Prior to submission of a final map for a subdivision, and prior to the approval of a Parcel Map for a division of land regulated by this Chapter, the subdivider shall file with the City Engineer a preliminary soil report, prepared by a civil engineer registered by the State of California, based upon adequate test borings or excavations. The preliminary report may be waived if the City Engineer shall determine that, due to knowledge of the Public Works Department of the soil qualities of the subdivision, a preliminary analysis is unnecessary. Such determination shall be in writing and clearly state that the determination shall not be considered to be a warranty, express or implied, of the soils condition, insofar as subsequent bona fide purchasers or encumbrances of value are concerned.
If the preliminary soils report indicates the presence of critically expansive soils or other soil problems which, if not corrected, would lead to structural defects, a soil investigation applicable to those lots in the subdivision deemed necessary by the City Engineer shall be required. A report of such soil investigation shall be prepared by a civil engineer registered by the State of California, and shall be filed with the City Engineer. Such report shall recommend corrective action to prevent structural damage to buildings proposed to be constructed.
The City Engineer shall accept the soil investigation report if he or she determines that the recommended action is likely to prevent structural damage to buildings proposed to be constructed. The accepted corrective action shall be incorporated in the construction of such buildings as a condition of the building permit.
Subsequent to acceptance or waiver of a preliminary soil report, the City Engineer may require test borings, excavations, a soil and geologic investigation and report, or any of them, whenever in his or her opinion the same are necessary to determine the adequacy and class of a soil, or necessary to determine the safety of any proposed construction.