Some projects are eligible to use a soils report waiver instead of submitting a soils report (also called a geotechnical report). Eligibility is based upon the type of project and the site characteristics.
- One- and two-story additions attached to an existing residential single family or duplex structure;
- Conversion of an attached non-habitable space (e.g., garage) to habitable space;
- One-story residences or habitable accessory structures of 4,000 square feet or less in floor area, with non-eccentric loading
- Project site is located on slopes no greater than 20%;
- No existing cut or fill slopes;
- No proposed cut or fill slopes;
- No mapped or known geologic hazards including liquefaction, landslides, expansive soils, or fault zones
- Slope setbacks are in conformance with the 2022 California Building Code Section 1808.7 Foundations On or Adjacent to Slopes;
- No observed structural distress to onsite foundation elements or slabs on grade; and
- If the project includes converting an attached non-habitable space to habitable, the existing foundation elements supporting the attached non-habitable space must meet current building code requirements.
To submit a soils report waiver request, complete the Soils Report Waiver Request form and submit it as a part of your building permit application in the supplemental documents (SUP) file. Registered County Staff will evaluate the request. If the waiver is granted, no additional action is required. If a Waiver request is being considered for a project, it is recommended that County Staff be contacted early in the project planning process to confirm a project may be eligible. County Staff may be contacted at environmentalplanninginfo@santacruzcountyca.gov regarding Waiver requests.
When a soils report waiver cannot be granted, you will be required to submit a soils report and the report review fee. In some cases, changes to the project plans may be required as a result of the soils report recommendations. Revisions to project plans can be costly and completion of a geotechnical (soils) report can significantly delay the permit process. This is a risk you should consider when requesting a soils report waiver. Consequently, it is recommended that County Staff be contacted early in the project planning process to confirm a project may be eligible for a Waiver. County Staff may be contacted at environmentalplanninginfo@santacruzcountyca.gov for Waiver requests.