108-22-3 Studies And Reports Required

Requirement for a study and report. Unless exempted in section 108-22-5, any application for development on a parcel of land within a natural hazard study area shall be submitted to the planning division with two hard copies and one electronic (pdf) copy of a site-specific natural hazard study and report, where required for such development according to the following chart: Land Use (Type of Facility) Liquefactio n Potential High/ Moderate Landslide/ Rock Fall/ Debris Flow Study Area Surface Fault Rupture Study Area Tectonic Subsidence Study Area Flood Study Area Other Hazardous Areas Critical facilities Yes Yes Industrial, Yes Yes commercial, or multifamily (4 or more units) Yes Recomme Yes As nded determined by the city engineer Yes No Yes As determined by the city engineer Residential subdivisions No** Yes, unless Yes otherwise provided by section 108- 22-2(d)(2). No Yes As determined by the city engineer Residential, single No** Yes, unless Yes lots/multifamily otherwise (less than 4 units) provided by section 108- 22-2(d)(2). No Yes As determined by the city engineer ** Although no study and report is required, disclosure is required as described in section 108-22-4. Each natural hazard study and report shall be prepared by an engineering geologist. In the case of a snow avalanche hazard, the study and report shall be prepared by an experienced avalanche expert. The study and report shall be signed by the preparer and shall also include the qualifications of the preparer. Each natural hazard study and report shall be site-specific and identify, to the extent practicable, all known or suspected potential natural hazard(s) originating on-site or offsite which present a reasonable likelihood of adversely affecting the particular property. Each natural hazard study and report shall include a detailed site map (scale: one inch equals 200 feet or larger), showing the location and type of hazard with delineation of the recommended setback distances from the hazard and the recommended location for structures. Each natural hazard study and report shall address the potential adverse effects of the hazard on the proposed development and occupants thereof in terms of the reasonable likelihood of potential damage. Each natural hazard study and report shall contain recommendations for avoidance or mitigation of the identified adverse effects of the hazard consistent with the purposes set forth in section 108-22-1 of this chapter. The evidence on which recommendations and conclusions are based shall be clearly stated in the report. Trench logs (scale: one inch equals five feet or larger), trench photos, aerial photographs, references with citations, and other supporting information, as applicable, shall also be included in each natural hazard study and report. Review of the study and report. In order to fulfill the purposes of this chapter, the land use authority shall review any proposed development which requires preparation of a natural hazard study and report under this chapter to determine the possible risks to the safety of persons or property from a natural hazard. Prior to consideration by the land use authority of any such development, the city engineer may submit the study and report, and, if applicable, site-specific plan, to outsourced qualified professionals for review and recommendation. Any cost for the review shall be paid by the applicant prior to any land use authority action. The city engineer has discretion to reject the scope, techniques, methodology, conclusions, or specific types of information presented in the study and report if industry standards of care were not used. All conclusions of the study and report shall be supported by adequate data. The city engineer shall prepare a final review and recommendation of an acceptable study and report, and, if applicable, site-specific plans, for the land use authority's consideration. Whenever the land use authority determines that an area is subject to a natural hazard which presents an unreasonable risk to the safety of persons or property, including public streets, such area shall not be approved for development unless the applicant can demonstrate that such a risk can be reduced to a reasonable and acceptable level in a manner which has a minimum effect on the natural environment. The land use authority may set requirements or conditions necessary to reduce the risks from a natural hazard as a condition to the approval of any development which requires preparation of a natural hazard study and report. Study and report verification. The project engineering geologist shall submit with the study a signed and sealed verification letter stating that the study was conducted in accordance with industry standards of care, and that it complies with this Land Use Code and all other applicable laws. Written verification shall be provided from the issuer of professional errors and omissions liability insurance, in the amount of $1,000,000.00, which covers the engineering geologist, and which is in effect on the date of preparation of all required studies and reports. Development design verification. Whenever possible, avoidance of development in an area with an identified natural hazard is strongly encouraged. However, pursuant to requirements of this chapter, development in an area with an identified natural hazard shall be permitted when it is designed to mitigate, and is reasonably safe from, the identified hazard. Final design of the development shall not be accepted by the city unless: The development's state licensed engineer, or, if applicable, engineers, provide(s) the city with a signed and sealed verification letter stating that, pursuant to the considerations, findings, recommendations, and conclusions of the development's engineering geologist's study and report, the development has been designed to mitigate, and is reasonably safe from, the identified hazard. The development's engineering geologist submits a signed and sealed verification letter stating that the final design of the development adequately provides for the considerations, findings, recommendations, and conclusions of the study and report, and is reasonably safe from the identified hazard. Written verification is provided from the issuer(s) of professional errors and omissions liability insurance, in the amount of $1,000,000.00, which covers the engineering geologist and state licensed engineer(s), and which is in effect on the date of preparation of all required reports and certifications.