New construction · San Jose
Do I need a soils report for new construction in San Jose?
A geotechnical (soils) report is effectively required for new construction in San Jose. City of San José Planning, Building & Code Enforcement (PBCE) — Building Division uses it to size the foundation, set drainage, and confirm compliance with California seismic provisions on the parcel.
What changes the answer in San Jose.
Alluvial fan deposits in the valley; expansive clays common — geotech standard. Hayward, Calaveras, and San Andreas fault systems regional; CGS EQ Zone App liquefaction zones in some lowland areas.
- Alluvial fan deposits in the valley; expansive clays common — geotech standard.
- Hayward, Calaveras, and San Andreas fault systems regional; CGS EQ Zone App liquefaction zones in some lowland areas.
- Almaden and east-foothill Hillside (HS) zoning with slope-based limits.
- FEMA SFHA along Coyote Creek, Guadalupe River, and some lowland areas.
Source-backed note
California Geological Survey publishes seismic-hazard and liquefaction maps; parcels inside designated zones require a site-specific geotechnical investigation under CBC §1803.
Reference: California Geological Survey — Seismic Hazard Zones — California Department of Conservation
Local authority: City of San José Planning, Building & Code Enforcement (PBCE) — Building Division
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Send us the address and we'll respond with a feasibility note that cites City of San José Planning, Building & Code Enforcement (PBCE) — Building Division and the parcel's actual constraints — not a generic checklist.
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