The geotechnical report is a tool used to communicate the site conditions and design and construction recommendations for a project site. These types of reports are typically required for any structures such as main residences, guesthouses, additions, barns, detached accessory structures etc. Such reports are also required for most site grading, retaining walls, and hillside construction.

WHY DOES VENTURA COUNTY REQUIRE GEOTECHNICAL (SOILS) REPORT REVIEW?

The County of Ventura is over 2,200 square miles and with area of that magnitude, the geology and soil conditions can vary vastly. Like most regions of this size, the County has numerous faults, areas of expansive soils, areas with liquefaction, landslide potential and other geological natural hazards. The County of Ventura attempts, through geological/geotechnical review, to ensure that geotechnical design recommendations and plans meet minimum standards and acceptability, in order to reduce the exposure to geologic hazards and the damage resulting from them.

A geotechnical review by the County involves the thorough review of pertinent geologic and engineering reports, maps and other information to reduce the exposure of a site or structure to such hazards, consistent with accepted standards of the geotechnical profession. Additionally, the State of California requires geotechnical review within mapped seismic (earthquake) zones. The basic responsibility for design remains with the applicant’s consultants. The importance of preparing an adequate geotechnical report cannot be taken lightly. Therefore, the report should be clear, concise, and accurate. Both an adequate site investigation and a comprehensive geotechnical report are necessary to construct a safe, cost-effective project. Engineers need these reports to conduct an adequate review of geotechnical related features, e.g., earthwork and foundations.