
Geotechnical Map
Grading shown on the geotechnical map must conform to the grading shown on
the tentative map/Exhibit "A".
Chemical Test Results
Chemical test results (sulfate, chloride, resistivity, etc.) for the on-site soils must
address the presence of chemicals deleterious to concrete and ferrous materials.
The tests must be in accordance with California Test Methods, Department of
Transportation, or equivalent (aqueous solution tests, such as EPA Tests or
similar methods are not acceptable for determination of resistivity). Resistivity
tests must be performed on soils samples in a saturated condition.
Grading Plan Report
The soils engineering report addressing the proposed grading must contain
information regarding geological hazards outlined in the geology portion of this
manual. The consultant soils engineer must analyze these hazards utilizing
geology data, boring log information, topographic maps, and laboratory test data.
This analysis must be in sufficient detail to demonstrate that the proposed
grading will not create or be affected by any hazards both on-site and off-site.
A soils engineering report prepared for a grading plan must also include the
following geotechnical data/items, when applicable, as a minimum:
Geotechnical Map

Minimum scale: 1"=40'

Existing and proposed grades.

Location of all subsurface exploration.

Location of all cut and fill slopes and corresponding dimensions.

Location of all cross sections presented in the report.

Location and size of all recommended remedial measures, such as

buttress fill, stability fill, soldier piles, etc.

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Layout of the proposed subdrainage system.

Limits and depths of the loose or unsuitable soils including landslide

debris to be removed, replaced, or recompacted.

Location of any proposed Restricted Use Area and the limits of any
landslides, loose natural materials, unsuitable fills, etc., remaining in
place.

Special foundation and grading requirements such as corrective

measures for soils subject to hydroconsolidation, liquefaction, etc.

Private sewage disposal system(s).

Geotechnical Descriptions

Geotechnical description of soil and/or rock encountered in the proposed cut

slope and/or expected to be used in the proposed fill. Soil description shall
include as a minimum, engineering classification with dry density, moisture
content, and stiffness. Standard Penetration Test values shall be also included
when appropriate. Rock description shall include, but not be limited to: geologic
assessment of hardness, degree of weathering, strata thickness, clay surfaces,
and oriented planar discontinuities such as strike and dip of bedding, joint
spacing, joint thickness, fracture, and fault surfaces.
Groundwater Conditions
The historic high water table shall be used in all analyses, unless information is
provided which justifies the use of a higher or lower water table.
Water Infiltration Recommendations
Recommendations regarding (1) provisions for reducing water infiltration into fill
slopes from the surface and from adjacent natural in-place materials, and (2) a
subdrainage system to convey any excess free draining water from fill slopes
without causing any damage.
Description of Laboratory Tests
Description of laboratory tests performed with summary of laboratory test results.
Both the moisture and drainage conditions during any shear strength tests shall
be clearly defined.

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Slope Stability Analyses

Site stability/slope stability analyses. Slope stability analysis must be
accompanied by a summary of the results of field exploration and laboratory
investigation.
Geotechnical Cross Sections
Geotechnical cross section utilized in the slope stability analyses including plan
locations of cross sections. All cross sections utilized in slope stability analyses
must: 1) be drawn to an undistorted scale, minimum 1=40; 2) show the location
of all the geologic features, including bedding plans, fractures, material types,
etc.; 3) show the critical potential failure planes; 4) indicate the various shear
strength parameters in the appropriate failure plane segments; and 5) show all
recommended buttress, stability fill, or shear key dimensions.
Collapsible Soils

[to be added at some future time]

Unsuitable Soils

[to be added at some future time]

Liquefaction Potential (and associated hazards)

Subdrains

Cross-section showing the size of the subdrain pipe, perforation, filter and
drain material locations, and all necessary dimensions.

The filter and drain material gradations and associated geofabrics.

Environmental Concerns

[to be added at some future time]

Chemical Testing
The soils engineering report for the proposed grading must justify the design with
physical data, and engineering analyses including calculations, and
recommendations. If the grading plan is part of a subdivision development, the
soils engineering report(s) must meet all the conditions required for tentative
map approval.
If the grading plan is for a single lot development, the geotechnical report(s) must
demonstrate that the proposed development including all structures, utility rightof-way, and driveways will be located on stable material, and that the
development will be safe for the intended use and will not adversely affect offsite property.

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The soils engineering report for the grading plan and the building plan may be
combined.
Building Plan Report
The soils engineering report for a building plan must include all items required for
grading plan report. Appropriate data and analyses must be provided to
substantiate that the development complies with Section 110 of the Los Angeles
County Building Code, including site stability analyses with relevant cross
sections and data as discussed in the previous grading plan report section.
The soils engineering report prepared for a building plan, in addition to the
above, must also contain the following as a minimum:

Foundation and retaining wall design recommendations.

A determination as to the anticipated total and differential settlement and

mitigating measures required to protect the structures.

Analyses of the corrosive properties of the soil.

Justification for foundation setbacks from top and bottom of slopes if less
than minimum County Code requirements.

Potential for subterranean gases.

Private sewage disposal systems.

If the building plan is part of a subdivision development, the conditions set forth
in the approved soils engineering report(s) for the subdivision must also be met.
If the building plan is for a single lot development, the soils engineering report(s)
must demonstrate that the proposed development, including all structures, utility
rights-of-way, and driveways, will be located on stable material, and that the
development will be safe for the intended use and will not adversely affect offsite property.
In-Grading Soils Engineering Report
An in-grading soils engineering report must be prepared and submitted monthly
or at intervals required by the soils engineering review sheet approving the
project. This report must be coordinated with the in-grading geology report. The
in-grading soils engineering report must contain the following information, as a
minimum:

Actual limits and depths of removal and recompaction of unsuitable soils.

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Any changed conditions requiring design revisions.

Analyses demonstrating that, based on any changed design, the site will
be safe for the intended use and will be in conformance with State and
County Code and Policies.

Location of settlement monitoring monuments.

Verification that all conditions of approval of the approved plans are

complied with.

Revised calculations if soil parameters/as graded topography do not

conform to the design requirements.

Rough Grading Soils Engineering Report

A rough grading soils engineering report must be prepared and submitted at the
completion of rough grading for the site. This report must be coordinated with
the rough grading geology report. The rough grading engineering soils report
must contain the following information, as a minimum:

An as-graded plan showing original and final topographic contour lines.

Fill compaction and shear test data.

Locations of the compaction and shear test data plotted on an as-graded

map.

Verification by the soils engineer that the fill material shear parameters
met or exceeded design values utilized in the soils report.

Chemical test results.

A statement regarding the amount of anticipated total and differential

settlement. Also, settlement calculations and settlement monitoring data
may be required.

All pertinent soils engineering recommendations/mitigation measures.

Section 111 statement addressing all completed work.

Foundation and retaining wall recommendations.

All items required for the in-grading soils report.

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Infrastructure Report
Infrastructures that will become property of the County must meet the
requirements as presented in Public Works design manuals and
Standard Specifications and must conform to the provisions of Section 110 of
the County Building Code. Public Works adopts the latest Standard
Specifications for Public Works Construction and its corresponding Additions and
Amendments to the Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction. The
following are common infrastructures:

Storm Drain

Following are the various types of facilities addressed in a storm drain report:

Closed conduit/open channel

Required Information

The soils engineering report as a minimum must address the following along the
alignment of the drain:

The relative compaction, type and extent of material that may be

encountered.

Excavation problems requiring special equipment and procedures,

including blasting.

Location and extent of overexcavation of unsuitable support materials.

Location, nature, extent and hardness of rock.

Slope stability analyses (gross, seismic, surficial, and surface erosion) of

all cut, fill, and natural slopes whose stability may affect the drain.

The suitability of excavated materials (including bedrock) for use as fill,

backfill, or bedding.

The engineering properties of the soils and loads required to design

excavation shoring systems.

The suitability of imported and on-site soils for use as fill, backfill, and
bedding.

The groundwater conditions and potential adverse affects such as

settlement on adjacent structures due to dewatering operations. This

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should be accompanied by anticipated areas of influence based on

supporting data.

The presence of substances in groundwater or in the native soils

deleterious to concrete, steel, or other construction materials.

Location of and mitigation recommendations for all cut/fill transition areas.

Design recommendations for all applicable downdrag loads.

Pavement Structure Requirements.

Effect on the structure of existing or anticipated loads due to future fill

placement or foundation loads placed on existing grade. This includes
structural loads, overall settlement, and differential settlement.

Section 111 statement.

Specific and detailed recommendations with supporting data shall be presented

as described elsewhere in this Chapter. Additional specific problems involving
the construction of the drain shall be noted such as the handling of organic
materials, peat, diatomaceous soils, water control during construction, jacking or
tunneling, trash dumps, special foundations such as piles, etc.
Spacing, Location, and Depths of Exploratory Borings
Exploratory borings, pits, or trenches shall be identified with an individual
numbering sequence increasing upstream with each line of the project having its
own sequence numbers. This may be waived if borings that are part of a
subdivision grading report are utilized in the design of the storm drain.
Exploration holes shall be spaced at intervals not to exceed 300 feet. The intent
of this spacing is that no part of the storm drain project shall be more than
150 feet from a boring. This spacing does not apply to tunnel or jacking
construction. For these types of construction, spacing will be determined by the
Geotechnical Engineering Section upon consultation with the geotechnical
consultants on an individual project basis.
One boring shall be located at the downstream end of a project line or at its
confluence with another line of the project. The interval between exploratory
holes shall be reduced as necessary so as to:

Locate these holes in areas in which topography or other evidence

indicates a probability of soil conditions differing from those of surrounding
areas,

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Locate borings adjacent to existing structures where special construction

measures may be necessary, or

Locate borings in areas where future fill will be placed or bedrock is

encountered.

For a line less than 300 feet in length (except when a project's outlet is on the
beach, lake, channel, swamp, etc.) only one boring will be required if, in the
opinion of the consultant soils engineer, this boring will furnish sufficient design
information. The one boring should be placed approximately equidistant from
upstream and downstream ends of the line.
A boring shall be placed in each sump or depression along the alignment of the
project.
When a project does not outlet into an improved channel, a boring shall be
located at both the downstream and upstream ends of the project reach within
the beach, reservoir, and/or stream area. In order to portray actual subsurface
conditions, one or more additional borings will be required to the satisfaction of
the Geotechnical Engineering Section between these two borings if strata
continuity between the borings cannot be determined. In addition, the maximum
and minimum profiles of any submerged area must be considered in the design.
In order that the stability of the storm drain foundation may be determined,
borings shall be drilled to the following depths:

Where no groundwater is encountered, borings shall be carried to a depth

of at least five feet below the proposed storm drain invert.

Where groundwater is encountered in the vicinity of the subgrade, or

above, borings shall be carried to a depth of ten feet or twice the structure
width, whichever is greater, below the proposed storm drain invert.

If unsuitable material for support of the drain is encountered near the

subgrade, test holes shall be carried through to the bottom of the
unsuitable material.

Where the construction will involve structural foundations such as footings

or piles, the borings shall be carried sufficiently below the footing
subgrade or pile tip elevation to furnish bearing capacity and settlement
information for proper design of the foundation.

In areas where fill is to be placed, the borings shall be continued a

sufficient depth below invert to allow determination of probable settlement.

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In the event that a project is redesigned subsequent to the soil

consultant's report so that the subgrade is lowered or the alignment is
changed, additional borings shall be drilled as necessary to conform to the
above requirements for those portions of the alignments that have been
redesigned.
Debris Basins

Slope stability analyses will be required assuming a rapid drawdown condition,

for debris basins with slopes steeper than 3:1 gradient and designed with outlet
structures. The minimum factor of safety for rapid drawdown condition shall be
1.50. Slope stability analysis may be required for debris basins with slopes
flatter than 3:1 gradient.
Piping analysis will be required for all debris basins which meet any one of the
following criteria:

Slope gradients steeper then 3:1.

Slope height greater than 12 feet.

Berm width less than 20 feet.

Mitigation measures must be recommended if the factor of safety against piping

is less than 1.50.
Debris basins must be sized to accommodate 100 percent of the anticipated
debris volume from geologic hazards. Volume calculations for the anticipated
debris and the available containment area must be provided.
Soils Engineers must also recommend procedures for removing debris in a safe
manner and must work in conjunction with civil engineers performing the design
tasks.
Detention Basins
Soils Engineers must provide the requirement above and are responsible for
making recommendations regarding the effect of erosion on the side of the basin
and determining the effect of the ponded water infiltrating from the basin.
Retention Basins
Soils Engineers must provide the above requirements, along with determination
that the infiltration rate will meet County design standards. Substantiating
percolation data must be provided.

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Bridge Foundations
A bridge foundation report requires the following soils engineering considerations
as a minimum:

Design criteria for the pier and the abutment foundations.

Abutment fill specifications.

Foundation design and wall pressures for the wing walls.

To achieve the most economical and efficient design, the Soils Engineer must
coordinate his work with: 1) the engineering geologist regarding geologic
conditions; 2) the hydraulic engineer regarding the amount of potential scour
around the foundations; and 3) the bridge structural engineer regarding the
design requirements that must be met.
Dams
Soils Engineers are responsible for determining that the subsurface materials will
support the proposed dam structure and that seepage through, around, and
beneath the dam will not prevent the dam from performing as intended. Also,
they are responsible for the stability of earth and rock fill embankments.
Road Grading
Soils engineers are responsible for establishing the stability of all proposed cut
and fill slopes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF REQUIRED DATA/ANALYSES AND SOILS
ENGINEERING STANDARDS
Laboratory Test Requirements
The following items represent the minimum soils engineering data that must be
presented in all soils engineering reports, when applicable:
Shear Parameters
Shear parameters obtained through laboratory testing are the maximum values
allowed in most analyses discussed in this Manual. For all analyses based on
long-term static loading, the test result must be based on complete undisturbed
sample saturation, and residual shear strength values must be used. Residual
values are defined as the strength parameters at the end of the stress-strain
curve when it levels out (see diagram below). For all analyses based on seismic

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loading, the test result must be based on complete undisturbed sample

saturation, and peak values may be used.

Shear parameters obtained through laboratory testing may not always be

acceptable for landslide gouge or bedding plane material due to the difficulty in
obtaining undisturbed samples. Shear values assigned to these materials may
have to be based on past or current reverse slope stability analyses of active
landslides in similar materials. Shear values for these materials obtained
through residual reshear testing (i.e., multiple shears on the same sample which
yield lowest values) can only serve as an indicator of strength loss and are not
necessarily indicative of actual values. The assigned shear values must be
justified with laboratory test data, geologic descriptions, and past performance of
similar materials. The stress-strain graphs must be submitted to justify all
residual shear strengths to be used, in addition to the graphs of the failure
envelope.
MoistureDensity Data
Dry unit weight and corresponding moisture content of each type of material
encountered.
Consolidation or Compression Tests
Consolidation or compression test results to determine settlement behavior of a
soil. This also includes hydroconsolidation. The sample must initially be
compressed at its field moisture content. Water is added to saturate the sample

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at a point where the anticipated future load is reached. The test continues under
saturated conditions.
Expansion Index Test
Expansion Index Test shall conform to the requirements of the current edition of
the Los Angeles County Building Code.
Compaction Test
Compaction test results to determine maximum dry density, optimum moisture
content, and relative compaction of various materials. Maximum Dry Density
tests must be conducted in accordance with ASTM Test Method D1557.
Sand Equivalent Test
Sand equivalent test results to determine if a material is suitable for compression
when saturated. A Sand Equivalent value exceeding 20 indicates the material is
satisfactory for jetting.
Permeability Test
Either a constant head or falling head must be specified depending upon the
anticipated subsurface conditions after development.
Sieve and Hydrometer Analysis
Sieve and hydrometer analysis results for soil identification.
Chemical Test Results
Chemical tests results (sulfate, chloride, resistivity, etc.) for the on-site soils must
address the presence of chemicals deleterious to concrete and ferrous materials.
The tests must be in accordance with California Test Methods, Department of
Transportation, or equivalent (aqueous solution tests, such as EPA Tests or
similar methods are not acceptable for determination of resistivity). Resistivity
tests must be performed on soils samples in a saturated condition.
Engineering Analysis and Standards
Slope Stability Analysis
Slope stability analysis, including establishing design criteria and performing
calculations, will generally be required for all cut, fill, and natural slopes when the
slope gradient is steeper that 2:1 (H:V). Slope stability analysis may be required

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for slopes at 2:1 gradient or flatter if there is evidence that the slope may not
meet County minimum standards.
The data to be utilized in the slope stability analysis shall be based on detailed
site plans, detailed field descriptions, on-site exploration data, and laboratory test
data. It is the responsibility of the soils engineer to determine the weakest
potential failure surface based on the above factors. In performing any analysis,
the worst possible conditions must be utilized.
Static and Seismic Slope Stability (Global)
All slope stability analyses submitted for review may be checked by various
methods including Modified Bishop, Janbu, Spencer, etc. to verify compliance
with the minimum acceptable safety factor. The following shall be considered
when preparing stability analyses:

Separate calculations shall be performed for static and seismic conditions.

The minimum acceptable factor of safety for shear strength is 1.50 for
static loads and 1.10 for pseudostatic loads. The factor of safety for
strength is defined as the ratio of the searing resistance force to the actual
driving force acting along the potential failure surface.

The pseudostatic slope stability analyses shall be the minimum seismic

analysis accepted for design.

Conventional static methods of slope stability analysis based upon

principles of mechanics may be used to analyze the stability of slopes
under both static and pseudostatic conditions.

The analyses shall include the effect of expected maximum moisture

conditions, soil weight, and seepage or pore pressure where applicable.
Saturated conditions shall be utilized unless it can be shown that other
moisture contents will represent the worst possible conditions for the
project.

Pseudostatic analysis shall include the effect of static loads combined with
a horizontal inertial force acting out of the slope and through the center of
gravity of the potential sliding mass.

A minimum pseudostatic horizontal inertial force equal to 0.15 times the

total weight of the potential sliding mass shall be used. This minimum
lateral design value should be increased where, in the opinion of the
private consultant(s), subsurface conditions or the proximity of active
faults warrant the use of higher values.

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The cross section determined to be the critical section shall be used in the
stability analyses of the slope or for the butress design. The use of a
weighted average for the Factor of Safety using multiple cross sections of
the slope is not acceptable.

The critical potential failure surface used in the analysis may be

composed of circles, planes, or other shapes considered to yield the
minimum factor of safety against sliding and most appropriate to the soil
and geologic site conditions. In cohesive soils, a vertical tension crack
extending down from the top of the slope to the potential failure surface
may be used to limit the lateral extent of the potential sliding mass.

The critical potential failure surface having the lowest factor of safety on
strength shall be sought for the static case. This same static surface and
sliding mass may be assumed to be critical for pseudostatic case. The
critical failure surface shall be depicted on geotechnical cross sections,
used in slope stability analysis. Shear strength parameters used in the
analyses shall be depicted on the appropriate segments of the failure
plane.

Soil properties, including unit weight and shear strength parameters

(cohesion and friction angle), may be based on conventional field and
laboratory tests and/or field performance. Where appropriate, laboratory
tests for long-term residual strengths shall be performed. Shear
resistance along bedding planes is normally arrived at by estimation of
bedding-strength values of the weakest unsupported plane. It is expected
that the engineer will use considerable judgment in the selection of shear
tests and interpretation of the results in arriving at strength characteristics
fitting the present and anticipated future slope conditions. Strength
parameters used in static analysis shall not exceed residual values.
Dynamic strengths used in a pseudostatic analysis shall not exceed peak
point static strengths unless supported by dynamic test results or other
convincing physical evidence. Strength parameters representative of the
bedding materials must be used in slope stability analyses for slope with
adverse or daylighted bedding. Where along bedding materials cannot be
sampled or tested, then shear strength parameters from repeated shear
tests may be used.

In the design of slope support, bedding planes flatter than 12 degrees

from the horizontal normally need not be considered in a pseudostatic
analysis.

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Surficial Stability
Surficial slope stability analysis must be performed for all slopes at a gradient of
2 horizontal to 1 vertical or steeper. All slopes should be investigated if the soil
cohesion is less than 250 psf.
Calculations shall be performed for surficial stability of slopes under saturated
conditions. Calculations shall be based on analysis procedures for stability of an
infinite slope seepage parallel to the slope surface or other failure mode which
would yield the minimum factor of safety against failure. (Reference: Slope
Stability Report, by Slope Stability Committee, County of Orange, California,
Department of Building and Safety)
If there is insufficient data to establish the depth of the surficial slope materials,
the minimum acceptable vertical depth of soil saturation shall be four feet.
The minimum factor of safety for surficial stability shall be 1.50.
Shear strength parameters (cohesion and friction angle) used in surficial slope
stability must be representative of the surficial material and shall not exceed
residual.
Reverse Slope Stability
A reverse slope stability analysis may be the only viable method to determine the
shear strength parameters of an active landslide. The theory assumes that the
safety factor is 1.0 just as the landslide mass begins to activate. The slope
stability calculations may be based on the landslide mass in its original or current
position. These calculated shear strength parameters will be used to design
mitigation measures, such as buttress, shear key, soldier piles, etc.
Temporary Cut Slopes
Slope stability analysis shall be performed for temporary cut slopes. Shear
strength parameters to be used in the analysis shall be those defined in Section
C.1.a above, for the static case. The minimum acceptable factor of safety shall
be 1.25.
Surface Erosion Resistance
The consultant must evaluate the erosive properties of the soil and make
appropriate recommendations to eliminate slope failure due to erosion caused by
natural watering and irrigation of the slope. Soils with an effective saturated
cohesion of less than 250 pounds per square foot are considered susceptible to
surface erosion.

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Landslide Stabilization
For the purpose of this Manual, landslide stabilization includes the stabilization of
existing and potential landslides. It is required that a determination be made
regarding the stability of ancient, inactive, active, and potential landslides.
If landslides that do not meet the County minimum standards are to remain, it
must be demonstrated that they will not adversely affect the proposed
development. If the hazardous areas are part of a subdivision development, the
entire areas affected by the hazard must be designated as "Restricted Use
Areas." If the development is not part of a subdivision, it must be shown that the
proposed development will not be adversely affected by the landslide hazard,
and the proposed development will not adversely affect the stability of the
landslide.
There are three types of landslides that often require stabilization as follows:
Massive Landslides
Massive landslides consist of a landslide that either occurs along a slide plane,
bedding plane, fracture plane, etc., or is a rotation type of failure that covers a
very large area. Stabilization methods may consist of the following:

Buttress Fills

A buttress fill designed to enhance slope stability is placed at the toe of the
landslide and must be analyzed for the following potential failure planes: a)
horizontally through the buttress fill, b) below the buttress fill in a passive failure
mode, and c) through the buttress fill in a passive failure mode (see Figure 1 in
Appendix). For unusual configurations, other potential failure planes may require
analyses.

Shear Keys

A shear key designed to enhance slope stability is analyzed like a buttress fill
except that the shear key is placed within the slide mass. Slope stability analysis
should consider potential failure planes as required for a buttress fill above.

Soldier Piles

Soldier piles consist of various types of piles driven through the potential failure
plane to provide additional shear resistance. These piles must be deep enough
and of sufficient diameter to transfer the shear loads exerted by the landslide on
the piles to underlying competent material. The spacing and location of the
soldier piles will depend upon the amount of shear resistance required by the

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slope stability analysis, so that the slope will meet County minimum safety factor
standards.

Debris Basins

Debris basins must be designed to accommodate 100 percent of the predicted

landslide debris. Volume calculations for the anticipated landslide debris and
containment area must be provided.
Localized Landslides
Localized landslides consist of the peeling off of small portions of a steep slope.
Usually these types of slopes consist of many bedding planes and fracture
planes that are discontinuous, making it very difficult to calculate a safety factor.
The method of stabilization usually consists of placing a stabilization fill with a
minimum key depth of 2 feet into competent material and width of no less than
8 feet at the base and 4 feet at the top.
Rock Falls
Rock falls consist of large rocks that periodically break off the face of a cliff and
roll down the slope landing on the level areas below or boulders that could
dislodge and roll down the slope. Rock fall analysis is generally required where
the proposed development is in the path of the potential rock fall or boulder roll.
The data to be utilized in the rock fall analysis shall be based on detailed site
plans, detailed field investigation, and on-site exploration data, such as:

number of and various sizes and shapes of boulders that are

currently present at the site as well as the anticipated sizes of
potential large rock that may be break off from the face of the cliff.

Slope profile that represents the steepest profile at the site.

Slope surface roughness and irregularity must be based on the

anticipated site conditions after the removal of brush and
vegetation after a fire.

Slope material properties expressed as slope coefficients and rock

coefficients.

The results of the rock fall analysis must include the trajectory path of the falling
rocks or rolling boulders relative to the height of the proposed mitigation
measures, the final destination relative to the proposed structures and offsite
properties, and the anticipated maximum kinetic energy of the falling rocks at
the point where the proposed mitigation measures will be implemented. The
various methods for stabilization of rock falls are as follows:
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Entrapment and Removal

A large pit or a containment berm may be constructed at the bottom of the slope
in which the rock falls into the pit. The pit or the rock containment area must be
designed for 100 percent of the anticipated rock fall volume and that no rock or
boulder shall go beyond the outer limit of pit or a containment berm.

Rock Bolt Stabilization

Rock bolts can be used to bolt the large pieces of rock into the stable part of the
slope to prevent further deterioration of the slope. The soils engineer must show
that there will be sufficient rock bolting so that the rock mass will have a safety
factor that meets County minimum standards for slope stability analysis.

Wire Mesh Failure Control

The use of wire mesh nets secured to the face of the slope allows rock to fall in a
confined area without posing a hazard to adjacent areas. The debris remains
confined at the bottom of the slope. The wire mesh nets must be designed for
100 percent of the anticipated rock fall volume.

Rock Barrier Fence

Rock barrier fences can be used to stop or restrain large rocks or boulders from
rolling into the areas of proposed development. The rock barrier fences must be
designed for 100 percent of the anticipated rock fall volume.

Removal

Any loose rocks or boulders can be removed from the cliffs or slopes by scaling,
other methods of mechanical removal, or blasting in combination with the above
methods. The soils consultants and geologist must identify all rocks and
boulders that need to be removed.

Structural Setbacks

Structural setbacks at the top and the toe of the slope can be established by the
soils engineer, along with measures to allow the slope to fail until it reaches a
stable condition at the angle of repose. Structures are usually constructed
beyond the area of anticipated rockfall.
Soils Subject to Consolidation and Hydroconsolidation
Soils subject to consolidation include soft clays with very high moisture contents,
which when exposed to additional loads such as structures or fills, will
experience high settlement (vertical movements) as the water is expelled from
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the soil structure. Also, peat and other highly organic soils fall into this soil
category because of the potential for large settlements as the organic materials
decompose and compress. This settlement may be long term and shall be
considered in the soils report.
Soils subject to hydroconsolidation are normally loosely deposited soils (e.g.,
SM, ML, etc.) that when subject to increased loading and/or saturation
experience consolidation greater than 2 percent. Generally, these types of soils,
which exhibit an in-situ dry density of 108 pcf or less and in-situ moisture content
of 8 percent or less are considered susceptible to hydroconsolidation.
In areas where settlement is anticipated to exceed County minimum standards
described above, the consultant soils engineer shall obtain sufficient data and
make findings and recommendations to mitigate the problem.
Liquefaction/Lateral Spreading
Soil liquefaction or lateral spreading (conditions of occurrence are considered to
be the same) is the sudden decrease of the shearing resistance of a
cohesionless soil. It occurs following collapse of the soil structure under shock
or other type of strain caused by stress and is associated with a temporary
increase in pore fluid pressure, which temporarily causes the solid material to
behave as a liquid. This can occur during a seismic event or high vibrations
during construction.
There must be four conditions for soil liquefaction to occur:

The soil must be completely saturated.

The soil must be in a loose state (non-cemented) and consist mostly of

silts and fine sands. (Coarse sands and gravels may liquefy if subjected
to extremely intense shocks.)

The soil must be subjected to prolonged shocks, such as may be provided

by an earthquake or a pile driving operation that would cause
compression of saturated material.

The pore water pressure built up during the shock must exceed the
intergranular pressure within the soil mass, which is based on overburden
soil weight.

The soils report must consider liquefaction potential of the foundation soils and
make recommendations to protect the public during such an event.
The State of California, Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and
Geology has published "SPECIAL PUBLICATION 117, GUIDELINES FOR
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EVALUATING AND MITIGATING SEISMIC HAZARDS IN CALIFORNIA, 1997."

Provisions of this publication must be followed in preparation of soils engineering
reports, addressing liquefaction, lateral spreading, seismic settlement, and
related seismically induced hazards.
Liquefaction analysis is required for development classified as a project as
defined in the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act and which is located within a
mapped potentially liquefiable area per the State of California Seismic Hazard
Zone Maps.
Liquefaction exploration and analyses shall conform to the provisions of the
Special Publication 117, published by the State Department of Conservation,
Division of Mines and Geology.
Dynamic settlement analysis shall be conducted for all potentially liquefiable soil
layers (F.S. of less than 1.25). Analysis for lateral spreading shall be conducted
for all liquefiable sites in close proximity to a free face. Structural mitigation
measure may be allowed for total dynamic settlement up to 4 inches and lateral
spreading up to 1 foot. For values exceeding these limits, mitigation
incorporating ground modification must be recommended.
Expansive Soil and Rock
Many clay soils and shales expand upon wetting and shrink when dried. The
expansion can result in a volume increase in the wetted soil many times larger
than in the dry soil. These changes in soil volume exert high pressures and
cause major structural damage to foundations if not considered in the design.
Soils engineering reports must provide test results for expansive soils by the
Expansion Index Test Method as defined in the current edition of Los Angeles
County Building Code. In areas containing expansive soil and/or rock, the soils
engineer must recommend specific design criteria, notably, the minimum
embedment depth of footings, pressure on retaining wall, etc. Recommendation
for reinforcement in the footings shall be provided. Minimum Code design values
for sites subject to extreme distortion are not acceptable.
Chemicals
Sulfide-Sulfate
Sulfide minerals may be encountered in unweathered bedrock. When exposed
to air and moisture, sulfides will undergo a chemical reaction to become sulfates,
which can create other problems as described below. During this process the
sulfide minerals may expand as much as eight times. Often this reaction is
described as soil expansion described in Item e above. However, the standard
expansive soil test will not detect this potential chemical reaction. At the present
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time, there is little known about the rate of the chemical reaction. In some areas,
the chemical reaction occurs within a few days after exposure. In other areas,
this reaction is very slow, affecting structures years after construction. Sulfide
minerals have been encountered in the Castaic Formation of the Basin Range in
the Castaic area and in the Santa Monica Mountains, from Topanga to Encino.
Certain sulfate minerals present in the soil, rock mass, or groundwater have a
detrimental effect on concrete. Most prominent of these are sulfates of sodium,
magnesium, and calcium. These sulfates react chemically with the hydrated lime
and calcium aluminate of the hardened cement paste to form calcium sulfate and
calcium sulfo-aluminate.
Disintegration of the concrete is due to a combination of chemical and physical
forces. The effect of such an attack is minor in dense, impermeable concrete on
relative dry natural materials, but will result in disintegration of high water-cement
ratio, permeable concrete bearing on saturated highly mineralized fill or natural
materials.
At present, the following areas in Los Angeles County have been identified as
having soils that contain sulfate minerals:

!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!

Santa Monica Mountains

Diamond Bar Area
Newhall Area
Castaic Area
Northern portion of Antelope Valley
Parts of Calabasas
Lakewood, Long Beach, Cerritos, areas along the San Gabriel River
Petroleum producing areas
Areas subject to seawater

When soluble sulfate concentrations are greater than 2,000 ppm in soil and
1,000 ppm in groundwater, mitigation measures must be taken to protect any
concrete structures in contact with the soils. If the soil is not to be removed,
appropriate cement type must be used. The soils engineering report must
consider and test for sulfide-sulfate minerals in the soil, rock mass, and/or
groundwater. Recommendations in the soils engineering report must include
mitigating measures such as either the removal of the sulfide and sulfate
materials down to a depth so as not to influence the proposed structure, or
treatment to remove the sulfides and/or design of foundations to resist the effect
of the sulfides.

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Chlorides
Large concentrations of chlorides will adversely affect any ferrous materials such
as iron and steel. Soils are considered corrosive and deleterious to ferrous
materials when chloride concentration exceeds 10,000 ppm.
pH
Soils are considered corrosive when the pH gets down around 4.0.
Resistivity
The most common factor in determining soil corrosivity is electrical resistivity. As
a soil's resistivity decreases, its corrosivity increases. The following table may be
used to determine the level of corrosivity:
Soils Resistivity
in ohm-centimeters

Corrosivity Category

0 - 1,000
1,000 - 2,000
2,000 - 10,000
over 10,000

severely corrosive
corrosive
moderately corrosive
mildly corrosive

Engineered Compacted Fills and Backfills

All certified fills and backfills must meet the provisions of the current edition of
Los Angeles County Building Code. Whenever the Organic Content percentage
as performed in accordance with ASTM D2974-87 exceeds two percent, the
material shall be considered detrimental in accordance with the County Code
and will not be acceptable. The above standard shall also apply to projects
being constructed under the requirements of the Standard Specifications for
Public Works Construction. When the Organic Content exceeds two percent, it
shall be considered "topsoil" as defined in the Standard Specifications and may
be used only for the purpose of backfilling areas to be planted.
Foundation Design Criteria
Foundation design criteria and/or recommendations must be included in the soils
engineering report and supported by substantiating data. Possible adverse
movement of the foundation by either vertical or lateral load must be addressed.
Recommendations to mitigate any settlement or lateral movement that exceeds
County standards must be provided. The recommended foundation type,
installation conditions, and allowable loads must be provided.

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Shallow Foundations
The soil design bearing pressure and lateral resistance capacities based on test
data must be specified and conditions described which would require deviating
from the maximum design Building Code values. In marginal sites with variable
soils or where standard foundations cannot be utilized, the soils engineering
consultant must make specific design recommendations. During construction
the soils engineering consultant must inspect and approve the foundation
excavations before reinforcing steel and concrete is placed.
Deep Foundations
Deep foundations, such as piles or caissons, must be designed considering the
capabilities of the supporting materials based on laboratory test results and
geotechnical data. The foundations must be designed for all applicable lateral
and downdrag loads. Soil creep must also be considered when determining the
foundation design loads.
For piles greater than 24 inches in diameter, capacity may be governed by
limiting the settlement to a maximum of 1 inch.
Pile tip elevations must be clearly established by the soils engineer. The design
criteria must meet or exceed the minimum standards and/or criteria described in
this Manual.
Setbacks from Slopes
Foundations on or adjacent to slopes must be placed so that setback dimensions
meet the provisions of the current edition of the Los Angeles County Building
Code. Reductions in these minimum setback requirements shall be
substantiated to the satisfaction of the Building Official by the soils report data,
and slope stability analyses, per established County policies.
Small Dam Design
A soils engineering report that justifies the dam design and construction is
required. Slope stability analysis will be required for all earth fill and rock fill
dams. The slope stability analysis must consider the effects due to rapid
drawdown of the water on the upstream face of the dam. In addition, the report
must consider seepage through the dam and abutments. Detailed subdrain
system design will be required. Flow nets may be required to show that
excessive seepage forces or piping will not occur.

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Shoring System Design Criteria

Shoring systems are usually temporary supporting structures used to retain earth
until the facility is completed. Shoring design parameters are used to determine
the soil pressure imposed on the shoring units and must be provided by the soils
engineering consultant.
All shoring shall be designed in accordance with the following criteria:

Soil peak shear strength parameters may be utilized to compute the

shoring loads.

The requirements of CAL-OSHA must be followed.

If an excavation affects the stability of existing structures and/or off-site property,

shoring must be designed and installed to eliminate the hazardous condition.
The design must be in accordance with all standards in this Manual and must
consider all factors such as slope stability, settlement, creep, etc. The soil
strength parameters must be in accordance with the applicable criteria and shall
not exceed the test values noted in the soils engineering report.
The following minimum information regarding the soil parameters and loads
required to design excavation shoring systems shall be furnished for the soils
encountered during the subsurface investigation:

The coefficients of active and passive earth pressure.

The lateral earth pressure distribution above the subgrade elevation as

determined by the Rankine Theory.

The location and magnitude of any external load(s) that may affect the
design and/or performance of the shoring systems.

All trench shoring must conform to the provisions of the California Labor
Code/State Construction Safety Orders. These regulations can be obtained from
CAL-OSHA.
All shoring for structures must meet the requirements of the current edition of the
Los Angeles County Building Code.
Retaining Walls
All proposed retaining walls must be addressed in the soils engineering report
and must meet the requirements of the current edition of the Los Angeles County
Building Code.

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These data shall include the following recommendations as a minimum:

Design soil pressures (bearing, passive, active, at rest, impact, expansion,

etc.).

Coefficient of sliding friction.

Subdrainage design.

Surface drainage requirements.

Necessity for preventing seepage through the wall (structures).

Amount of freeboard to prevent sloughing over the wall.

In arriving at above design recommendations, the report must note the

following site conditions:

Wall Restraining Conditions (Deformation Conditions).

Surcharge loads due to sloping backfill, foundation loads, traffic loads,

etc.

Backfill placement requirements including temporary equipment impact

loads.

Foundation Slope Setbacks.

Shear strength parameters of the materials to be supported.

Shear strength parameters of the material that will support the retaining
structure.

Effect of adverse slopes on the foundations.

Seismic active pressure for retaining walls in which the retained height is
greater than 12 feet. The seismic active pressure distribution must be
added to the static active pressure distribution for the design of the walls.
In determining the additional pressure that could result from seismic force,
an acceleration equal to 50 percent of the site ground acceleration shall
be utilized in the analysis. The seismic pressure distribution shall be
determined using the Monobe-Okabe method of analyses (see Section 7,
Chapter 3 of the NAVFAC Design Manual 7.02, dated September 1986).
Note that retained height of all stepped retaining walls shall be combined
if lower retaining walls are surcharged by the upslope retaining walls.

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Seismic active pressure will be required for these stepped retaining walls
if the combined retained height is greater than 12 feet.
Cut/Fill Transition Areas
All building pads located in cut/fill transition areas should be overexcavated a
minimum of three feet below the proposed bottom of footings. In lieu of the
above, structural mitigation may be considered.
Reaches of storm drains located in cut/fill transition areas shall be supported by
a minimum of three feet of compacted fill or constructed with rubber gasket joints
for a minimum of 24 feet on each side of cut/fill transition.
Private Sewage Disposal System
Data on the possible adverse impacts of the private sewage disposal system
relative to site stability and adjacent properties must be provided. The path of
migration of the effluent and the potential for ponding or daylighting of the
effluent should be addressed. Slope stability analysis must consider the effect of
ponded/perched groundwater.
Buttress Fill Design for Slope Stabilization
Buttress fills for slope stabilization must be designed for worst case scenario
(see Figure 1) for possible failure planes used in analysis.
Subdivision Impacted by Existing Landslides
The following guidelines and requirements are for the geotechnical review of
subdivisions impacted by landslides, with regards to property boundaries and
safe building areas. Generally, existing landslides are considered a hazard
unless it is demonstrated by subsurface exploration, rock and soil testing, and
stability analysis that the landslide has appropriate safety factors.
An existing landslide which if activated could adversely impact off-site property
(outside of the subdivision) does not have to be mitigated if the existing
conditions will not be changed, worsened, or otherwise affected by the proposed
development, and when the hazard does not pose a threat to on-site building
areas in the subdivision. It must be clearly demonstrated that the proposed
development will not increase the potential for failure of the hazardous
conditions, otherwise mitigation measures will be required.
An unmitigated landslide hazard, and the surrounding affected areas inside the
proposed subdivision, will have to be designated as a Restricted Use Area.

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Differential Settlement
The consultants must justify the construction of any structure that will have
differential settlement in excess of 1-inch vertical movement over a horizontal
distance of 30 feet. In such cases, the consultants must provide for protection of
the structure against excessive cracking, provide for adequate drainage of the
utilities to withstand distortion and deflection due to differential settlement
through flexible joints and must be located so the underground utilities can be
exposed, if necessary, for periodic repairs.
In areas in which it is suspected that the settlement may exceed County
minimum standards described above, it will be the responsibility of the consultant
soils engineer to obtain sufficient data and make findings and recommendations
to mitigate the problem.
Settlement Monitoring
The soils consultant must clearly show the locations, details, and notes of all
recommended settlement monuments on the grading plans. The soils report
must clearly identify the lots / pads that are to be associated with each
settlement monument and recommend the reading intervals. Rough grading will
not be approved until data from the settlement monuments are presented which
establish that future settlement will be within Los Angeles County minimum
standards.
Reinforced (or Segmented) Earth Retaining Walls
Reinforced earth retaining walls must be addressed in the soils engineering
report and must meet the requirements of the current Los Angeles Building
Code.
Both internal and external stability analyses must be provided in the soils report
(and the accompanied reinforced earth retaining wall report). The following
parameters must be included in the internal and stability analyses:

Shear strength of the reinforced fill. In the internal stability analysis, a

cohesion of c = o psf must be used for the reinforced fill.

Shear strength of the foundation materials.

Shear strength of the retained materials behind the reinforced fill.

The soil report (and the accompanied reinforced earth retaining wall report) shall
include the following recommendations:

Design soil pressures (bearing, passive, active, etc.).

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Geogrid (or similar reinforcement) details, including the embedment

length, spacing, and number of geogrid layers. All geogrid-reinforced
areas behind the proposed reinforced earth retaining wall plus 10 feet
beyond this limit shall be designated as a Restricted Use Area.

Backfill placement and compaction requirements.

Foundation slope setback.

Subdrainage design.

Surface drainage requirements.

Seismic active pressure for retaining walls in which the retained height is
greater than 12 feet. The seismic active pressure distribution must be
added to the static active pressure distribution for the design of the walls.
In determining the additional pressure that could result from seismic force,
an acceleration equal to 50 percent of the site ground acceleration shall
be utilized in the analysis. The seismic pressure distribution shall be
determined using the Monobe-Okabe method of analyses (see Section 7,
Chapter 3 of the NAVFAC Design Manual 7.02, dated September 1986).

Debris Flows
A coordinated investigation by an Engineering Geologist and a Civil Engineer
competent in soils engineering is commonly necessary for a thorough
assessment of the stability of surficial materials contained on natural slopes.
The evaluation of natural slopes steeper than a 2:1 gradient and/or when the
height or geologic conditions warrant, should consider the following:

Presence of native vegetation that may or may not be drought and fire
resistant, or deep rooted.

Variability of thickness and irregularity of contacts with underlying firm

material or bedrock.

In-situ surficial materials of high porosity and low density, relative to

underlying material or bedrock.

Change in slope gradients.

Variable, concentrated, or uninterrupted surface runoff (no drainage

devices).

Hydrogeologic and geologic conditions relative to stability.

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The presence of animal burrows, cracks in soils, and fractures which can
greatly increase the rate at which runoff can infiltrate into the surficial
materials.

Evaluation of existing adjacent off-site slope performance under similar

site and geologic conditions.

A surficial slope stability analysis by the soils engineer shall be required for these
slopes. All natural slopes with surficial slope stability calculated to be less than
1.50 factor of safety shall be considered to be subject to debris flow hazard.
Appropriate mitigation measures must be recommended and shown on the
plans. If containment of the debris flow is proposed, then volume calculations
for both the anticipated debris and the available containment area will be
required. Any debris impact or diversion walls proposed must be designed for a
minimum 125 pcf equivalent fluid pressure. Also, mitigative measures which
divert debris flow onto adjacent properties (public or private) and/or require
periodic maintenance are not acceptable. The hazard must be clearly defined
and 100 percent of the anticipated volume must be mitigated on-site.
Vinyl and Fiberglass Pools
Slope stability analysis will be required assuming a rapid drawdown condition, for
vinyl and fiberglass pools, in which the depth of the pool from the ground surface
to the bottom of the pool is greater than 5 feet. The minimum factor of safety for
a rapid drawdown condition shall be 1.50.
The pool must have adequate slope setback meeting the County code, and be
setback at least 5 feet from adjacent structures.
Soil Cement
Soil cement may be used in engineered compacted fill to increase the shear
strength parameters to meet slope stability requirements. Complete
recommendations for the proposed use of soil cement must be addressed in the
geotechnical report and shall include but not be limited to the following:

Slope Stability analysis indicating minimum required strength parameters

for the soil cement.

Mix design including percentage of cement and gradation requirements

for soil in the soil cement.

Design cross sections showing the soil cement with the keying and
benching into the slope.

Procedures for mixing and placement of the soil cement.

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Laboratory testing requirements and intervals.

Required inspections and field testing by soils engineer.

All required notes and details to be shown on the grading plans.

For all flood control improvements, the requirements stated in the document Soil
Cement Standards and Specifications must be complied with. This document
may be obtained from the Grading Section of Land Development Division. This
document can also be used as guidance for all non-flood control improvements.
Design Life
All structures/design considerations must utilize a minimum useful life of 100
years.
Policy Regarding Geotechnical Repairs
For the purpose of this Manual, repairs are defined as corrective work performed
to protect existing structures such as buildings, roads, utilities, etc. Whenever a
repair is required, it shall be the goal of the designer to meet all the minimum
standards in this Manual for new construction as required in the Codes.
However, some Code requirements may be waived at the discretion of
B&S Division if it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Building Official
that:

Minimum standards cannot be met.

The overall hazard will be reduced or lessened and that the endangered
structures can continue to perform as intended.

Off-site property will not be adversely affected.

Section 111 statement will be provided for the repaired portion of the
project. When applicable, Code requirements that were waived, must be
noted by the consultants in their reports, in which case recordation of
hazard waiver by the owner will be required.

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APPENDIX

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Appendix Pg. A1

County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

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Appendix Pg. A2

ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
GEOTECHNICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING DIVISION

GS001.0
5/8/01

UNGRADED SITE LOTS

The Subdivision Code, Section 21.44.320 (A), indicates that, If any portion of the land
within the boundaries shown on a tentative map of a division of land is subject to
...geological hazard, and the probable use of the property will require structures
thereon, the advisory agency may disapprove the map or that portion of the map so
affected and require protective improvements to be constructed as a condition
precedent to approval of the map. Also, according to the Subdivision Code Section
21.44.320(C), If any portion of a lot or parcel of a division of land is subject
to...geological hazard, such fact shall be clearly shown on the final map or parcel map
by a prominent note on each sheet of such map whereon any such portion is shown. A
dedication of building restriction rights over the...geological hazard may be required. In
addition, access free of geotechnical hazards must be provided for each lot (Section
21.24.010(B)). Generally, geotechnical hazards must be mitigated before the tract or
parcel map is recorded.
However, some properties may be subdivided into lots where the specific types and
location of structures have not been determined and/or the developers do not intend to
perform any grading or mitigation measures prior to recordation. These developments
may be designated as Ungraded Site Lots with the subdivision recorded in accordance
with the following criteria:
1)

The geotechnical consultants must indicate in their report(s) all grading and
corrective work required to provide access and building sites free of geotechnical
hazards for each of the proposed lots. A geotechnical map is required which
clearly defines the limits of all geotechnical hazards including soils subject to
hydroconsolidation/liquefaction/excessive settlement. If a lot or access to a lot is
identified as having a geotechnical hazard, the consultants must clearly identify
the hazard in the geotechnical reports and recommend corrective work.

2)

For slopes steeper than 5:1 gradient, a concept-grading plan or a Regional

Planning Department Exhibit A grading plan is generally required.
All
recommended grading and corrective work must be self-contained within each
lot. Grading and/or corrective work that crosses lot lines disqualifies the
development from the Ungraded Site Lots criteria.

3)

All unmitigated geotechnical hazards, other than soils

hydroconsolidation/liquefaction/excessive settlement, must be
Restricted Use Areas on the Final Map. If a lot is identified
subject to hydroconsolidation/liquefaction/excessive settlement,

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susceptible to
designated as
as having soils
the consultants
Appendix Pg. A3

must clearly identify the hazard in the geotechnical reports and recommend
corrective work (see item 4 (b)(3) below).
4)

Prior to approval of the development for recordation of the Final Map, the
following is required:
a)

Access free of geotechnical hazards must be provided to each lot (Section

21.24.010(B)).

b)

The following is required on the Final Map:

1)

The location of Restricted Use Areas, as recommended in the

geotechnical reports (see item 3 above).

2)

If portions of the development are subject to hydroconsolidation

/liquefaction/excessive settlement the following note is required:
According to the Geotechnical Consultants of Record parts or all of
Lot(s) (lot numbers) are subject to hydroconsolidation/
liquefaction/excessive settlement. For location of areas subject to
hydroconsolidation
/liquefaction/excessive
settlement
and
corrective work requirements for access and building areas of
Lot(s) No(s).
, refer to geotechnical reports by
(consultants) dated (date)

Approved by

ORIGINAL SIGNED
Thomas W. Hoagland
Assistant Deputy Director

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Appendix Pg. A4

ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
GEOTECHNICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING DIVISION

GS002.0
5/8/01

SUBDIVISION - "REMAINDER PARCEL" FOR TENTATIVE AND FINAL MAPS

The boundaries of a proposed subdivision map must agree with the boundaries of the
last legally created parcel/lot. If not, the map must indicate the portion of the parcel/lot
not being developed as a REMAINDER PARCEL. When this designation is shown on
the tentative and final maps, the following geotechnical review criteria shall apply:
1.

The geotechnical consultants must provide data to establish that the Remainder
Parcel may be divided into two or more buildable sites not subject to existing or
potential geologic/geotechnical hazards.

2.

Safe buildable sites and access to the buildable sites not subject to a geologic
hazard must be demonstrated by the geotechnical consultant on the geotechnical
map. The grading and/or corrective measures required to accomplish this do not
have to be completed prior to recordation of the final map. The geotechnical
consultants report(s) shall be referenced by a note on the final map.

3.

Access free of geologic/geotechnical hazards must exist to each lot at the time of
recordation, or geologic corrective bonds must be provided to assure completion
of the corrective measures necessary to provide the access.

4.

If, after providing for lot access and indicating the location of safe buildable sites
and access to the buildable sites, unmitigated geologic/geotechnical hazards still
exist on the Remainder Parcel, these areas are not to be designated as
Restricted Use Areas on the final map. This designation shall be considered
when the Remainder Parcel is developed or subdivided.

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Appendix Pg. A5

ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
GEOTECHNICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING DIVISION

GS015.0
5/8/01

COUNTY SUBDIVISION CODE EXTRACTS (1986 ed.)

Below are excerpts and/or summaries of the pertinent Los Angeles County Subdivision
Code regulations relative to geotechnical review. Original documents should be
referred to for making decisions on specific sites and geotechnical conditions.
1)

Chapter 21.08 - Definitions

a.

21.08.020 Advisory Agency

The Advisory Agency means and refers to both the Regional Planning
Commission and the Hearing Officer.

b.

21.08.040 Building Site

Building Site" means that portion of the lot or parcel of land upon which
the building and appurtenances are to be placed, or are already existing,
including adequate areas of sewage disposal, clearances, proper
drainage, appropriate easements, and, if applicable, the requirements of
other ordinances.

c.

21.08.160 Lot"
"Lot" and parcel shall be used synonymously

d.

21.08.160 Sloping Terrain

Sloping terrain" means any ground having a grade of eight percent or
more.

2)

Chapter 21.24 - Design Standards

b.

21.24.010(B) "General Requirements

In determining the adequacy of a route of access (...access to lots within
a division of land...) the advisory agency (i.e., Regional Planning
Commission and Hearing Officer) shall consider the potential for blockage
of the route by flood, fire, or landslide and the effect of such blockage on
the safe evacuation of future users and occupants of the division and on
the deployment of fire equipment or other services under emergency
conditions.

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Appendix Pg. A6

3)

Chapter 21.28 - Dedications

21.28.080 Minor Land Division and Parcel Map Requirements
Dedications or offers of dedication of real property for...building restriction
rights...may be required for a minor land subdivision or parcel map.
Chapter 21.32.040
Lot sizes in excess of 10 acres - Requirements:
Summary (see code subsections for details): No Improvements are
required where each lot has a minimum gross area of 20 acres; the Road
Commissioner may require grading of streets which traverse sloping
terrain for subdivisions with 10-acre minimum size lots.

4)

Chapter 21.36 - Bonds and Deposits

This chapter covers basis of requirements for bonds and for ...deposits for plan
check, inspection and/or review of final clearance documents.

5)

Chapter 21.38 - Vesting Tentative Map

c.

21.38.060(A) Vesting on approval of vesting tentative map

The approval or conditional approval of a vesting tentative map by the
advisory agency shall establish a vested right to proceed with applicable
ordinances and general and specific plans in effect at the date of the
accompanying application is deemed complete pursuant to Government
Code Section 65943...

d.

21.38.060(B)
Notwithstanding the provisions for a vesting map, ...extension and/or
entitlement may be made conditioned or denied if any of the following are
determined by the local agency:
1.

Failure to do so would place the residents of the subdivision or the

immediate community, or both, in a condition dangerous to their
health or safety; or,

2.

The condition or denial is required in order to comply with the

mandates of either state or federal law.

(Note that a time limit is specified for vested tentative tracts.)

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Revised December 2006

Appendix Pg. A7

6)

Chapter 21.40 - Tentative (Tract) Maps

a.

b.

21.40.025(B) "Los Angeles County Flood Control District to act as a

Consultant
The District (Los Angeles Flood Control District) shall provide the
Department of Regional Planning with a series of maps delineating areas
subject to flood, mud and debris hazards. The maps shall be prepared by
the District, shall be based upon the best currently available information,
and shall be updated at least annually.
21.40.040 Contents - Information and documents required
(Item 11) Proposed methods of sewage disposal;
(Item 14) Approximate contours...to determine existing topography and
all proposed grading, and...in a manner that feasibility of compliance with
Ordinance 2225, Chapter 70 (i.e., Building Code), can be determined;
(Item 20) A geological report to determine whether the property to be
divided is subject to an existing or potential geological hazard, and/or a
written report stating how the geological conditions will affect the proposed
development shall be submitted... The report ...shall be prepared by an
engineering geologist...

a.

21.40.080 Soils Report

The subdivider shall submit a preliminary soils report...when required...
The report shall be prepared by a registered civil engineer and be based
upon adequate test borings or excavations.

b.

21.40.170 Rejection where use prohibited

The advisory agency...may reject a tentative map if the only practical use
which can be made of the property as proposed to be divided is a use
prohibited by any ordinance, statute, law or other valid regulation.

7)

Chapter 21.44 - Final Maps and Parcel Maps

Part 1 - General Requirements
a.

21.44.040 "Reports to County Engineer"

Each officer or department, within 15 days after the receipt of a print of a final or parcel
map, shall report in writing...as to the compliance or noncompliance...as to the matters
coming under his or its jurisdiction,...the changes necessary...to comply with the law.

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Revised December 2006

Appendix Pg. A8

b.

21.44.080 and 21.44.090 "Parcel and Tract Map Processing Fees"

Where the County Engineer processes a parcel map, waiver or certificate
of compliance...the subdivider shall pay a processing fee... This fee, (is)
payable upon submission of the final map... These sections (21.44.080
and 21.44.090) applies to all final maps ...whether the property is within
the limits of an incorporated city (i.e., contracted cities) or not.
Part 2 - Mapping Specifications

a.

21.44.310 "Land subject to overflow, ponding or high groundwater"

Any portion of land where the depth to groundwater is ...less than 10 feet
from the ground surface, the advisory agency shall so inform the State
Real Estate Commissioner.

b.

21.44.320 "Land subject to flood hazard, inundation, or geologic hazard"

(A)

If any portion of the land within the boundaries shown on a

tentative map...is subject to...geological hazard, and the probable
use of the property will require structures thereon, the advisory
agency may disapprove the map or that portion of the map so
affected and require protective improvement...

(C)

If any portion of a lot or parcel of a division of land is subject

to...geological hazard, such fact and portion shall be clearly shown
on the final (tract) map or parcel map... A dedication of building
restriction rights over the...geological hazard area may be
required."

The provisions of this Section (i.e., 21.44.320) shall not apply to divisions
of land in which each resultant parcel has a gross area of 40 acres or
more...
8)

Chapter 21.48 - Minor Land Division

Part 1 General Requirements
a.

21.48.040 "Information Required - Format"

Where the design of building sites, parcels, streets or easements is
controlled by topography, approximate contours at sufficient intervals to
determine existing topography and all proposed grading are required.
Proposed grading shall be shown in a manner such that feasibility of
compliance with Ordinance 2225, Chapter 70 can be determined.

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Revised December 2006

Appendix Pg. A9

b.

21.48.050 "Written statements required"

Provide with the map written statements including, but not limited to:
(Item 4) The method of sewage disposal for each parcel
(Item 8) Provide upon request ...an engineering geological report and/or
soils engineering report stating whether the property to be divided is
subject to an existing or potential geological and/or soils hazard and how
such hazard, if any, will affect the proposed subdivision.

c.

21.48.080 "Departmental Review Procedures"

County department...have not more than 20 days after receipt... of the
tentative minor land division map to file a report with the advisory agency
to either approve or to provide requirements for approval. Failure to
report before this period...shall be deemed as approval...

d.

21.48.110 "Criteria for Rejection"

"The advisory agency may reject a tentative minor land division map if the
only practical use which can be made of the division, as proposed, is a
use prohibited by ordinance statue, law or other valid regulation.

PART 2 WAIVER CONDITIONS

Part 2 describes eligibility for a waiver of the requirement that a minor
land subdivision parcel map be filed.
9)

Chapter 21.52 - Modification

In general, Chapter 21.52 provides for modification or waiver of provisions
authorized under Title 21 (i.e., Subdivision Code) where compliance would
be impossible or impractical and where such....modification is in
conformity with the spirit and purpose of the Subdivision Map Act and the
title.... (i.e., Title 21 or County Subdivision Code).

10)

Chapter 21.56 - Appeals

a.

21.56.010 "Procedures - Submittal and Determination"

(A)A subdivider or any interested person dissatisfied with an action taken
by Hearing Officer... may appeal to the Regional Planning Commission.
(B) A subdivider or any interested person dissatisfied with an action taken
by the Regional Planning Commission may be appeal to the Board of
Supervisors.

County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Manual for Preparation of Geotechnical Reports
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Revised December 2006

Appendix Pg. A10

(C) All appeals must comply with Section 66452.5 of the Government
Code.
a.

21.56.020 "Fees"
A fee is required to appeal to the Board of Supervisors.

11)

Chapter 22.46 - Marina Del Rey Specific Plan

22.46.1180.4
Avoidance and Mitigation of Geologic/Geotechnical Hazards. Applicants and
their engineers are responsible for determining and following all current
requirements and recommendations of the Los Angeles County department of
public works, the California Division of Mines and Geology and the California
Seismic Safety Board. New development shall utilize earthquake-resistant
construction and engineering practices. All new development over three stories
in height shall be designed to withstand a seismic event with a ground
acceleration of no less than 0.5g. Accordingly, all development applications shall
include a detailed geotechnical report completed by a certified engineering
geologist and a registered civil engineer experienced in the field of soil
mechanics, and approved by the Department of Public Works. A copy of the
report, and its approval, shall be submitted. The report must include, but not be
limited to:

A comprehensive geologic/soils analysis showing underlying geology, soil type

and structure;

Delineation and evaluation of areas prone to fault rupture, secondary effects of

seismic shaking, such as lateral spreading, settlement, liquefaction, etc. and
excessive ground motion, due to seismic wave amplification;

Delineation of low-lying areas which may be inundated by tsunamis, floods or

unusually high tides, or damaged by excessive wave action;

Recommendations for development in geologically stable areas, and restriction

of development in unstable or unmitigated areas.
Note: Additional requirements may be imposed in areas determined to be under
the jurisdiction of the State of California Seismic Safety Board or the Division of
Mines of Geology.

County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Manual for Preparation of Geotechnical Reports
http://dpw.lacounty.gov/gmed/manual.pdf
Revised December 2006

Appendix Pg. A11

ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
GEOTECHNICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING DIVISION

G045.0
5/8/01

GROUND FAILURE/LIQUEFACTION (INTERIM GUIDELINES)

This guideline addresses the general engineering geology review of developments in
areas that have been designated to have a potential for liquefaction and associated
lateral spreading. The Los Angeles County Building Code, 1994 U.B.C., State of
California Seismic Hazard Mapping Act (SHMA), DMG Special Publication SP117,
California Seismic Hazard Mapping Regulations (Article 10") and procedures
developed through the Southern California Earthquake Center were utilized in
developing this guideline. The State Mining and Geology Board recommends that
engineering geologists and civil engineers conduct the assessment of the surface and
subsurface geological/geotechnical conditions at the site, including off-site conditions, to
identify potential hazards to the project. It is appropriate for the civil engineer to design
and recommend mitigation measures. It is also appropriate for both the engineering
geologists and civil engineers to be involved in the implementation of the mitigation
measures - engineering geologists to confirm the geological conditions and civil
engineers to oversee the implementation of the approved mitigation measures.
1)

An engineering geology report that addresses the potential for liquefaction and
associated settlement and lateral spreading is generally required. The report
must minimally include and consider the following:
a)

A description of the proposed projects location, topographic relief,

drainage, subsurface geologic conditions, and proposed grading.

b)

A site plan of the subject site showing the locations of all test pits, borings,
penetration test locations, and soil or rock samples obtained.

c)

Local and regional geologic maps showing bedrock, alluvium, colluvium,

soil material, faults, shears, joint systems, lithologic contacts, seeps or
springs, and other pertinent geologic and soil features existing on and
adjacent to the project site.

d)

Logs of borings, test pits, or other subsurface data obtained. It is

recommended that a minimum depth of 50 feet below the existing ground
surface be investigated for liquefaction.

e)

Geologic cross sections depicting geologic structure, stratigraphy, and

subsurface water conditions, supported by boring and/or trench logs at
appropriate locations.

County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Manual for Preparation of Geotechnical Reports
http://dpw.lacounty.gov/gmed/manual.pdf
Revised December 2006

Appendix Pg. A12

f)

The groundwater level to be used in the liquefaction analysis. Location

and extent of groundwater, perched groundwater and historic high
groundwater. The historic high groundwater level should be used, in the
liquefaction analysis, unless information obtained indicates that an
alternate level is appropriate.

g)

Description of seismic setting, historical seismicity and methods and/or

sources used to determine earthquake ground-motion parameters used in
the liquefaction analysis. For high occupancy structures it is common
practice to use a deterministic seismic hazard analysis with a medianplus-one-standard-deviation (84th percentile) in developing ground motion
estimates. The consulting engineering geologist must provide ground
motion parameters using either the deterministic or the probabilistic
method as follows:
Probabilistic:
Earthquake magnitudes and associated peak ground accelerations (PGA)
based upon simple prescribed parameter values (SPPV) generated by the
Department of Conservation may be used. These maps are included in
the Seismic Hazard Evaluation Reports issued by DMG. PGA is
dependent on site conditions and several maps have been prepared to
accommodate these differences. Refer to SP117 for further details.
In-lieu of utilizing SPPV, a site-specific probabilistic seismic hazard
analysis can be performed, and can supersede the SPPV values of PGA.
If a site-specific probabilistic hazard analyses is performed, earthquake
magnitudes must be based upon the current California Division of Mines
and Geology Fault Model (fault catalog), with associated PGA utilizing
recently published attenuation equations, and a probabilistic seismic
hazard analysis (PSHA) utilizing a hazard level of at least 10 percent
probability of exceedance in 50 years. All input and output data files (Dat,
Out, Raw) associated with the computer program (e.g. FRISKSP) must
accompany the geotechnical report as hard copies.
Any modifications to the program, standard user-selected input
parameters, or the current California of Division Mines and Geology Fault
Model, must be justified. It is important that the difference in duration of
various earthquake magnitudes be accounted for when performing
liquefaction analysis. Therefore, magnitude weighting must be performed
per Idriss (1985)*. Magnitude Weighting Factors used in FRISKSP should
be equivalent to the inverse of the Magnitude Scaling Factors used in the
engineering analysis for liquefaction. Attenuation equations and values
must reflect the use of current literature and site conditions. Attenuation
relations produced by Campbell (1997), Joyner & Boore (1997), and
Sadigh, et al. (1997) are acceptable** using the standard deviation on the
attenuation functions. The geotechnical consultants must conduct the

County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Manual for Preparation of Geotechnical Reports
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Revised December 2006

Appendix Pg. A13

analysis utilizing all three of the above attenuation relations and then
submit a discussion and conclusions justifying the seismic parameters
utilized in the liquefaction analysis. The geotechnical consultants must
justify all input parameters and certify the integrity of the data and program
utilized in generating magnitudes and peak ground accelerations.
-ORDeterministic:
Earthquake magnitudes based upon the current California Division of
Mines and Geology Fault Catalog, with associated PGA utilizing published
attenuation equations and a deterministic seismic hazard analysis
(DSHA). Attenuation equations and values must reflect the use of current
literature and site conditions. Attenuation relations produced by Campbell
(1997), Joyner & Boore (1997), and Sadigh, et al. (1997) are acceptable**.
The geotechnical consultants should utilize the average ground motion
obtained from the three attenuation relations in the liquefaction analysis.
Again, for high occupancy structures, it is common practice to use a
deterministic seismic hazard analysis with a median-plus-one-standarddeviation (84th percentile) in developing ground motion estimates.
NOTE: The results of the submitted site-specific seismic hazard analyses
will be reviewed by utilizing a probabilistic seismic hazard analysis
(PSHA); a hazard level of 10 percent probability of exceedance in 50
years; the current California Division of Mines and Geology Fault Catalog;
the most updated version of FRISKSP by Thomas F. Blake; attenuation
relations produced by Campbell (1997), Joyner & Boore (1997), and
Sadigh, et al. (1997); and standard user-selected input parameters unless
otherwise justified by the geotechnical consultants. Seismic parameters
recommended by the geotechnical consultants are acceptable if they are
greater than or equal to values obtained using these criteria.
h)

Consideration of the geologic factors that may control or affect the severity
of potential hazards (e.g., site-specific response characteristics due to
amplification of soft soils, deep sedimentary basins, topography, nearsource affects, etc.)

i)

The engineering geology report must comply with and contain a finding in
accordance with Sections 110 and 111 of the Los Angeles County
Building Code.

j)

Discussion of proposed mitigation measures, if any, necessary to reduce

potential damage caused by liquefaction.

k)

Consideration of general guidelines of the DMG Notes 42, 44, and 48."

County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Manual for Preparation of Geotechnical Reports
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Revised December 2006

Appendix Pg. A14

2.

For "projects" governed under the State of California SHMA and Article 10
(Section 3724).
a)

The required report(s) shall be prepared by a certified engineering

geologist and/or registered civil engineer, having competence in the field
of seismic hazard evaluation and mitigation.

b)

The required report(s) shall be reviewed by a certified engineering

geologist and/or registered civil engineer, having competence in the field
of seismic hazard evaluation and mitigation.

c)

A copy of all geotechnical reports must be sent to the State Geologist

within 30 days of plan approval.

References: *

Idriss, I. M. (1985), Evaluating Seismic Risk in Engineering

Practice, Eleventh International Conference on Soil Mechanics and
Foundation Engineering, vol. 1, pp. 255-320.
** As used by DMG OFR 96-08 / USGS OFR 96-706

County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Manual for Preparation of Geotechnical Reports
http://dpw.lacounty.gov/gmed/manual.pdf
Revised December 2006

Appendix Pg. A15

ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
GEOTECHNICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING DIVISION

GS047.0
12/6/06

SURFICIAL SLOPE STABILITY FOR NATURAL SLOPES

The following information is applicable to the review and preparation of geotechnical
reports that address the hazard of surficial instability. Specifically, these guidelines are
for structures proposed adjacent to natural slopes, swales, etc., that have the potential
to fail surficially (excludes gross stability). Guidelines contained herein exclude
additional criteria and requirements that may be imposed by the Building and Safety
Division and/or Land Development Division (BSD and LDD) relative to runoff, drainage,
grading, etc. The requirement for an engineering geology report may be waived by the
District Geologist based upon the geologic conditions and/or the scope of the project
under review.
1)

A coordinated investigation by an Engineering Geologist (CEG) and a Civil

Engineer competent in soils engineering is commonly necessary for a thorough
assessment of the stability of surficial materials contained on natural slopes.
Surficial materials include soils, colluvium, talus, slopewash, highly weathered
(soil like) bedrock, etc.

2)

It must be demonstrated by the geotechnical consultant(s) that the proposed

structure will be free from landsliding, settlement and slippage as defined in the
Los Angeles County Building Code, specifically including Sections 110 and 111.

3)

On-site and off-site data must be provided and considered in the assessment of
potential mobilization of surficial materials, in the form of debris flows, mudflows,
and similar failures from swales, hollows, first order drainage courses, etc.

4)

Assessment and/or contents of the consulting geotechnical reports should

include:
a)

Evaluation of significant natural slopes, generally for slopes exceeding an

approximate 2:1 ratio (27 degrees), and/or when the height of the slope
and geologic conditions warrant.

b)

Evaluation of surficial materials on natural slopes that considers:

i)

Presence of native vegetation that may not be drought and fire

resistant, or deep rooted.

ii)

Variability of thickness and irregularity of contacts with underlying

firm material or bedrock.

County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Manual for Preparation of Geotechnical Reports
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Revised December 2006

Appendix Pg. A16

iii)
iv)

5)

In-situ surficial materials of high porosity and low density, relative to

underlying material or bedrock.
Change in slope gradients.

v)

Variable, concentrated, or uninterrupted surface runoff (no drainage

devices).

vi)

Hydrogeologic and geologic conditions relative to stability.

vii)

Origin, source, etc., of surficial materials.

viii)

Impact of underlying bedrock or earth materials on infiltration rates

that may create or indicate conditions conducive to potential
instability.

ix)

The location and description of past surficial failures in the area.

x)

The presence of animal burrows, cracks in the soils, and fractures

that can greatly increase the rate at which runoff can infiltrate into
the surficial material.

c)

Geotechnical map including the area of swales, hollows, first and second
order drainages, topographic anomalies, etc.

d)

Coordinated assessment by the consulting engineering geologist and soils

engineer.

e)

Evaluation of existing off-site instabilities and slope performance under

similar site and geologic conditions.

f)

Illustration of geologic and hydrogeologic conditions and data inclusive of

cross-sections.

A slope stability analysis by the soils engineer will be required to evaluate the
stability of surficial material on a natural slope. The slope stability analysis must
be supplemented by a qualitative assessment by the consulting engineering
geologist that takes into account the geologic conditions, slope history, published
documents etc. Mitigative measures must be based upon input from the
consulting engineering geologist and soils engineer. Surficial slope stability
requirements shall conform to the following:
a)

Analysis Procedure-Infinite Height Slope Method with seepage parallel to

the slope surface or other critical failure mode.

b)

The established thickness of the soils cover over bedrock shall be used as
the depth of saturation in the surficial analyses, up to a maximum depth of
4 feet.

County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Manual for Preparation of Geotechnical Reports
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Revised December 2006

Appendix Pg. A17

c)

Minimum factor of safety shall be 1.50.

d)

Soil shear strength parameters shall be representative of the surficial

materials. Residual values, defined as the shear strengths obtained at the
end of the stress-strain curve, shall be used in the analyses. The stressstrain curves must be submitted to establish the residual shear strength
values.

e)

Impact forces from debris must be considered in the design of impact

walls. A minimum impact force of 125 lbs/ft3 equivalent fluid pressure
shall be used for impact perpendicular to the wall. The design impact
force may be reduced if impact will be oblique to the wall.

6)

The volume of debris to be used in the mitigation design/measure should be

based upon the slope stability analysis and qualitative input from the
geotechnical consultants.

7)

Mitigative or preventative measures that divert debris onto adjacent properties

and/or require private maintenance are generally unacceptable. The hazard
must be defined and completely mitigated on-site. Generally, the best mitigation
measure is avoidance. Mitigative measures, resulting in modification of natural
drainage or removal (grading) of natural slope surficial material, are subject to
review and approval by BSD and LDD; incorporation of paved swales or other
devices may be warranted or may be required by BSD and LDD. The use of
debris fences for mitigation of surficial slope failure is unacceptable.

8)

Slope setback reductions cannot be granted if surficial slope stability analyses

and qualitative data indicate that a debris flow potential exists on the subject
natural slope (see Section 1806 of the Los Angeles County Building Code).

9)

On a case-by-case basis, the County may accept the deposition of debris onto a
public right-of-way; however the County is under no legal obligation to do so.
When the proposed mitigation plan includes the concentration and deposition of
debris onto a public street the following note must be included on review sheets
to Building and Safety Division:
Attention BSD Drainage Plan Checker:
The proposed mitigation plan for the hazard of debris flow will potentially divert
material onto a public roadway. The estimated volume of debris could total
_________ cubic yards.
Based on the overall site conditions the BSD plan checker may or may not
approve the proposed mitigation plan.

County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Manual for Preparation of Geotechnical Reports
http://dpw.lacounty.gov/gmed/manual.pdf
Revised December 2006

Appendix Pg. A18

NOTE: C.D.M.G. Note 33, U.S.G.S. Professional Paper 851, and the Bulletin of the
Association of Engineering Geologist, Vol. XVIII, No. 1, 1981, pp. 17-28 can be very
useful in the preparation of reports that address the hazard and mitigation of surficial
instability.

County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Manual for Preparation of Geotechnical Reports
http://dpw.lacounty.gov/gmed/manual.pdf
Revised December 2006

Appendix Pg. A19

ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
GEOTECHNICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING DIVISION

GS051.0
5/8/01

GEOTECHNICAL FINAL MAP CLEARANCE GUIDELINES

A copy of the Final Map and payment of geotechnical verification fees are required to
initiate the review process. The minimum deposit is usually six hours of review time, but
depends upon the subdivision and geotechnical conditions. The following items must
be submitted by the subdivider or his agent together to the Geotechnical Development
Review Section, via the Processing Center, to expedite processing and approval:
1.

(a)

One (1) copy of the final map. It must be dated and logged in (stamped) by
the Processing Center.
(or)

(b)

Three (3) copies of the final map, if geotechnical Restricted Use Areas
(RUA) or Geotechnical Notes (GN) are on the final map (see 2 below).
Maps must be logged in at the Processing Center. For maps with RUA
each sheet of all three sets of the final map must be signed by the private
consultant geologist and soils engineer, by manual, original (wet)
signatures and indicate their approval of the boundaries of the RUA.

2.

A Restricted Use Area Letter is required. If no RUA or GN are required [Situation

1 (a) above] then a letter from the consultant geologist and soils engineer must be
submitted, which states that there are no RUA or GN required for the subdivision.
If RUA or GN are required [Situation 1(b) above], provide a report and
geotechnical map that describes and shows the hazards(s). Submit two copies of
the letter/report.

3.

One copy of the receipt showing that the verification fees (for technical clearance)
have been paid.

4.

One copy of the Geologic and Soils Review Sheets, which approve the grading
plan for the subdivision, is required.

5.

One copy of the Bond Agreement form showing the amount of Geologic
Corrective Bonds required for this project. NOTE: Not all projects require
Geologic Corrective Bonds. These bonds are required (when grading has not
been completed) for corrective geologic grading, such as buttresses or
stabilization fills, deep removals, etc. Bond Amounts: $4.00/cu. yard for faithful
performance + $2.00/yd for Labor and Materials. The consulting civil engineer in
coordination with the consultant determines the amounts.

County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Manual for Preparation of Geotechnical Reports
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Revised December 2006

Appendix Pg. A20

6.

All conditions of the geotechnical approval of the tentative subdivision must be

met.
CHECK LIST FOR ABOVE REQUIREMENTS
1. a.
b.
c.
2.
3.
4.

1 copy of map (No Restricted Use Areas)

3 signed copies of map with Restricted Use Areas.
3 copies of the map with Geotechnical Notes.
Restricted Use Area Letter or report/map.
Receipt for fees paid.
Geologic and Soils Review Sheets approving grading plan.

County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Manual for Preparation of Geotechnical Reports
http://dpw.lacounty.gov/gmed/manual.pdf
Revised December 2006

Appendix Pg. A21

County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Manual for Preparation of Geotechnical Reports
http://dpw.lacounty.gov/gmed/manual.pdf
Revised December 2006

Appendix Pg. A22

ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
GEOTECHNICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING DIVISION

GS063.0
3/12/01

RESTRICTED USE AREAS

Each lot of a subdivision must have, or bonds must be provided to establish, a
geotechnically safe buildable area at the time of recordation of the Final Map.
Exemptions include some Open Space Lots, Ungraded Site Lots, and Remainder
Parcels. If any portion of a division of land is subject to geological hazard, dedication
of building-restriction rights (Restricted Use Area) over the geological hazard area is
required. A Restricted Use Area is recorded on the final map giving the County of Los
Angeles the right to restrict building within this area. The dedication is made during the
Final Map process (see Subdivision Code Section 21.44.320 and Government Code
Section 25367). Divisions of land in which each resultant parcel has a gross area of 40
acres or more do not require the recordation of Restricted Use Areas.
On-site soils susceptible to hydroconsolidation/liquefaction/excessive settlement are not
considered geologic hazards for the purpose of Code enforcement, and therefore,
should not be designated as a Restricted Use Area.
However, if a portion of a subdivision is identified as having soils subject to
hydroconsolidation / liquefaction / excessive settlement, the consultants must
recommend corrective work. If the proposed corrective work does not mitigate the
hazard, the following Geotechnical Note is required on the Final Map:
According to the Geotechnical Consultants of Record parts or all of Lot(s)
(lot numbers) are subject to hydroconsolidation / liquefaction / excessive
settlement. For location of areas subject to hydroconsolidation/
liquefaction/excessive settlement and corrective work requirements refer
to geotechnical reports by (consultants) dated (date)
Geologic hazards include, but are not limited to, areas subject to landsliding, debris
flows, and active fault traces. Unmitigated geologic hazards shall be the basis for
determining the Restricted Use Area. Areas underlain by geotextiles, utilized in the
support of slopes or retaining walls, are also required to be placed in Restricted Use
Areas. Future excavations for swimming pools, footings, etc. could damage these
materials and negatively impact the stability of the slope or retaining wall.
On a very limited basis, at the request of the geotechnical consultants and the property
owner, an area suspected of having a geotechnical hazard that has not been
geotechnically explored because of unusually high costs, severe access problems, etc.,
may be designated as a Restricted Use Area in lieu of exploration.

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Appendix Pg. A23

Restricted Use Areas may be shown on the tentative map and grading plan, but must
be designated and shown on the Final Map prior to approval. Occasionally, a
subdivider may request the Department to waive the Final Parcel Map. A waiver of the
parcel map can be allowed when Restricted Use Areas exist, if all lots of the
subdivision are 2 1/4 acres or larger, and the Restricted Use Area are delineated on a
plat map attached to the waiver.
The Consultant Engineering Geologist and Geotechnical Engineer determine the extent
of the Restricted Use Area, which should be shown on the geotechnical map based on
substantiating geotechnical data. Prior to Final Map recordation, the Geotechnical
Consultants must indicate and delineate in their reports or by letter, if Restricted Use
Areas are required, or not required.
For evaluation of Restricted Use Areas and Geotechnical Notes, the geotechnical
reviewers shall consider the following:
1.

Geotechnical hazards on the site must be properly identified, defined, and

mapped.

2.

Geologic hazards that pose a threat to adjoining parcels must be corrected in

accordance with established criteria in order to eliminate the threat and may not
be placed in Restricted Use Areas (see GS086.0).

3.

Unmitigated geological hazards must be designated as Restricted Use Areas.

4.

Final Maps with Restricted Use Areas shall be processed and reviewed as
follows:
a.

Show boundaries of the Restricted Use Area on the map, as required by

the Subdivision Mapping Section.

b.

Three copies of the map are required that have been approved by the
geotechnical consultants, by manual original signatures, date, and an
approval statement on all sheets.

c.

The approved maps shall be distributed, by the Geology Review Section,

to the appropriate Building and Safety District Office and the Subdivision
Mapping Section.

d.

Transmittal of the map to the District Office shall include a letter with an
explanatory statement that Restricted Use Areas are included on the
map. Utilize Form 12 to transmit the map.

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Appendix Pg. A24

5.

Future development in a recorded Restricted Use Area may be permitted upon

submittal and approval of remedial plans for the geological hazard and additional
geotechnical information. Removal of the Restricted Use Area designation from
the recorded Final Map is not required.

6.

Modification and abandonment of Restricted Use Areas can be made after the
Final Map is recorded by filing a separate instrument, as required by the
Subdivision Mapping Section. A geotechnical map and report is required to
delineate and describe the reasons and justification for the change.

7.

Final Maps with Geotechnical Notes shall be processed and reviewed as

follows:
a.

Three copies of the map are required.

b.

The approved maps shall be distributed, by the Geology Review Section,

to the appropriate Building and Safety District Office and the Subdivision
Mapping Section.

c.

Transmittal of the map to the District Office shall include a letter with an
explanatory statement that Geotechnical Notes are included on the map.
Utilize Form 12 to transmit the map.

Approved by

ORIGINAL SIGNED
Thomas W. Hoagland
Assistant Deputy Director

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Appendix Pg. A25

ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
GEOTECHNICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING DIVISION

GS086.0
2/23/00

SUBDIVISIONS IMPACTED BY EXISTING LANDSLIDES

The following guidelines and requirements are for the geotechnical review of
subdivisions impacted by landslides, with regards to property boundaries and safe
building areas. Generally, existing landslides are considered a hazard unless it is
demonstrated by subsurface exploration, rock and soil testing, and stability analysis that
the landslide has appropriate safety factors.
An existing landslide which if activated could adversely impact off-site property (outside
of the subdivision) does not have to be mitigated if the existing conditions will not be
changed, worsened, or otherwise be affected by the proposed development, and the
hazard does not pose a threat to on-site building areas in the subdivision. It must be
clearly demonstrated that the proposed development will not increase the potential for
failure of the hazardous conditions. Otherwise, mitigation measures will be required.
An unmitigated landslide hazard, and the surrounding affected area inside the proposed
subdivision, will have to be designated as a Restricted Use Area.
Case designated listed below refer to the attached Plate A:
Case A

Proposed lot line crosses landslide.

Adjust lot line to constrain the landslide on one lot or provide remediation
of the landslide. The landslide hazard cannot be subdivided.

Case B

The designated building area is at the toe of a landslide, which is

contained within a single lot of the subdivision.
Relative to the building area, the landslide must be mitigated (e.g.
buttressed or removed) or be geotechnically shown to be stable and not a
threat to the safety of the proposed structure.

Cases C and G
The landslides are outside of the subdivision boundary where remediation
is not possible.
Unless an adequate setback can be provided or the landslide stabilized,
an alternate building area is required.

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Appendix Pg. A26

Cases D and E
A landslide transects the subdivision boundary.
No mitigation is required because the landslide transects an existing
property boundary. However, it must be clearly demonstrated that the
proposed development will not adversely affect or contribute to the
instability of the landslide in the future. Otherwise, the landslide must be
mitigated.
Cases F and G
The landslides are either entirely inside or outside of the subdivision
perimeter boundary and do not affect the safety of the building area.
It must be clearly established that the proposed development will not
adversely affect or contribute to the instability of the landslide, resulting in
adverse effects on adjacent property and relative stability. Otherwise, the
landslide must be mitigated.
Case H
An existing landslide, which could affect an adjacent lot in the same
subdivision, must be removed or otherwise mitigated.

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Appendix Pg. A27

County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

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Revised December 2006

Appendix Pg. A28

GUIDELINES FOR PREPARING

ENGINEERING GEOLOGY REPORTS
REVISED 1992
by
James E. Slosson
assisted by
Thomas F. Blake, Jeffrey A. Johnson, Jeffrey R. Keaton,
Robert A. Larson, C. Michael Scullin,
Thomas L. Slosson, and Michael B. Phipps

These guidelines are intended to be a general aid to professional geologists evaluating

site-specific conditions and geologic hazards and to regulatory agencies for review of
reports. The guidelines do not include systematic descriptions of all available
techniques or topics, nor is it suggested that all techniques or topics be utilized on every
project. Variations in site conditions and purposes of investigations may require more
or permit less effort than is outlined here. All elements of these guidelines should be
considered during field analysis as well as the preparation and review of engineering
geology reports.
These guidelines have been revised by the Association of Engineering Geologists in
1992 utilizing the original guidelines prepared by the Building Codes Committee of the
Southern California Section in 1965 (Slosson & Phipps, 1992) and later modified by the
Utah Section of the Association of Engineering Geologists for the Utah Geological and
Mineral Survey in 1986. The California Division of Mines and Geology in 1975 formally
adopted the original 1965 version of the guidelines for the purpose of addressing the
provisions of Chapter 70 of the Uniform Building Code and for establishing good
engineering geology practices, and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the
public. In 1984, the California guidelines (CDMG) were published in the Bulletin of the
Association of Engineering Geologists (Slosson, 1984) making them readily available to
geologists and reviewers throughout the United States and the world.
I.

GEOLOGIC MAPPING AND INVESTIGATION

A.

Geologic mapping of the subject area should be completed at a scale

which shows sufficient detail to adequately define the geologic conditions
present. For many purposes, available geologic maps are unsuitable to
provide a basis for understanding the site conditions and independent
geologic mapping is needed. If available geologic maps are used to
portray site conditions, they must be field checked and updated to reflect
geologic, topographic, and/or cultural changes which have occurred since
map publication. It is often necessary for the geologist to extend mapping
into adjacent areas to adequately define geologic conditions relevant to
processes active at the subject area.

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Appendix Pg. A29

B.

Mapping should be done on a suitable topographic base map at an

appropriate scale with satisfactory horizontal and vertical control. The
nature, date, and source of the base should be included on each map. In
certain cases where topographic base maps at scales larger than
1:24,000 (U.S. Geological Survey 72 minute quadrangle) are not
available, geologic mapping may be done and presented on an aerial
photograph base of suitable scale to permit documentation of pertinent
features. On small-scale maps, 1 inch commonly equals 200 feet or more,
whereas on large-scale maps 1 inch equals 100 feet or less.

C.

The geologist performing the investigation and preparing the map should
pay particular attention to the type and geometry of bedrock and surficial
materials, characteristics of these materials that may affect their
engineering properties, structural features and relationships, and the
three-dimensional distribution of earth materials exposed and inferred
within the area. A clear distinction should be made on the map and within
the report between observed and inferred geologic features and
relationships. All seeps, springs, and marshes should be indicated with
estimates of discharge rates, if any, at the time of observation.

D.

The report should include one or more appropriately positioned and scaled
cross sections to show three-dimensional relationships that cannot be
adequately described in words alone. Fence or block diagrams may also
be appropriate for describing three-dimensional relationships. Cross
sections should display the available data and the interpretation of
conditions between exposures.

E.

The locations of all exploratory excavations (drill holes, test pits, and
trenches) should be accurately shown on maps and sections and
described in the text of the report. The actual data or processed data
upon which interpretations are based should be included in the report to
permit technical reviewers to make their own assessments regarding
reliability and interpretation.

F.

A field meeting among the geologist, the regulatory reviewer, and the
owner or developer may be appropriate or desirable during the geologic
investigation. Such a meeting will allow pertinent issues to be discussed
and fundamental geologic information to be examined by the reviewer.
The data from such a meeting and the names of those attending should
be included in the report.

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Appendix Pg. A30

II.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Each report should include sufficient background information to inform the reader of the
general site setting, the proposed land use, and the purpose and scope of the geologic
investigation. The following items should be addressed:
A.

Location and size of subject area and its general setting with respect to
major or regional geographic and geologic features.

B.

Name(s) of geologist(s) who did the mapping and logging on which the
report is based, dates when the mapping was done and who did the
graphic arts and when the graphic arts were completed. The report and
map should be signed by the project engineering geologist and/or the
supervising engineering geologist. In states in which licensing is required,
such as California, those signing the engineering geology reports and
maps shall be certified engineering geologists and their certification
numbers and/or stamps or seals shall accompany their signature(s).

C.

Purpose and scope of the report and geologic investigation.

D.

Geomorphology and drainage within or affecting the subject area.

E.

General nature, distribution, and abundance of exposures of earth

materials within the subject area.

F.

Basis of interpretations and conclusions regarding the geology of the

subject area. Nature and source of available subsurface information and
engineering geology reports or maps.
Suitable explanations of the
available data should provide a technical reviewer with the means of
evaluating the reliability and accuracy of the data. Reference to cited
works or field observations shall be made to substantiate opinions and
conclusions. New or unique methods of analysis and interpretation should
be indicated as such and appropriately documented.
Summaries of
technical discussions with reviewers in field meetings also should be
provided.

G.

Disclosure of known or suspected potentially hazardous geologic

processes affecting the project area. This should include a statement
regarding past performance of existing engineered slopes, as well as
engineered facilities (such as buildings or utilities) in the immediate
vicinity.

H.

Discussion of the limitations of the investigation and analytical techniques

used, effect on project of reasonable alternate assumptions and
hypotheses, and disclosure of the chosen design-life of the project.

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Appendix Pg. A31

III.

GEOLOGIC DESCRIPTIONS

The report should contain an adequate description of all natural materials and structural
features recognized or inferred within the subject area. Where interpretations are
added to the record of direct observations, the basis for such interpretations should be
clearly stated.
The following checklist may be useful as a general, though not necessarily complete,
guide for descriptions:
A.

Bedrock
1.

Identification of rock type (such as granite, sandstone, claystone, shale,

slate).

2.

Relative age and, where possible, correlation with named formations (e.g.,
Orinda, Modelo, Rincon, Wasatch).

3.

Surface expression (geomorphology), areal distribution, and origin.

4.

Pertinent physical characteristics (e.g., color, grain size, nature of

stratification, strength of rock materials, variability of characteristics,
presence or lack of cementation, spacing, type and continuity of
fracturing).

5.

Special physical or chemical features (e.g., pervasiveness of fractures,

voids, gypsum veins, weathering, hydrothermal alteration).

6.

Distribution and extent of zones of weathering; significant differences

between fresh and weathered rock.

7.

Engineering properties of bedrock material and special characteristics or

concerns (e.g., factors affecting grading, construction, and maintenance
potential for weathering upon exposure to air in cut slopes).

8.

Description of geomorphology including origin of unique features.

9.

Weaknesses and/or defects observed in earth materials that may affect

stability, strength of material, erosion characteristics, and other factors.

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Appendix Pg. A32

B.

C.

D.

Structural features-stratification, faults, fractures, foliation, schistosity, and

folds.
1.

Occurrence, distribution, dimensions,

projections into subject area.

orientation

and

variability;

2.

Relative ages where pertinent.

3.

Special features of faults (e.g., topographic expression, zones of gouge

and breccia, groundwater association, nature of offsets, timing of
movements, youngest faulted unit and oldest unfaulted unit).

4.

Effects on rock materials that may alter strength and stability (i.e., spacing,
continuity, and type of fractures and their origin, etc.).

5.

Special engineering characteristics or concerns.

Surficial or unconsolidated deposits-alluvial, colluvial, eolian, alluvial fan,

lacustrine, marine, glacial residual, mass movement, volcanic (such as cinders
and ash), and historical fill (both engineered and non-engineered).
1.

Identification of material, grain size, relative age, degree of activity of

originating process.

2.

Distribution, dimensional characteristics, variations in thickness, degree of

soil development, surface expression.

3.

Pertinent physical characteristics (e.g., color, grain size, lithology,

compactness, cementation, strength, thickness, odor, pore size,
permeability, shrink and swell potential).

4.

Special physical or chemical features (e.g., indications of volume change

or instability, such as desiccation cracks, slickensides, gypsum, secondary
cementation related to weathering processes).

5.

Special engineering characteristics or concerns.

6.

Potential for consolidation, hydroconsolidation (hydrocompaction) seismic

settlement, collapse, erosion, and other forms of ground failure.

Surface hydrologic and subsurface hydrogeologic conditions.

1.

Distribution, occurrence, and variations (e.g., drainage courses, ponds,

swamps, springs, and seeps).

2.

Identification and characterization of saturated zones and/or aquifers,

depth to ground water and seasonal fluctuations.

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Appendix Pg. A33

E.

3.

Relationships to geomorphology and geologic features, recharge areas

and discharge areas.

4.

Groundwater flow patterns and hydraulic gradients.

5.

Evidence for earlier occurrence of water at localities now dry (e.g.,

vegetation, mineral deposits, historic records, photographic).

6.

Special engineering characteristics or concerns (such as fluctuating water

table, cause and location of perched water, and chemical content of
water).

7.

Discuss possible changes in groundwater condition that may be caused

by the proposed project or effects of other land use changes that may
cause changes to this project (i.e., increases in groundwater elevation due
to irrigation, ponding of surface waters, sewage efficiency, etc.).

8.

Locate and discuss groundwater recharge.

Seismic considerations.
1.

Description of the seismotectonic setting of the subject area (including

size, frequency, duration and location of historic earthquakes).

2.

Potential for subject area to be affected by surface rupture (including

sense and amount of displacement and width of zone of surface
deformation).

3.

Probable site response to likely earthquakes (estimated ground motion,

duration and response variability).

4.

Potential for subject area to be affected by primary and secondary seismic

hazards such as earthquake-induced landslides, liquefaction or other
types of ground failure, including rock fall.

5.

Potential for subject area to be affected by regional tectonic deformation

(subsidence or uplift).

6.

As an example, refer to CDMG Note 42 (formerly CDMG Note 37) and

CDMG Note 43, as used in California as a support document.

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Appendix Pg. A34

IV.

ASSESSMENT OF GEOLOGIC FACTORS

Assessment of geologic factors with respect to intended use constitutes the principal
contribution of the report. It involves both 1) the effects of the geologic features upon
the proposed grading, construction, and land use, and 2) the effects of these proposed
modifications upon future geologic processes in the area.
The following checklist includes the topics that ordinarily should be considered in
preparing discussions, conclusions, and recommendations in geologic reports:
A.

General suitability of proposed land use to geologic conditions.

1.

Areas to be avoided, if any.

2.

Effects of topography and slope on proposed land use and vice versa.

3.

Stability of earth materials.

4.

Flood inundation, erosion, and deposition.

5.

Problems caused by geologic features or conditions in adjacent

properties.

6.

Effects of groundwater on project and vice versa.

7.

Other general problems.

B.

Identification and extent of known or suspected geologic hazards (such as

flood inundation, shallow groundwater, storm surge, surface and groundwater
pollution, rock or snow avalanche, various types of landslides, debris flow, rock
fall, expansive soil, collapsible soil, subsidence, erosion, deposition, earthquake
shaking, fault rupture, liquefaction, seiche, volcanic eruption, tsunamis).

C.

Recommendations for site grading.

1.

Prediction of what materials and structural features that will be

encountered in proposed cuts and their potential for slope failure.

2.

Prediction of stability based on geologic factors; recommended avoidance

or engineering mitigation to cope with existing or potential landslide
masses.

3.

Excavation considerations
groundwater, seepage).

(hard

or

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massive

rock,

slope

failure,

Appendix Pg. A35

D.

E.

4.

General considerations for placement of proposed fill masses in canyons

or on sidehills (i.e., benching, subdrains, backdrains).

5.

Suitability of excavated material for use as compacted fill.

6.

Recommendations for positioning fill masses, provisions for

underdrainage, buttressing and the need for erosion protection on fill
slopes.

7.

Other recommendations required by the proposed land use, such as for

reorientation of cut slopes, positions of drainage terraces, the need for
rock-fall protection on cut slopes, the need for erosion protection on cut
slopes.

Drainage considerations.
1.

Relationship of property to FEMA flood zones.

2.

Protection from inundation or wave erosion along shorelines, streams, etc.

3.

Soil and rock permeability and the effect of infiltration and through flow on
site stability.

4.

Protection from sheet flood or gully erosion and debris flows, mud flows,
and avalanches.

Recommendations for additional investigations.

1.

Geophysical surveys, aerial photographic surveys, borings, test pits,

and/or trenches needed for additional geologic information.

2.

Percolation tests needed for septic system design.

3.

Program of subsurface exploration and testing that is most likely to

provide data needed by the geotechnical engineer or civil engineer.

V.

RECOMMENDED TECHNIQUES/SYSTEMS TO CONSIDER

A.

Engineering geology mapping can be done using the Genesis-Lithology-Qualifier

(GLQ) system rather than the conventional Time-Rock system. The GLQ system
(Keaton, 1984; Compton, 1985) promotes communication of geologic information
to non-geologists. The Unified Soil Classification System (U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, 1953, and American Society for Testing and Materials, 1990) has
been used in engineering for many years and can be adapted for mapping. It
has been incorporated into the GLQ system.

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Appendix Pg. A36

B.

The Unified Rock Classification System (Williamson, 1984) provides a systematic

and reproducible method of describing rock weathering, strength, discontinuities,
and density in a manner directly usable by engineers.

C.

Systems for mapping landslide deposits are described by Wieczorek (1984) and
by McCalpin (1984).

D.

Commonly accepted grading requirements are described in Chapter 70 of the

Uniform Building Code.

E.

A number of the local governmental agencies have adopted specific ordinances

regarding hillside development, citing issues with respect to proximity to fault
traces, requirements for septic system designs, waste material disposal
requirements, and others. The geologist should check with local agencies
regarding such ordinances that might affect specific aspects of the project
requirements.

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Appendix Pg. A37

SELECTED REFERENCES for PREPARING ENGINEERING GEOLOGY REPORTS

American Society for Testing and Materials, 1990, Standard Test Method for
Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (D-2487-90), Volume 04.08, Soil
and Rock; Dimension Stone; Geosynthetics: ASTM, 1916 Race St., Philadelphia,
PA 19103-1187. (215) 299-5400.
American Society for Testing and Materials, 1990, Standard Practice for Description
and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure) (D-2488-90), Volume 04.08,
Soil and Rock; Dimension Stone; Geosynthetics: ASTM Philadelphia, PA.
Brown, G. A., and Proctor, R. J., eds., 1985, Professional practice guidelines:
Association of Engineering Geologists, Chapter 5 -- report guidelines, contents of
detailed geologic reports, geologic map and sections, and field inspection.
Revised 1993, 3rd Edition, as Professional Practice Handbook, published by
AEG.
California Division of Mines and Geology, 1986, Guidelines to geologic/seismic reports:
DMG Note 42, (formerly DMG Note 37), California Division of Mines and
Geology, Department of Conservation, 1416 9th Street, Room 1341,
Sacramento, CA 95818.
California Division of Mines and Geology, 1986, Guidelines for determining the
maximum credible and the maximum probable earthquakes: DMG Note 43,
California Division of Mines and Geology, Department of Conservation, 1416 9th
Street, Room 1341, Sacramento, CA 95818.
California Division of Mines and Geology, 1986, Guidelines for preparing engineering
geologic reports: DMG Note 44, California Division of Mines and Geology,
Department of Conservation, 1416 9th Street, Room 1341, Sacramento, CA
95818.
California Division of Mines and Geology, 1975, Guidelines for geologic/seismic
considerations in environmental impact reports: DMG Note 46, California Division
of Mines and Geology, Department of Conservation, 1416 9th Street, Room
1341, Sacramento, CA 95818.
City of Los Angeles, Official grading regulations, 1964, Building News, Inc., Los
Angeles, CA p. 48.
Compton, Robert R., 1985, Geology in the field: John Wiley & Sons, New York.
Fleming, R. W. and Taylor, F. A., 1980, Estimating the costs of landslide damage in the
United States, USGS Circular No. 832, P. 21.

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Appendix Pg. A38

Keaton, J. R., 1984, Genesis-lithology-qualifier (GLQ) system of engineering geology

mapping symbols: Bulletin of the Association of Engineering Geologists, Vol. XXI,
No. 3, p. 355-364.
McCalpin, James, 1984, Preliminary age classification of landslides for inventory
mapping: 21st Annual Symposium on Engineering Geology and Soils
Engineering, Proceedings, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, p. 99-111.
Michael, E. D., et al., 1965, Geology and Urban Development, AEG, Special Pub. p. 23
and appendices.
Schuster, R. L. and Raymond, J. K., 1978, Landslides analysis and control, National
Academy of Sciences, Washington, D.C., Special Report 176, 234 pp.
Scullin, C. M., 1983, (Rev. 1990), Excavation and grading code administration,
inspection, and enforcement, Prentice-Hall, Inc., 405 pp.
Slosson, J. E., 1968, Engineering geology - its importance in land development, Urban
Land Institute, Tech. Bul. No 63 p. 20.
Slosson, J. E., 1969, The role of engineering geology in urban planning, Colorado
Geological Survey, Special Pub. No. 1, p. 8-15.
Slosson, J. E., 1984, Genesis and evolution of guidelines for geologic reports: Bulletin
of the Association of Engineering Geologists, Vol. XXI, No. 3, p. 295-316.
Slosson, J. E. and Petak, W. J., 1989, Why is the gap between "Standard Practice" and
"State-of-the- Art" widening?, Association of Engineering Geologists AEG News,
32/2, April 1989, p. 18-19.
Slosson, T. L. and Phipps, M. B., 1992, The City of Agoura Hills Review Process: in
1992 Association of Engineering Geologists Proceedings 35th Annual Meeting,
Long Beach, California, October 2-9, p. 234-239.
Stokes, A. P. and Cilweck, B. A., 1974, Geology and land development in Ventura
County, California Geology, Vol. 27, No. 11, p. 243-251.
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1953, The unified soil classification system: U.S. Army
Technical Memorandum 3-357.
Utah Section of the Association of Engineering Geologists, 1986, Guidelines for
preparing engineering, Utah Geologic and Mineral Survey, Misc. Pub. M 2 pp.
Wieczorek, G. F., 1984, Preparing a detailed landslide-inventory map for hazard
evaluation and reduction: Bulletin of the Association of Engineering Geologists,
Vol. XXI, No. 3, p. 337-342.
County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works
Manual for Preparation of Geotechnical Reports
http://dpw.lacounty.gov/gmed/manual.pdf
Revised December 2006

Appendix Pg. A39

Williamson, D. A., 1984, United Rock Classification System: Bulletin of the Association
of Engineering Geologists, Vol. XXI, No. 3, p. 345-354.
Wold, R. L. Jr., and Jochim, C. L., 1989, Landslide Loss Reduction: A Guide for State
and Local Government Planning, FEMA Earthquake Hazards Reduction, Series
#52, 50 p.
Uniform Building Code, 1991, Chapter 70, Excavation and Grading: International
Conference of Building Officials, 5360 South Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA
90601, p. 993 to 1004. Always check the most recent edition of the UBC.
Uniform Building Code, 1991, Chapter 23, Part III--Earthquake Design: International
Conference of Building Officials, 5360 South Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA
90601, p. 156 to 196.
Uniform Building Code, 1991, Chapter 23, Division II--Earthquake Recording
Instrumentation and Division III--Earthquake Regulations for Seismic-isolated
Structures: International Conference of Building Officials, 5360 South Workman
Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601, p. 874 to 896.

County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Manual for Preparation of Geotechnical Reports
http://dpw.lacounty.gov/gmed/manual.pdf
Revised December 2006

Appendix Pg. A40

CALIFORNIA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

GUIDELINES FOR EVALUATING THE

HAZARD OF SURFACE FAULT RUPTURE
GUIDELINES FOR EVALUATING THE HAZARD OF SURFACE FAULT RUPTURE
(Similar guidelines were adopted by the State Mining and Geology Board for advisory purposes in 1996.)
These guidelines are to assist geologists who investigate
faults relative to the hazard of surface fault rupture. Subsequent to the passage of the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault
Zoning Act (1972), it became apparent that many fault investigations conducted in California were incomplete or
otherwise inadequate for the purpose of evaluating the potential of surface fault rupture. It was further apparent that
statewide standards for investigating faults would be beneficial. These guidelines were initially prepared in 1975 and
have been revised several times since then.
The investigation of sites for the possible hazard of surface
fault rupture is a deceptively difficult geologic task. Many
active faults are complex, consisting of multiple breaks. Yet
the evidence for identifying active fault traces is generally
subtle or obscure and the distinction between recently active
and long-inactive faults may be difficult to make. It is impractical from an economic, engineering, and architectural
point of view to design a structure to withstand serious
damage under the stress of surface fault rupture. Once a
structure is sited astride an active fault, the resulting faultrupture hazard cannot be mitigated unless the structure is relocated, whereas when a structure is placed on a landslide,
the potential hazard from landsliding often can be mitigated.
Most surface faulting is confined to a relatively narrow zone
a few feet to few tens of feet wide, making avoidance (i.e.,
building setbacks) the most appropriate mitigation method.
However, in some cases primary fault rupture along branch
faults can be distributed across zones hundreds of feet wide
or manifested as broad warps, suggesting that engineering
strengthening or design may be of additional mitigative
value (e.g., Lazarte and others, 1994).
No single investigative method will be the best, or even useful, at all sites, because of the complexity of evaluating surface and near surface faults and because of the infinite variety of site conditions. Nonetheless, certain investigative
methods are more helpful than others in locating faults and
evaluating the recency of activity.

CALIFORNIA
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Revised 5/2002

The evaluation of a given site with regard to the potential

hazard of surface fault rupture is based extensively on the
concepts of recency and recurrence of faulting along existing faults. In a general way, the more recent the faulting the
greater the probability for future faulting (Allen, 1975).
Stated another way, faults of known historic activity during
the last 200 years, as a class, have a greater probability for
future activity than faults classified as Holocene age (last
11,000 years), and a much greater probability of future activity than faults classified as Quaternary age (last 1.6 mil-

lion years). However, it should be kept in mind that certain faults have recurrent activity measured in tens or
hundreds of years whereas other faults may be inactive
for thousands of years before being reactivated. Other
faults may be characterized by creep-type rupture that is
more or less ongoing. The magnitude, sense, and nature
of fault rupture also vary for different faults or even
along different strands of the same fault. Even so, future
faulting generally is expected to recur along pre-existing
faults (Bonilla, 1970). The development of a new fault or
reactivation of a long-inactive fault is relatively uncommon and generally need not be a concern in site development.
As a practical matter, fault investigation should be directed at the problem of locating existing faults and then
attempting to evaluate the recency of their activity. Data
should be obtained both from the site and outside the site
area. The most useful and direct method of evaluating
recency is to observe (in a trench or road cut) the youngest geologic unit faulted and the oldest unit that is not
faulted. Even so, active faults may be subtle or discontinuous and consequently overlooked in trench exposures
(Bonilla and Lienkaemper, 1991). Therefore, careful logging is essential and trenching needs to be conducted in
conjunction with other methods. For example, recently
active faults may also be identified by direct observation
of young, fault-related geomorphic (i.e., topographic)
features in the field or on aerial photographs. Other indirect and more interpretive methods are identified in the
outline below. Some of these methods are discussed in
Bonilla (1982), Carver and McCalpin (1996), Hatheway
and Leighton (1979), McCalpin (1996a, b, c), National
Research Council (1986), Sherard and others (1974),
Slemmons (1977), Slemmons and dePolo (1986), Taylor
and Cluff (1973), the Utah Section of the Association of
Engineering Geologists (1987), Wallace (1977), Weldon
and others (1996), and Yeats and others (1997). McCalpin (1996b) contains a particularly useful discussion
of various field techniques. Many other useful references
are listed in the bibliographies of the references cited
here.
The purpose, scope, and methods of investigation for
fault investigations will vary depending on conditions at
specific sites and the nature of the projects. Contents and
scope of the investigation may also vary based on guidelines and review criteria of agencies or political organizations having regulatory responsibility. However, there
are topics that should be considered in all comprehensive

California Department of Conservation, California Geological Survey, 2002. Reproduction of this CGS Note for classroom or public education purposes
is encouraged and does not require written permission. However, please cite California Geological Survey as source.
The Department of Conservation makes no warranties as to the suitability of this product for any particular purpose.
Printed with soy ink on recycled paper.

PAGE 2
fault investigations and geologic reports on faults. For a given site some
topics may be addressed in more detail than at other sites because of the
difference in the geologic and/or tectonic setting and/or site conditions.
These investigative considerations should apply to any comprehensive
fault investigation and may be applied to any project site, large or small.
Suggested topics, considerations, and guidelines for fault investigations
and reports on faults are provided in the following annotated outline.
Fault investigations may be conducted in conjunction with other geologic and geotechnical investigations (DMG Notes 42 and 44). Although
not all investigative techniques need to be or can be employed in evaluating a given site, the outline provides a checklist for preparing complete
and well-documented reports. Most reports on fault investigations are reviewed by local or state government agencies. Therefore it is necessary
that the reports be documented adequately and written carefully to facilitate that review. The importance of the review process is emphasized
here, because it is the reviewer who must evaluate the adequacy of reports, interpret or set standards where they are unclear, and advise the
governing agency as to their acceptability (Hart and Williams, 1978;
DMG Note 41).

2.

Stereoscopic interpretation of aerial photographs

and other remotely sensed images to detect faultrelated topography (geomorphic features), vegetation and soil contrasts, and other lineaments of
possible fault origin. The area interpreted usually
should extend beyond the site boundaries.

3.

Surface observations, including mapping of geologic and soil units, geologic structures, geomorphic features and surfaces, springs, deformation
of engineered structures due to fault creep, both
on and beyond the site.

4.

Subsurface investigations.

The scope of the investigation is dependent not only on the complexity

and economics of a project, but also on the level of risk acceptable for
the proposed structure or development. A more detailed investigation
should be made for hospitals, high-rise buildings, and other critical or
sensitive structures than for low-occupancy structures such as woodframe dwellings that are comparatively safe. The conclusion drawn from
any given set of data, however, must be consistent and unbiased. Recommendations must be clearly separated from conclusions, because recommendations are not totally dependent on geologic factors. The final decision as to whether, or how, a given project should be developed lies in
the hands of the owner and the governing body that must review and approve the project.
CONTENTS OF GEOLOGIC REPORTS ON FAULTS
Suggested topics, considerations, and guidelines for
investigations and reports

5.

The following topics should be considered and addressed in detail where

essential to support opinions, conclusions, and recommendations, in any
geologic report on faults. It is not expected that all the topics or investigative methods would be necessary in a single investigation. In specific
cases it may be necessary to extend some of the investigative methods
well beyond the site or property being investigated. Particularly helpful
references are cited parenthetically below.
I.

Text

a.

Trenching and other excavations to permit

detailed and direct observation of continuously exposed geologic units, soils, and
structures; must be of adequate depth and be
carefully logged (Taylor and Cluff, 1973;
Hatheway and Leighton, 1979; McCalpin,
1996b).

b.

Borings and test pits to permit collection of

data on geologic units and ground water at
specific locations. Data points must be sufficient in number and spaced adequately to
permit valid correlations and interpretations.

c.

Cone penetrometer testing (CPT) (Grant and

others, 1997; Edelman and others, 1996).
CPT must be done in conjunction with continuously logged borings to correlate CPT
results with on-site materials. The number of
borings and spacing of CPT soundings
should be sufficient to adequately image site
stratigraphy. The existence and location of a
fault based on CPT data are interpretative.

Geophysical investigations. These are indirect

methods that require a knowledge of specific geo
logic conditions for reliable interpretations. They
should seldom, if ever, be employed alone without knowledge of the geology (Chase and
Chapman, 1976). Geophysical methods alone
never prove the absence of a fault nor do they
identify the recency of activity. The types of
equipment and techniques used should be described and supporting data presented (California
Board of Registration for Geologists and Geophysicists, 1993).

A.

Purpose and scope of investigation; description of

proposed development.

B.

Geologic and tectonic setting. Include seismicity and

earthquake history.

a.

High resolution seismic reflection (Stephenson

and others, 1995; McCalpin, 1996b).

C.

Site description and conditions, including dates of site

visits and observations. Include information on geo
logic units, graded and filled areas, vegetation, existing structures, and other factors that may affect the
choice of investigative methods and interpretation of
data.

b.

Ground penetrating radar (Cai and others, 1996).

c.

Other methods include: seismic refraction,

magnetic profiling, electrical resistivity, and
gravity (McCalpin, 1996b).

D.

Methods of investigation.
1.

Review of published and unpublished literature,

maps, and records concerning geologic units,
faults, ground-water barriers, and other factors.

6.

Age-dating techniques are essential for determining

the ages of geologic units, soils, and surfaces that
bracket the time(s) of faulting (Pierce, 1986;
Birkeland and other, 1991; Rutter and Catto, 1995;
McCalpin, 1996a).
a.

Radiometric dating (especially 14C).

b.

Soil-profile development.

PAGE 3

7.

E.

d.

Landform development.

e.

Stratigraphic correlation of rocks/minerals/fossils.

f.

Other methods artifacts, historical records,

tephrochronology, fault scarp modeling, thermoluminescence, lichenometery, paleomagnetism,
dendrochronology, etc.

III. Illustrations these are essential to the understanding of the report

and to reduce the length of text.

Other methods should be included when special conditions permit or requirements for critical structures demand a more intensive investigation.
a.

Aerial reconnaissance overflights.

b.

Geodetic and strain measurements.

c.

Microseismicity monitoring.

1.

Location and existence (or absence) of hazardous faults on

or adjacent to the site; ages of past rupture events.

2.

Type of faults and nature of anticipated offset, including

sense and magnitude of displacement, if possible.

3.

Distribution of primary and secondary faulting (fault zone

width) and fault-related deformation.

4.

Probability of or relative potential for future surface displacement. The likelihood of future ground rupture seldom
can be stated mathematically, but may be stated in semiquantitative terms such as low, moderate, or high, or in
terms of slip rates determined for specific fault segments.
Degree of confidence in and limitations of data and
conclusions.

Recommendations.
1.

II.

Rock and mineral weathering.

A.

Location map identify site locality, significant faults,

geographic features, regional geology, seismic epicenters, and other pertinent data; 1:24,000 scale is recommended. If the site investigation is done in compliance
with the Alquist-Priolo Act, show site location on the
appropriate Official Map of Earthquake Fault Zones.

B.

Site development map show site boundaries, existing and proposed structures, graded areas, streets,
exploratory trenches, borings geophysical traverses,
locations of faults, and other data; recommended
scale is 1:2,400 (1 inch equals 200 feet), or larger.

C.

Geologic map show distribution of geologic

units (if more than one), faults and other structures,
geomorphic features, aerial photo graphic lineaments,
and springs; on topographic map 1:24,000 scale or
larger; can be combined with III(A) or III(B).

D.

Geologic cross sections, if needed, to provide threedimensional picture.

E.

Logs of exploratory trenches and borings show

details of observed features and conditions; should
not be generalized or diagrammatic. Trench logs
should show topographic profile and geologic structure at a 1:1 horizontal to vertical scale; scale should
be 1:60 (1 inch = 5 feet) or larger.

F.

Geophysical data and geologic interpretations.

Conclusions.

5.
F.

c.

Setback distances of proposed structures from hazardous

faults. The setback distance generally will depend on the
quality of data and type and complexity of fault(s) encountered at the site. In order to establish an appropriate setback
distance from a fault located by indirect or interpretative
methods (e.g., borings or cone penetrometer testing), the
area between data points also should be considered underlain by a fault unless additional data are used to more precisely locate the fault. State and local regulations may dictate minimum distances (e.g., Section 3603 of California
Code of Regulations in Appendix B in Hart and Bryant,
1997).

2.

Additional measures (e.g., strengthened foundations,

engineering design, flexible utility connections) to accommodate warping and distributive deformation associated with faulting (Lazarte and others, 1994).

3.

Risk evaluation relative to the proposed development.

4.

Limitations of the investigation; need for additional

studies.

References.
A.

Literature and records cited or reviewed; citations

should be complete.

B.

Aerial photographs or images interpreted list

type, data, scale, source, and index numbers.

C.

Other sources of information, including well records,

personal communications, and other data sources.

IV. Appendix: Supporting data not included above (e.g., water well
data, photographs, aerial photographs).
V.

Authentication: Investigating geologists signature and

tion number with expiration data.

registra-

REFERENCES
Allen, C.R., 1975, Geologic criteria for evaluating seismicity: Geological Society of America Bulletin, v. 86, p. 1041-1056.
Birkeland, P.W., Machette, M.N., and Haller, K.M., 1991, Soils as a tool
for applied Quaternary geology: Utah Geological and Mineral Survey Miscellaneous Publication 91-3, 63 p.
Bonilla, M.G., 1970, Surface faulting and related effects, in Wiegel,
R.L., editor, Earthquake Engineering, Prentice-Hall, Inc.,
Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, p. 47-74.
Bonilla, M.G., 1982, Evaluation of potential surface faulting and other
tectonic deformation: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report
82-732, 58 p.
Bonilla, M.G. and Lienkaemper, J.J., 1991, Factors affecting the recognition of faults in exploratory trenches: U.S. Geological Survey
Bulletin 1947, 54 p.
Cai, J., McMecham, G.A., and Fisher, M.A., 1996, Application of
ground-penetrating radar to investigation of near-surface fault properties in the San Francisco bay region: Bulletin of the Seismological
Society of America, v. 86, p. 1459-1470.
California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology
DMG Notes:
* DMG Note 41 General guidelines for reviewing geologic reports,
1998.
* DMG Note 42 Guidelines for geologic/seismic reports, 1986.

PAGE 4
* DMG Note 44 Recommended guidelines for preparing engineering
geologic reports, 1986.
California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology,
1997, Guidelines for evaluating and mitigating seismic hazards in
California: Special Publication 117, 74 p.
California State Board of Registration for Geologists and Geophysicists,
1993, Guidelines for geophysical reports, 5 p.
Carver, G.A. and McCalpin, J.P., 1996, Paleoseismology of compressional tectonic environments, in McCalpin, J.P., editor,
Paleoseismology: Academic Press, p. 183-270.
Chase, G.W. and Chapman, R.H., 1976, Black-box geology uses and
misuses of geophysics in engineering geology: California Geology,
v. 29, p. 8-12.
Edelman, S.H. and Hoguin, A.R., 1996 (in press), Cone penetrometer
testing for characterization and sampling of soil and groundwater,
in Morgan, J.H., editor, Sampling Environmental Medial ASTM
STP 1282; American Society for Testing Materials, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Grant, L.B., Waggoner, J.T., Rockwell, T.K., and von Stein, C., 1997,
Paleoseismicity of the North Branch of the Newport-Inglewood
Fault Zone in Huntington Beach, California, from cone penetrometer test data: Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America,
v. 87, no. 2, p. 277-293.
Hart, E.W. and Bryant, W.A., 1997 (revised), Fault-rupture hazard zones
in California: California Department of Conservation, Division of
Mines and Geology Special Publication 42, 38 p. (Revised periodically; information on state law and zoning program for regulating
development near hazardous faults.)
Hart, E.W. and Williams, J.W., 1978, Geologic review process, California Geology, v. 31, no. 10, p. 235-236.
Hatheway, A.W. and Leighton, F.B., 1979, Trenching as an exploratory
tool, in Hatheway A.W. and McClure, C.R., Jr., editors, Geology in
the siting of nuclear power plants: Geological Society of America
Reviews in Engineering Geology, v. IV, p. 169-195.
Lazarte, C.A., Bray, J.D., Johnson, A.M., and Lemmer, R.E., 1994,
Surface breakage of the 1992 Landers earthquake and its effects on
structures: Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, v. 84,
p. 547-561.
McCalpin, J.P., editor, 1996a, Paleoseismology: Academic Press, 588 p.
McCalpin, J.P., 1996b, Field techniques in paleoseismology, in
McCalpin, J.P., editor, 1996a, Paleoseismology: Academic Press,
p. 33-83.

McCalpin, J.P., 1996c, Paleoseismology in extensional environments, in

McCalpin, J.P., editor, 1996a, Paleoseismology: Academic Press,
p. 85-146.
National Research Council, 1986, Studies in geophysics active
tectonics: National Academy Press, Washington, DC, 266 p.
(Contains several articles evaluating active faulting.)
Pierce, K.L., 1986, Dating methods, in Studies in geophysics active
tectonics: National Academy Press, Washington, DC, p. 195-214.
Rutter, N.W. and Catto, N.R., 1995, Dating methods for Quaternary
deposits: Geological Society of Canada, Geotext 2, 308 p.
Sherard, J.L., Cluff, L.S., and Allen, C.R., 1974, Potentially active faults
in dam foundations: Geotechnique, Institute of Civil Engineers,
London, v. 24, no. 3, p. 367-428.
Slemmons, D.B., 1977, State-of-the-art for assessing earthquake hazards
in the United States: Report 6, faults and earthquake magnitude:
U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station Miscellaneous
Paper S-73-1, 129 p. with 37 p. appendix.
Slemmons, D.B. and dePolo, C.M., 1986, Evaluation of active faulting
and associated hazards, in Studies in geophysics active tectonics: National Academy Press, Washington, DC, p. 45-62.
Stephenson, W.J., Rockwell, T.K., Odum, J.K., Shedlock, K.M., and
Okaya, D.A., 1995, Seismic reflection and geomorphic characterization of the onshore Palos Verdes Fault Zone, Los Angeles,
California: Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, v. 85,
p. 943-950.
Taylor, C.L. and Cluff, L.S., 1973, Fault activity and its significance assessed by exploratory excavation, in Proceedings of the Conference
on tectonic problems of the San Andreas Fault System: Stanford
University Publication, Geological Sciences, v. XIII, September
1973, p. 239-247.
Utah Section of the Association of Engineering Geologists, 1987, Guidelines for evaluating surface fault rupture hazards in Utah: Utah
Geological and Mineral Survey Miscellaneous Publication N, 2 p.
Wallace, R.E., 1977, Profiles and ages of young fault scarps, northcentral Nevada: Geological Society of America Bulletin, v. 88,
p. 1267-1281.
Weldon, R.J., II, McCalpin, J.P., and Rockwell, T.K., 1996,
Paleoseismology of strike-slip tectonic environments, in McCalpin,
J.P., editor, Paleoseismology: Academic Press, p. 271-329.
Yeats, R.S, Sieh, K.E., and Allen, C.A., 1997, Geology of earthquakes:
Oxford University Press, New York, NY, 576 p.

Offices of the California Geological Survey

Publications and Information Office
801 K Street, MS 14-33
Sacramento, CA 95814-3532
(916) 445-5716

Southern California Regional Office

655 South Hope Street, Suite 700
Los Angeles, CA 90017-3231
(213) 239-0878

Bay Area Regional Office

185 Berry Street, Suite 210
San Francisco, CA 94107-1728
(415) 904-7707

www.conservation.ca.gov
THE RESOURCES AGENCY
MARY NICHOLS
SECRETARY FOR RESOURCES

STATE OF CALIFORNIA
GRAY DAVIS
GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION
DARRYL YOUNG
DIRECTOR

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - STATE AND CONSUMER SERVICES AGENCY

GRAY DAVIS, Governor

BOARD FOR GEOLOGISTS AND GEOPHYSICISTS

2535 CAPITOL OAKS DRIVE, SUITE 300A, SACRAMENTO, CA 95833-2926
TELEPHONE: (916) 263-2113
FAX: (916) 263-2099
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.dca.ca.gov/geology

GUIDELINES FOR ENGINEERING GEOLOGIC REPORTS

GENERAL INFORMATION
These guidelines suggest a format for reports. They do not include complete listings of techniques or
topics, nor should all techniques described be used or all topics listed be dealt with in every project.
These guidelines are informational and are not regulations. Language used has been carefully gleaned
of mandatory requirements. The guidelines have no force of law and do not set standards of practice.
To be enforceable, the guidelines would have to be adopted as regulations in accordance with the
Administrative Procedures Act.
On January 23, 1986, the Board of Registration for Geologists and Geophysicists (Board) passed the
following resolution:
"The Guidelines have been adopted as useful information documents. Not having been adopted
as regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, the Guidelines are not
legally enforceable."
These guidelines have their roots in eight California Division of Mines and Geology notes, that were
published in California Geology during 1973-75. The four guidelines that evolved through the Technical
Advisory Committee for the Board of Registration from 1983 to 1989 are:
Guidelines for Engineering Geologic Reports.
Geologic Guidelines for Earthquake and/or Fault Hazard Reports.
Guidelines for Geophysical Reports.
Guidelines for Groundwater Investigation Reports.
I.

INTRODUCTION
These guidelines have been prepared by the Technical Advisory Committee of the Board and
adopted by the Board on April 18, 1998 to assist those involved in preparing or reviewing
engineering geologic reports. The guidelines present general procedures suggested for use by
geologists carrying out engineering geologic studies and, while they do not constitute a complete
listing of all techniques for such studies, they do include most major topics. In the broad sense,
nearly all engineering projects requiring geologic input are also engineering geology projects.
Most of these involve identifying and evaluating geologic hazards, using the various exploration
tools available today, as applicable, and developing appropriate mitigation measures, if
necessary. Projects may include on-land and offshore structures, large excavations, buried tanks
and disposal sites for hazardous, designated and nonhazardous wastes. Groundwater and its
The Mission of the Board for Geologists and Geophysicists is to Continuously Enhance the
Quality, Significance, and Availability of Geological and Geophysical Services Offered to the People of California

relationship to other site characteristics is an integral part of engineering geology. Additionally,

past uses of a site are becoming increasingly important in evaluating its applicability for a new
use.

Engineering geology reports would be expected to be prepared by or under the direct supervision
of a certified engineering geologist. Clear descriptions of work and unambiguous presentations
of results are encouraged. If the report falls within the scope of the Geologist and Geophysicist
Act (Business and Professions Code, Chapter 12.5), it must be signed by the responsible
professional(s). If such reports include significant geophysical information, they should be
cosigned by a registered geophysicist, or the signed geophysical report may be appended to the
geological report. It is important that reports that present conclusions or recommendations based
in part on field sampling or field or laboratory testing include the test results with adequate
descriptions of the methods employed, and with specific reference to standard sampling,
preservation, and testing methods, where appropriate. Where necessary, technical terms will
need to be defined.
The following is a suggested guide or format for engineering geologic reports. These reports may
be prepared for projects ranging in size from a single lot to the master plan for large acreage, in
scope from a single family residence to large engineering structures and for sites in all manner
of geologic terrain. Because of this diversity, the order, format and scope of the reports is flexible
to allow tailoring to the geologic conditions and intended use of the site. The format is intended
to be relatively complete; not all items will be applicable to small projects or low-risk sites. In
addition, some items may be covered in separate reports by geotechnical engineers,
geophysicists, or structural engineers.
II.

REPORT CONTENT
A.

Purpose and Scope of the Investigation

Includes a brief description of proposed or existing site use; may also include a
description of limitations of the work and authorization to perform the work. The design
lifespan of the proposed project should be implicitly stated.

B.

Regional Geologic Setting

May include reference to geologic province and location with respect to major structural
features.

C.

Site Description and Conditions

Includes information on geologic units, landforms, graded and filled areas, vegetation,
existing structures, etc., that may affect the choice of investigative methods and the
interpretation of data.

D.

Description of the Investigation

1.

Review of the regional and site geology, and land-use history, based primarily on
existing maps and technical literature.

a.

b.

c.

Geologic hazards that could affect the planned use of the site.
(1)

Significant historic earthquakes in the region.

(2)

Fault traces that may affect the site. Is the site within an
earthquake fault zone?

(3)

Secondary earthquake effects, such as ground breakage in the

vicinity of the site, seismically-induced landslides, differential tilting
and liquefaction.

(4)

Regional effects, such as subsidence, uplift, etc.

(5)

Landslides or other earth movements at the site and vicinity.

(6)

Soil and rock properties such as high moisture content, low density,
swelling, cementation, weathering, fracturing, etc.

Other geologic conditions that could affect the planned use of the site.
(1)

Soil thickness, types, and relationship to bedrock.

(2)

Excavatability of rock materials.

(3)

Depth to and characteristics of subsurface water.

Conditions imposed on the site by past uses, such as buried objects,

contaminated soils, groundwater, or adjacent structures, etc.

2.

Interpretation of aerial photographs and other remotely sensed images relative to

topography, vegetation, or any other features related to geologic hazards and past
site use.

3.

Surface investigation.

4.

a.

Mapping of the site geology and vicinity; identification and description of

geologic units, soil and rock types, and features that could be related to
geologic hazards and the proposed use and constructability of the site. A
clear distinction should be made on the map and within the report between
observed and inferred geologic features and relationships.

b.

Evaluation of surface-water conditions, including quality, flood potential in

relation to site conditions, geomorphology and drainage within or affecting
the subject area.

Subsurface investigation.

5.

E.

a.

Trenching and any other excavation (with appropriate logging and

documentation) to permit detailed and direct observation of continuously
exposed geologic units and features.

b.

Borings drilled, test pits excavated, and groundwater monitoring wells

installed to permit the collection of data needed to evaluate the depth and
types of materials and subsurface water. Data points sufficient in number
and adequately spaced will permit valid correlations and interpretations.

c.

Geophysical surveys conducted to facilitate the evaluation of the types of site

materials and their physical properties, groundwater conditions and any
other pertinent site conditions. The types of equipment and techniques
used, such as seismic refraction, magnetic, electric resistivity, seismic
reflection and gravity, and the name of the geophysicist responsible for the
work.

Special methods (used when special conditions permit or critical structures demand
a more intensive investigation).
a.

Aerial reconnaissance overflights, including special photography.

b.

Geodetic measurements, radiometric analysis, age dating, etc.

Results of Investigation
Describes the results of the investigation outlined in Section IV above. The actual data
or processed data upon which interpretations are based should be included in the
report to permit technical reviewers to make their own assessments regarding reliability
and interpretation.

F.

Conclusion
Relative to the intended land use or development (made in conjunction with the
geotechnical engineering study). Includes a statement concerning the degree of
confidence in and limitations of the data and conclusions, as well as disclosure of
known or suspected potentially hazardous geologic processes affecting the project
area.
1.

Presence or absence of active or potentially active faulting at the site or in the

vicinity, and the potential for renewed fault activity.

2.

Effects on the site from ground shaking.

3.

Potential for secondary effects from earthquakes, such as ground cracking,

landsliding, and liquefaction.

4.

Potential for subsidence or other regional effects.

G.

H.

I.

5.

The presence of creep or landsliding; and possible future mass movements.

6.

Soil and rock conditions, such as swelling soils that could affect site use.

7.

The presence of and possible effects from any other soil and rock defects.

8.

Excavation methods.

9.

Presence of contamination or any other man-imposed condition.

10.

Potential for earthquake-induced flooding, including tsunamis and seiches.

11.

Potential for volcanic hazards.

12.

Conformance with local, state and federal statutory and regulatory requirements.

Recommendations
1.

Effect of fault locations on proposed structures at the site. Federal, state, or local
law may dictate minimum standards.

2.

Placement of structures to best take advantage of geologic conditions.

3.

Methodology for excavating and moving materials.

4.

Means of correcting site defects, such as buttressing landslides, installing special

drainage devices, etc.

5.

Correcting contamination or other man-induced site defects.

6.

Other recommendations as appropriate for the proposed project.

References
1.

Literature and records cited and reviewed.

2.

Aerial photographs or images interpreted, listing the type, scale, source, and index
numbers, etc.

3.

Compiled data, maps, or plates included or referenced.

4.

Other sources of information, including well records, personal communications, or

other data sources.

Illustrations
1.

Location map to identify the site locality, geographic features, or major regional
geologic features.

J.

2.

Site development map, at an appropriate scale, to show the site boundaries,

existing and proposed structures, graded areas, streets, and locations of
exploratory trenches, borings, wells, geophysical traverses, and other data.

3.

Geologic map to show the areal distribution of geologic units, faults and other
structures, geomorphic features, aerial photo features noted, along with surface
water bodies and springs. The geologic map may be combined with the location
and site development maps.

4.

Geologic cross sections illustrating significant or appropriate geologic features.

5.

Logs of exploratory trenches and borings to show the details of observed features
and conditions.

6.

Geophysical data and the geologic interpretations of those data.

7.

Other, as appropriate.

Supporting Data Not Already Provided

1.

K.

Non-confidential water well data (including bore-hole logs).

Signature and Registration Number of the Responsible Professional(s)

1.

Registered Geologist, Certified Engineering Geologist.

SELECTED REFERENCES
California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology, 1997, Guidelines for Evaluating
and Mitigating Seismic Hazards in California, DMG Special Publication 117, 71 p.
California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology, 1986 (revised), Guidelines to
geologic and seismic reports: DMG Note 42.
California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology, 1986 (revised), Guidelines for
preparing engineering geologic reports: DMG Note 44.
Eddleston, M., Walthall, S., Cripps. J.C., and Culshaw, M.G., Eds., 1995, Engineering Geology of
Construction: Engineering Geology Special Pub. #10, The Geological Society, London, 411 p.

Fookes, F.G., 1997, Geology for Engineers: the Geological Model, Prediction and Performance: The
First Glossop Lecture, The Geological Society, The Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology, vol, 30,
#4, p. 293-431.
Hart, E. W., 1992, Fault Hazard Zones in California, Revised 1992; California Division of Mines and
Geology Special Publication 42.

Hatheway, A. W., and Leighton, F.B., 1979, Trenching as an exploratory tool: in Hatheway, A. W., and
McClure, C.R., Jr., Editors, Geology in the siting of nuclear power plants: Geologic Society of American
Reviews in Engineering Geology, v. IV, p. 169-195.
Hawkins, A.B., Ed., 1986, Site Investigation Practice: Assessing BS 5930: Engineering Geology Special
Publication #2, The Geological Society, London, 423 p.
McCalpin, J.P., Ed., 1996, Paleoseismology: Academic Press, 588 p.
Hoek, E. and Bray, J.W., 1981, Rock slope engineering, revised 3rd edition: Institute of Mining and
Metallurgy, London, 358 p.
Hoose, S.N., Ed., 1993, Professional Practice Handbook: Association of Engineering Geologists, Special
Publication #4.
Hunt, R.E., 1984a, Geotechnical engineering techniques and practices: McGraw-Hill Book Co., New
York, 729 p.
Hunt, R.E., 1984b, Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Manual: McGraw-Hill Book Company, 983
p.
International Conference of Building Officials, 1997, Uniform Building Code: Whittier, California.
Johnson, R.B. and DeGraff, J.V., 1988, Principles of engineering geology: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New
York, 497 p.
Kiersch, G.A., Ed., 1991, The Heritage of Engineering Geology; The First Hundred Years: Geological
Society of America Centennial Special Volume 3, 605 p.
Krinitzsky, E.L., Gould, J.P., and Edinger, P.H., 1994, Fundamentals of Earthquake Resistant
Construction: John Wiley, New York.
Krynine, D,P., and Judd, W.R., 1957, Principles of Engineering Geology and Geotechnics: McGraw-Hill
Book Company, 730 p.
Petersen, M.D., Bryant, W.A., Cramer, C.H., Cao, T., Reichle, M.S., Frankel, A.D., Lienkaemper, J.J.,
McCrory, P.A., and Schwartz, D.P., 1996, Probabilistic seismic hazard assessment for the State of
California: California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology Open-File Report 9608, 59 p.
Scullin, C.M., 1994, Subsurface exploration using bucket auger borings and down-hole geologic
inspection: Bulletin of the Association of Engineering Geologists, v. 31, n. 1, p. 99-105.
Scullin, C.M., 1983, Excavation and grading code administration, inspection, and enforcement: PrenticeHall, Inc., New Jersey, 405 p.
Seismological Research Letters, 1997, v. 68, p. 9-222 (Special issue on attenuation relations).
Selby, M.J., 1993, Hillslope Materials and Processes, Oxford University Press, New York, 451 p.

Turner, A.K. and Schuster, R.L., Eds., 1996, Landslides - Investigation and mitigation: Transportation
Research Board, National Research Council, Special Report #247, 672 p.
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, 1974, Earth manual, 2nd ed.: Water Resources Technical Publication, U.S.
Department of Interior, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 810 p.
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, 1989, Engineering geology field manual: U.S. Department of Interior,
Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, Colorado, 599 p.
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, 1995, Ground water manual: Water Resources Technical Publication, U.S.
Department of Interior, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 661 p.
Wells, D.L. and Coppersmith, K.J., 1994, New empirical relationships among magnitude, rupture length,
rupture width, rupture area, and surface displacement: Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America,
v. 84, p. 974-1002.
Yeats, R.S., Sieh, K.E., and Allen, C.R., 1997, The geology of earthquakes: Oxford University Press, 568
p.
Youd, T.L. and Hoose, S.N., 1978, Historic ground failures in northern California triggered by
earthquakes: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 993, 177 p.

(Rev. 7/98)

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - STATE AND CONSUMER SERVICES AGENCY

GRAY DAVIS, Governor

BOARD FOR GEOLOGISTS AND GEOPHYSICISTS

2535 CAPITOL OAKS DRIVE, SUITE 300A, SACRAMENTO, CA 95833-2926
TELEPHONE: (916) 263-2113
FAX: (916) 263-2099
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.dca.ca.gov/geology

GEOLOGIC GUIDELINES FOR EARTHQUAKE AND/OR FAULT HAZARD

REPORTS
GENERAL INFORMATION
These guidelines describe the scope of work normally done and suggest a format for reports. They do
not include complete listings of techniques or topics, nor should all techniques described be used or all
topics listed be dealt with in every project.
These guidelines are informational and are not regulations. Language used has been carefully gleaned
of mandatory requirements. The guidelines have no force of law and do not set standards of practice.
To be enforceable, the guidelines would have to be adopted as regulations in accordance with the
Administrative Procedures Act.
On January 23, 1986, the Board of Registration for Geologists and Geophysicists (Board) passed the
following resolution:
"The Guidelines have been adopted as useful information documents. Not having been adopted
as regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, the Guidelines are not
legally enforceable."
These guidelines have their roots in eight California Division of Mines and Geology notes, that were
published in California Geology during 1973-75. The four guidelines that evolved through the Technical
Advisory Committee for the Board from 1983 to 1989 are:
Guidelines for Engineering Geologic Reports.
Geologic Guidelines for Earthquake and/or Fault Hazard Reports.
Guidelines for Geophysical Reports.
Guidelines for Groundwater Investigation Reports.
I.

INTRODUCTION
These guidelines are prepared by the Technical Advisory Committee of the Board and adopted
by the Board on April 18, 1998 to assist those involved in preparing and reviewing earthquake
and fault hazard reports. The guidelines describe the general procedures used by geologists
carrying out earthquake and fault hazard studies and, while they do not constitute a complete
listing of all techniques in such studies, they do attempt to include all major topics.
The investigation of sites for potential earthquake hazards, including possible surface fault
rupture, is a difficult geologic task. The professional performing or supervising each investigation
The Mission of the Board for Geologists and Geophysicists is to Continuously Enhance the
Quality, Significance, and Availability of Geological and Geophysical Services Offered to the People of California

has a responsibility to determine what is appropriate and necessary in each case, and so does
the professional who reviews each report.
Many active faults are complex, consisting of multiple breaks. Yet the evidence for identifying
active fault traces is generally subtle or obscure and the distinction between recently active and
long-inactive faults may be difficult to make. Because of the complexity of evaluating surface and
near-surface faults and because of the infinite variety of site conditions, no single investigative
method will be the best at every site; indeed, the most useful technique at one site may be
inappropriate for another site.
Geologic reports prepared using these guidelines would be expected to be done by or under the
direct supervision of registered geologists. Clear descriptions of work and unambiguous
presentations of results are encouraged. If the report falls within the scope of the Geologist and
Geophysicist Act (Business and Professions Code, Chapter 12.5), the report must be signed by
the responsible professional(s). It is important that reports that present conclusions or
recommendations based in part on field sampling or field or laboratory testing of samples include
the test results with adequate descriptions of the methods employed, and with specific reference
to standard sampling and testing methods, where appropriate. Where necessary, technical terms
(such as active fault, maximum earthquake, etc.) will need to be defined.
The following is a suggested guide or format for earthquake and fault hazard reports. These
reports may be prepared for projects ranging in size from a single lot to a master plan for large
acreage, in scope from a single family residence to large engineered structures, and from sites
located on an active fault to sites a substantial distance from the nearest known active fault.
Because of this wide variation, flexibility in the order, format, and scope of the reports will allow
tailoring to the seismic and geologic conditions and intended use of the site. The format is
intended to be relatively complete, and not all items will be applicable to small projects or low risk
sites. In addition, some items may be covered in separate reports by geotechnical engineers,
geophysicists, or structural engineers.
II.

REPORT CONTENTS
A.

Purpose and Scope of the Investigation

Includes a brief description of proposed or existing site use; may also include a
description of limitations of the work and authorization to perform the work. The design
lifespan of the proposed project should be implicitly stated.

B.

Regional Geologic Setting

May include reference to geologic province and location with respect to major structural
features.

C.

Site Description and Conditions

Includes information on geologic units, landforms, graded and filled areas, vegetation,
existing structures, etc., that may affect the choice of investigative methods and the
interpretation of data.

D.

Description of the Investigation

1.

Review of the region's seismic or earthquake history, based primarily on existing

maps and technical literature.
a.

Significant earthquakes during historic time and epicenter locations and

magnitudes in the vicinity of the site.

b.

Location of fault traces that may affect the site, including maps of fault
breaks and a discussion of the tectonics and other relationships of
significance to the proposed construction.

c.

Location and chronology of other earthquake-induced features such as

landsliding, lurching, settlement and liquefaction, accompanied by:
(1)

Map showing the location of these features relative to the proposed

project.

(2)

Description of the disturbed zone for each feature.

(3)

Estimate of the amount of disturbance relative to bedrock and surficial

materials.

2.

Interpretation of aerial photographs and other remotely sensed images relative to

fault-related topography, vegetation, and soil contrasts, and other lineaments of
possible fault origin.

3.

Surface investigation.

4.

a.

Mapping of geologic units and structures, topographic features, deformation

of man made structures, etc., both on and beyond the site (sag ponds, spring
alignments, offset bedding and man made features, disrupted drainage
systems, offset ridges, faceted spurs, dissected alluvial fans, scarps,
landslide alignments, vegetation patterns).

b.

Review of local groundwater data (water-level fluctuations, groundwater

impediments, water quality variations, or anomalies indicating possible
faults).

c.

Description of the distribution, depth, thickness, and nature of the various

earth materials, including subsurface water, which may affect the seismic
response and damage potential at the site.

Subsurface investigation.

5.

E.

a.

Trenching and any other excavation (with appropriate logging and

documentation, including method of cleaning wall) to permit the detailed and
direct observation of continuously exposed geologic units and features. This
would include trenching done across any known active faults and suspicious
zones to determine the location and recency of movement, the width of
disturbance, the physical condition of fault zone materials, the type of
displacement, the geometry of fault features, and recurrence interval, if
known.

b.

Borings drilled and test pits excavated to permit the collection of data needed
to evaluate the depth and types of materials and groundwater and to verify
fault-plane geometry. Data points sufficient in number and adequately
spaced will permit valid correlations and interpretations.

c.

Geophysical surveys conducted to facilitate the evaluation of the types of site

materials and their physical properties, groundwater conditions, and fault
displacements, including a description of the types of equipment and
techniques used, such a seismic refraction, magnetic, electrical resistivity,
seismic refraction, magnetic, electrical resistivity, seismic reflection, and
gravity.

Other special methods (used when special conditions permit or critical structures
demand a more intensive investigation).
a.

Aerial reconnaissance overflights, including special photography.

b.

Geodetic and strain measurements, microseismicity monitoring, or other

monitoring techniques.

c.

Radiometric analysis (e.g., C14, K-Ar), stratigraphic correlation (fossils,

mineralogy), soil profile development, paleomagnetism, or other age-dating
techniques to identify the age of faulted or unfaulted units or surfaces.

Conclusions
1.

Regarding areas of high risk and potential hazards relative to the intended land use
or development (made in conjunction with the geotechncial engineering study) and
a statement of the degree of confidence in, and limitations of, the data and
conclusions.
a.

Presence or absence (including location and age) of active or potentially

active faults on or adjacent to the site or in the region of the site if they could
affect it (through ground shaking).

b.

Types and probability of, or relative potential for, future surface displacement
within or immediately adjacent to the site, including the direction of relative
displacement and the maximum possible displacement.

c.

Secondary effects, such as: liquefaction of sediments and soils, shallow

ground rupture, settlement of soils, earthquake-induced landslides, and

lurching.
d.

F.

G.

H.

Estimates of maximum earthquake, upper bound earthquake, or other

definitions of earthquakes if required by statute or regulation for the specific
type of project.

Recommendations
1.

Mitigative measures that provide appropriate protection of the health, safety and
welfare of the public.

2.

Effect of fault locations on proposed structures at the site. Federal, state and local
law may dictate minimum standards.

3.

Risk evaluations, if appropriate, relative to the proposed development.

4.

Other recommendations as appropriate for the proposed project.

References
1.

Literature and records cited and reviewed.

2.

Aerial photographs or images interpreted, listing the type, scale, source, index
numbers, etc.

3.

Compiled data, maps, or plates included or referenced.

4.

Other sources of information, including well records, personal communications, or

other data sources.

Illustrations
1.

Location map to identify the site locality, significant faults, fault strain and/or creep,
geographic features, seismic epicenters, and other pertinent data.

2.

Site development map, at an appropriate scale, to show the site boundaries,

existing and proposed structures, graded areas, streets, exploratory trenches,
borings, geophysical traverses, and other data.

3.

Geologic map to show the distribution of geologic units (if more than one), faults
and other structures, geomorphic features, aerial photo lineaments, and springs.
The geologic map may be combined with the location and site development maps.
A clear distinction should be made on the map and within the report between
observed and inferred geologic features and relationships.

4.

Geologic cross-sections illustrating displacement and/or rupture, if needed to

provide a three-dimensional picture.

I.

5.

Logs of exploratory trenches and borings to show the details of observed features
and conditions.

6.

Geophysical data and the geologic interpretations of those data.

Supporting data not already provided

1.

J.

Water well data.

Signature and registration number of the responsible professional(s)

1.

Registered Geologist, Certified Engineering Geologist.

SELECTED REFERENCES
California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology, 1997, Guidelines for Evaluating
and Mitigating Seismic Hazards in California, DMG Special Publication 117, 71 p.
California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology, 1986 (revised), Guidelines for
preparing engineering geologic reports: DMG Note 44.
California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology, 1986 (revised), Guidelines to
geologic and seismic reports: DMG Note 42.
Geophysics Study Committee of the National Research Council, 1986. Active Tectonics, National
Academy Press, Washington, D.C., p. 266.
Hart, E. W., 1992, Fault Hazard Zones in California, Revised 1992; California Division of Mines and
Geology Special Publication 42.
Hatheway, A. W., and Leighton, F.B., 1979, Trenching as an exploratory tool: in Hatheway, A. W., and
McClure, C.R., Jr., Editors, Geology in the siting of nuclear power plants: Geologic Society of American
Reviews in Engineering Geology, v. IV, p. 169-195.
Hoose, S.N., Ed., 1993, Professional Practice Handbook: Association of Engineering Geologists, Special
Publication #4.
Krinitzsky, E.L., Gould, J.P., and Edinger, P.H., 1994, Fundamentals of Earthquake Resistant
Construction: John Wiley, New York.
McCalpin, J.P., Ed., 1996, Paleoseismology: Academic Press, 588 p.
Petersen, M.D., Bryant, W.A., Cramer, C.H., Cao, T., Reichle, M.S., Frankel, A.D., Lienkaemper, J.J.,
McCrory, P.A., and Schwartz, D.P., 1996, Probabilistic seismic hazard assessment for the State of
California: California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology Open-File Report 96-

08, 59 p.
Scholl, R. E. (project manager), 1986. Reducing earthquake hazards: Lessons learned from
earthquakes. Earthquake Engineering Research Institute Publication 86-02, p. 208.
Schwartz, D. P., and Coppersmith, K. J., 1984. Fault behavior and characteristic earthquakes: Examples
from the Wasatch and San Andreas fault zones. Journal of Geophysical Research, v. 89, no. B7, pp.
5681-5698.

Schwartz, D. P., 1987. Earthquakes of the Holocene. Reviews of Geophysics, v. 25, no. 6, pp.
1197-1202.
Seismological Research Letters, 1997, v. 68, p. 9-222 (Special issue on attenuation relations).
Selby, M.J., 1993, Hillslope Materials and Processes, Oxford University Press, New York, 451 p.
Wells, D.L. and Coppersmith, K.J., 1994, New empirical relationships among magnitude, rupture length,
rupture width, rupture area, and surface displacement: Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America,
v. 84, p. 974-1002.
Yeats, R.S., Sieh, K.E., and Allen, C.R., 1997, The geology of earthquakes: Oxford University Press, 568
p.
Youd, T.L. and Hoose, S.N., 1978, Historic ground failures in northern California triggered by
earthquakes: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 993, 177 p.

(Rev. 7/98)