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A. Regulation – Geotechnical Report Required. For all regulated activities, except the construction of wood frame structures under 5,000 square feet, mobile homes, fences, and/or subdivision of property, proposed within seismic hazard areas, a geotechnical report prepared by a professional engineer licensed by the state of Washington with expertise in geotechnical engineering shall be submitted (see subsection (A)(2) of this section). Retaining walls may also be excluded from the requirement of a geotechnical report when the height of soil fills on the upper side are not in excess of four feet above the toe of the wall, backfills do not exceed a top surface slope of 4:1 (H:V), and there is no permanent structure existing or proposed within a distance of three times the height of the wall. Where an applicant can demonstrate through submittal of a geological assessment (see subsection (A)(1) of this section), that there are no seismic hazards on site, the requirement for the geotechnical report may be waived. A geological assessment may be prepared by a professional geotechnical engineer or by a professional geologist licensed by the state of Washington.

1. Geological Assessments.

a. Should the applicant question the presence of seismic hazard areas on the site, the applicant may submit a geological assessment.

b. The geological assessment shall include at a minimum the following:

i. A description of the topography, surface and subsurface hydrology, soils, geology, and vegetation of the site; and

ii. An evaluation of the analysis area’s inherent seismic hazards; and

iii. A site plan of the area delineating all areas of the site subject to seismic hazards, based on mapping and criteria referenced in LMC 14.146.040.

If the geological assessment demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Department, that the proposed site is not located in any seismic hazard areas, based upon the criteria set forth in subsection (A)(1)(b) of this section, then the requirements of this section shall not apply.

2. Geotechnical Report. The geotechnical report shall be prepared by a professional engineer licensed by the state of Washington with experience in geotechnical engineering and shall address the existing geologic, topographic, and hydrologic conditions on a site, including an evaluation of the ability of the site to accommodate the proposed activity. The geotechnical report shall include at a minimum the following:

a. A discussion of the surface and subsurface geologic conditions of the site;

b. A site plan of the area delineating all areas of the property subject to seismic hazards, based on mapping and criteria referenced in LMC 14.146.040;

c. A discussion of mitigation measures which can be taken to reduce seismic risks associated from liquefaction, ground shaking, settlement or slope failure with the underlying surficial geology; and

d. An evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures. Where a valid geotechnical report has been prepared within the last five years for a specific site, and where the proposed land use activity and surrounding site conditions are unchanged, said report may be utilized and a new report may not be required. If any changed environmental conditions are associated with the site, or surrounding the site, the applicant shall submit an amendment to the geotechnical report.

The development proposal may be approved, approved with conditions, or denied based on the Department’s evaluation of the ability of the proposed mitigation measures to reduce seismic risks associated with the underlying surficial geology.

3. Notification.

a. Title Notification. The owner of any site within a seismic hazard area as identified in LMC 14.146.040, on which a development proposal is submitted, shall record a notice with the Pierce County Auditor in the form set forth below:

Form of Notice:

SEISMIC HAZARD AREA NOTICE

Parcel Number: _____________________

Address: ___________________________

Legal Description: ___________________

Present Owner: ____________________

Notice: This site lies within a seismic hazard area as defined by Chapter 14.146 of the Lakewood Municipal Code. The site was the subject of a development proposal for application number ____________
filed on (date) _____________

Restrictions on use or alteration of the site may exist due to natural conditions of the site and resulting regulation. Review of such application has provided information on the location of a seismic hazard area and any restrictions on use.

___________________________
Signature of owner(s)

__________________________
NOTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENT

b. Plat Notification. For all proposed short subdivision and subdivision proposals within seismic hazard areas, the applicant shall include a note on the face of the plat. The note shall be as set forth below:

Notice: This site lies within a seismic hazard area as defined in Chapter 14.146, of the City Code. Restrictions on use or alteration of the site may exist due to natural conditions of the site and resulting regulation.

[Ord. 362 § 3, 2004.]