CA Gov't Code Section 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.