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Geologic Hazard Assessment

What is a Geologic Hazard?

A geologically hazardous condition exists when life and/or property are threatened by geologic or hydrologic processes. In Santa Cruz County, areas subject to hazardous conditions are shown on a series of hazard maps. Some examples of Geologic Hazards include:
  • Fault Zones
  • Areas subject to landsliding
  • Areas prone to flooding
  • Coastal bluffs and beaches

Purpose of a Geologic Hazards Assessment

The County of Santa Cruz Geologic Hazards Ordinance, Chapter 16.10 of the County Code, describes a review process known as a geologic hazards assessment. By evaluating potentially dangerous conditions on building sites, the process protects people who will live there.

When is a Geologic Hazards Assessment Required?

This is required for any construction, grading, or land division which is located:

  • Within any of the four hazardous areas listed above
  • Within any area identified by a member of the Environmental Planning Staff as potentially unstable or hazardous
  • On land where a site inspection reveals that more geologic evaluation or review is indicated to ensure public health & safety is maintained.

How Can I Obtain a Geologic Hazards Assessment?

  1. Submit an application at one of the Departments three permit centers during their hours of operation. No appointment is necessary.
  2. The following are minimum submittal requirements:
    • a site/topographic plan indicating the proposed development including all buildings' access ways and septic locations
    • building plans and pertinent geologic/geotechnical reports (if developed)
    • a check for the application fee
  3. Stake and mark the corners of the building site and septic location.

How is it Processed?

The County Geologic staff will visit the site, consult hazards maps, and write an evaluation of the site conditions and permit requirements. Further research may be required, such as:

  • A full geologic report prepared by a State-registered geologist
  • A full soil report prepared by a geotechnical engineer, a State-registered civil engineer who specializes in soils and foundation engineering

Specific Report Requirements

In fault zones - Maps showing the County's fault zones are available for sale at the Zoning Counter. In the San Andreas, San Gregorio, and a portion of Zayante Fault Zone, where the state has mapped special studies zones.

  • For major development such as subdivisions and land divisions, a full geologic report is required
  • For single-family dwellings, a preliminary geologic report is required

In the Butano, Corralitos, and the remainder of the Zayante Fault Zone:

  • For all development, a geologic hazards assessment or geologic report is required
  • Either the Preliminary Geologic Report or the hazards assessment may lead to the requirement of completing a full geologic or soil report

Areas Subject to Landsliding-  These areas fall under the general guidelines, requiring a geologic hazards assessment and additional geologic or soil reports as necessary. In many cases these areas are not indicated on hazard maps and are only identified after a staff site visit.

Areas Prone to Flooding-  Santa Cruz County participates in the post-FIRM or regular phase of the Federally-administered National Flood Insurance Program, and has adopted land-use controls which follow both County Code Section 16.10 and Federal requirements.

Bluffs and Beaches-  Development in these areas must conform to County regulations and policies, and provisions of the California Coastal Act of 1977.

Review by a Registered Geologist

A registered geologist evaluates reports according to County guidelines. If more research is needed as a result of review, payment for this work and for any revision of the original report are the responsibility of the applicant.

Conditions of Approval

When the geologic hazards assessment and any additional reports have been completed, the County Geologic staff will state what conditions of approval will be placed on the building or development permit, such as:

  • Project modification or relocation
  • Grading and drainage requirements
  • Meeting all report recommendations
  • Elevation of the structure
  • Using a specified envelope for the septic system leach field
  • Filing a declaration of geologic hazards with the County Recorder

Appeals

Decisions which enforce provisions of the Geologic Hazards Ordinance may be appealed to the Planning Director. See the Planning Appeals brochure

Can We Help You?

If you have any questions regarding the Geologic Hazards Assessment process, please call the Santa Cruz County Geologic staff at (831) 454-3162 . For complete regulation, see the Santa Cruz County Code, Chapter 16.10