1. (a) A project shall be approved only when the nature and severity of the seismic hazards at the site have been evaluated in a geotechnical report and appropriate mitigation measures have been proposed.

2. (b) The geotechnical report shall be prepared by a registered civil engineer or certified engineering geologist, having competence in the field of seismic hazard evaluation and mitigation. The geotechnical report shall contain site-specific evaluations of the seismic hazard(s) affecting the project and shall identify portions of the project site containing seismic hazards. The report shall also identify off-site seismic hazards that could adversely affect the site in the event of an earthquake. The contents of the geotechnical report shall include, but shall not be limited, the following:

   1. (1) Project description.
   2. (2) A description of the geologic and geotechnical conditions at the site, including an appropriate site location map.
   3. (3) Evaluation of site-specific seismic hazards based on geological and geotechnical conditions, in accordance with current standards of practice.
   4. (4) Recommendations for appropriate mitigation measures as required in section 3724 (a), above.
   5. (5) Name of report preparer(s), and signature(s) of a certified engineering geologist and/or registered civil engineer, having competence in the field of seismic hazard evaluation and mitigation.
3. (c) Prior to approving the project, the lead agency shall independently review the geotechnical report to determine the adequacy of the hazard evaluation and proposed mitigation measures and to determine that the requirements of section 3724 (a), above, are satisfied. Such reviews shall be conducted by a certified engineering geologist or registered civil engineer, having competence in the field of seismic hazard evaluation and mitigation.

The following specific criteria for project approval shall apply within seismic hazard zones and shall be used by affected lead agencies in complying with the provisions of the SHMA:

Note: Authority cited: Section 2695, Public Resources Code. Reference: Section 2695(a)(3)(A), 2695(a)(3)(B) and 2695(a)(3)(C), Public Resources Code.

History

1. New section filed 1-27-92; operative 2-26-92 (Register 92, No. 12).

2. Change without regulatory effect amending first paragraph and subsections (b) and (b)(4) filed 5-6-2021 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2021, No. 19).