§ 17.45.050. Geologic report.

A.

Conditional Use Permit Applications. Applications for a conditional use permit as required herein for development on bluff faces and bluff tops shall be accompanied by a geologic report prepared by a licensed engineering geologist or a professional civil engineer with expertise in soils and foundation engineering, or a registered geologist with a background in engineering applications. Such report shall include a scaled map showing location of the bluff edge, the toe of the bluff, and other significant geologic features by distance from readily identified fixed monuments such as the property line, centerline of the road nearest the bluff, or inside of curb face. Such report shall assess the stability of bluffs in the vicinity of the applicant's property and describe and analyze the following:

1.

Demonstration of Stability. The area of demonstration of stability shall include the base, face, and top of all bluffs. The extent of the bluff top considered shall include the area between the face of the bluff and a line described on the bluff top by the intersection of a plane inclined at a 20.25 degree angle from the horizontal passing through the top of the bluff, or fifty feet inland from the edge of the bluff, or whichever is greater, (see Section 17.12.063).

2.

Bluff Geometry and Site Topography. Bluff geometry and site topography, extending the investigation beyond the site as needed to depict unusual geomorphic conditions that might affect the site.

3.

Bluff Erosion. Historic, current and foreseeable bluff erosion and possible changes in shore configuration and sand transport.

4.

Geologic Conditions. Geologic conditions, including soil, sediment and rock types and characteristics, in addition to structural features such as bedding, joints, faults, strike and dip.

5.

Past or Potential Landslide Conditions. Evidence of past or potential landslide conditions, the implications of such conditions for the proposed development, and the potential effects of the development on landslide activity.

6.

Construction Activity. Impact of construction activity on the stability of the site and adjacent area.

7.

Water Conditions. Ground and surface water conditions and variations, including hydrologic changes caused by the development.

8.

Site Erodibility. Potential erodibility of the site and mitigating measures to minimize erosion problems during and after construction, (e.g. landscaping and drainage design).

9.

Marine Erosion. Effects of marine erosion on coastal bluffs.

10.

Seismic Forces. Potential effects of seismic forces resulting from a maximum credible earthquake.

11.

Other Factors. Any other factors that might affect slope impacts.

12.

Off-Site Impacts. Evaluation of the off-site impacts of development (e.g., development contributing to geological instability) and the additional impacts that might occur due to the proposed development (e.g., increased erosion along a footpath).

13.

Site Suitability and Seventy-Five Year Safety Period. An evaluation of the suitability of the site and development during all foreseeable normal and unusual conditions, including ground saturation and maximum credible earthquake. A minimum project life of seventy-five years shall be assumed for all coastal bluff development standards, unless special consideration warrants the imposition of higher standards.

14.

Building Setbacks. Recommendations for building setbacks which shall ensure structural stability and integrity without altering bluff landforms or beach or which necessitate the construction of protective devices such as seawalls for the economic life of the development (seventy-five to one hundred years).

15.

Mitigation Measures. Mitigation measures for any potential impacts.

16.

Other Matters. Other matters as determined relevant to the property by the preparing engineering geologist or city engineer.

B.

Geologic Report Standards. Geologic reports shall be prepared in accordance with the state of California, Division of Mines and Geology Guidelines for Geologic/Seismic Reports, publications numbers 37, 43, 44, 46, and 49, or successors, as applicable.

C.

Engineering Geologist Certifications. The preparing engineering geologist shall sign and affix a certification seal inclusive of license number to such geologic report.

(Ord. 445 § 3 (part), 1995)