(a) Every final map subdivision and every subdivision in which any lot created by said parcel map subdivision is less than ten (10) acres in size, shall be accompanied by a preliminary soils report, prepared by a civil engineer who is registered by the State of California, based upon adequate test borings or excavations of the soil qualities of the proposed subdivision; provided, however, that such preliminary soil report may be waived by the Planning Department, upon the recommendation of the Building Department, where it has been determined that, due to the knowledge of soils within the subdivision, no preliminary soil report is necessary. (Ord. 596, § 1, 5/16/1967)

(b) If the preliminary soil report indicates the presence of critically expansive soils or other soil problems, which, if not corrected, might lead to structural defects in buildings proposed to be constructed upon said subdivision, a soil investigation shall be made of each lot in the subdivision. Such soil investigation shall be prepared by a civil engineer who is registered in the State of California and qualified in geology and soils engineering and shall recommend corrective action which is likely to prevent structural damage to each building proposed to be constructed and not aggravate the existing hazard. (Ord. 988, § 2, 7/23/1974)

(c) When such soil report or reports have been prepared, as required by subsections (a) and (b) hereof, this fact shall be noted on the final or parcel map, together with the date of the report and the name of the engineer making the report. (Ord. 596, § 3, 5/16/1967)

(d) The Building Department of the County of Humboldt shall approve the soil investigation if it determines that the recommended action is likely to prevent structural damage to each building proposed to be constructed. Such approved recommended action shall be incorporated in the construction of each building as a condition of the building permit. (Ord. 596, § 4, 5/16/1967)

(e) Whether a proposed building site is within a subdivision or not, the Building Department shall review each building permit application and require a soil report prepared in the manner required by subsection (b) hereof when the proposed building site and improvements are in a location that may have mud slide hazards, or when such a building site is on land composed of filled areas, on marsh land, on land which has an average slope of fifteen percent (15%) or more, and when said Building Department has reason to believe that the proposed building site contains expansive soils or other soil problems which, if not corrected, might lead to structural defects in buildings proposed to be constructed upon said proposed building site. (Ord. 988, § 3, 7/23/1974)