Geotechnical (Soils) Report Waivers

Waivers are ONLY considered for the following project types.

• 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

If you are not sure if your project is eligible, email County staff at: environmentalplanninginfo@santacruzcountyca.gov.

• 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.

We recommend that you confirm with County staff that your project site is eligible for a waiver before submitting the Waiver Request. Email County staff at: environmentalplanninginfo@santacruzcountyca.gov.

Please note that if you receive an approved Waiver Request, this will be required with submittal of your permit application. If the Waiver Request is denied, a Geotechnical (Soils) Report will be required with submittal of your permit application.

To request a Geotechnical (Soils) Report Waiver for your eligible project and project location (see Steps 1 and 2):

• Please complete the Geotechnical (Soils) Report Waiver Request - PLG310 and email it to Environmental Planning staff at environmentalplanninginfo@santacruzcountyca.gov.
• Be prepared to pay the fee for the Waiver Request which is approximately $600. 

What happens when a Waiver Request cannot be granted?

When a Geotechnical (Soils) Report Waiver cannot be granted, you will be required to submit a Geotechnical (Soils) Report and the associated report review fee of approximately $1,700.

It is important to note that a Geotechnical (Soils) Report will include recommendations which govern significant elements of the project (e.g., foundation, drainage, etc.). Therefore, it is highly recommended that County staff be contacted early in the project planning process to confirm whether your project is eligible for a Waiver (Steps 1 and 2). If a project design has been completed without a Geotechnical (Soils) Report, you may incur significant costs and delays during the permit process.