Geotechnical Clearance is required for any new building or structure, or addition to any existing building or structure, located in areas with geologic and geotechnical hazards and constrains. Example of such areas are Saratoga hillsides (landslide potential) and areas close to creeks (liquefaction potential).  Additionally, all proposed basements and additions to basements shall obtain geotechnical clearance. 

Municipal Code Section 15-06.325 - Geotechnical clearance.

“Geotechnical clearance” means a written acknowledgement from the City Engineer indicating that: (a) The applicant has identified all geological and geotechnical hazards and constraints present on the site; (b) The applicant has evaluated those hazards and constraints identified in subsection (a) which would affect the proposed development of the site or impact adjacent properties, as required by the City Engineer and City Geotechnical Consultant; (c) The applicant has developed appropriate measures to avoid and/or mitigate those hazards and constraints evaluated in subsection (b) to the satisfaction of the City Engineer and City Geotechnical Consultant; (d) The applicant has paid all fees associated with the City Geotechnical Consultant’s review of the application. Geotechnical clearance does not and shall not be construed as constituting an approval or entitlement of any form or type. (Ord. 71-106 § 1, 1992; Ord. 223 § 2 (part), 2003)

Application Cost

$850 flat fee for engineering staff work is required. In addition deposit for review performed by the City Geotechnical Consultant in the amount of $3,500 for the first lot and $500 for each additional lot is needed. Actual cost charged by the City Geotechnical Consultant plus a 25% surcharge for City’s indirect costs will be deducted from the deposit.

For additional information please contact:
Iveta Harvancik
Senior Engineer, Public Works Department
(408) 868-1274