2009 California Government Code - Section 66490-66491 :: Article 7. Soils Report

66490.  A preliminary soils report, prepared by a civil engineer
registered in this state, and based upon adequate test borings, shall
be required for every subdivision for which a final map is required
by this division and may be required by local ordinance for other
subdivisions.

66491.  With respect to the soils report, a local ordinance may
provide that:
   (a) The preliminary soils report may be waived if the local agency
determines that, due to the knowledge it has as to the soils
qualities of the soils of the subdivision, no preliminary analysis is
necessary.
   (b) The preliminary soils report may be submitted to the city
engineer or county engineer for review. The city engineer or county
engineer may review the preliminary soils report and may require
additional information or reject the report if it is found to be
incomplete, inaccurate, or unsatisfactory.
   (c) If the preliminary soils report indicates the presence of
critically expansive soils or other soils problems which, if not
corrected, would lead to structural defects, a soils investigation of
each lot in the subdivision may be required.
   (d) If the preliminary soils report indicates the presence of
rocks or liquids containing deleterious chemicals which, if not
corrected, could cause construction materials such as concrete,
steel, and ductile or cast iron to corrode or deteriorate, a soils
investigation of each potentially affected lot in the subdivision may
be required.
   (e) Any soils investigation required pursuant to this section
shall be done by a civil engineer registered in this state, who shall
recommend the corrective action which is likely to prevent
structural damage to each structure proposed to be constructed in the
area where the soils problem exists.
   (f) The local agency may approve the subdivision or portion
thereof where soils problems described in subdivision (c) or (d)
exist if it determines that the recommended action is likely to
prevent structural damage to each structure to be constructed, and as
a condition to the issuance of any building permit may require that
the approved recommended action be incorporated in the construction
of each structure.