The Lane County Building Division will be reviewing residential structural permit applications to more closely assess geotechnical hazards. This is important to better protect the homes we build and to help the community to be more resilient to earthquakes and other risks.

A geotechnical or soils report (OSSC Section 1803.6) from a geotechnical engineer licensed in Oregon will be required if the site for the proposed development:

1. Has ascending or descending slopes that do NOT meet the foundation clearance in Figure R403.1.9.1 of the Oregon Residential Specialty Code
2. Is within a hazard area, as indicated in red on the GIS map
3. Or is required by Lane County Land Use Planning to have a special foundation system

ALL SITE PLANS SUBMITTED WILL BE REQUIRED TO SHOW ANY KNOWN FILL SITES OR LANDSLIDE HAZARD AREAS.

The soil report shall include:

• A stamped letter from an Oregon licensed engineer with soils and geotechnical background
• Site address and map/taxlot #.
• Summary of site visit notes with soil types, soil bearing capacity, and test pit/boring locations indicated.
• Distance between the building foundation and tops/toes of slopes 20% or greater
• Observation of landslide and/or liquefaction risk
• If slopes are in excess of 20%, address the distance between the building foundation and the tops/toes of slopes.
• Suitability of foundation design, including stability for lateral (seismic) loading, as designed on the foundation plan, or stamped modifications to the foundation system to mitigate risk.

NOTE: Report recommendations for excavation, structural fill, drainage, and foundation design become requirements for the project. Coordination of the geotechnical requirements with structural engineering and/or design is the responsibility of the project applicant. Be aware that projects located in the floodplain will need to meet the Planning Department’s Conditions of Approval.

*Item 2 above will not be applicable to residential accessory structures less than 2000 square feet and one story in height and without a loft.