Soils Test, EIN and Civil Engineer to build an ADU in LA?

Question

Hey BP Community!

Does anyone know if you need to have Soil testing done get an EIN or get a civil engineer to build an ADU on a property with an existing SFR?

Thanks!!!

Will Barnard · Answer

Depends but typically no. If it is hillside, then yes, geo work will need to be performed. If it is flat, then a good architect and structural engineer can handle this easily.

Here in LA, I build new construction homes and on occasion when the numbers make sense, I will build an ADU or convert an existing detached garage to an ADU along with the construction of the new home and new garage. Unless it was hillside or on a septic system, I did not need any soils reports.

Scott Choppin · Answer

@Raymond Gutierrez

Hi Raymond

In the city of Los Angeles building code￼, there is a prescriptive code section related to soils engineering requirements. Generally when you designed the footings of specific building types within these prescriptive guidelines, you do not need to do a soils analysis. That is with all things in real estate development, you should run this by your architect, once you hire someone, to make sure that you are compliant with the building code requirements.

On a small project, like this ADU, we typically utilize the services of an architect to design the entire project, including any civil engineering scopes of work. There’s really no need to hire a civil engineer to do a small project.

[Solicitation Removed by Moderators]

~ Scott

Greg Dickerson · Answer

@Raymond Gutierrez It depends on local requirements. Some cities require soils and site engineereing for any ground up construction. Some will allow a surveyor to do site plan.

If the project is high end and you have concerns about soils then it never hurts to get it done.

Very minimum you will need complete architect drawings and specs and structural engineering may be required.

Soils Test, EIN and Civil Engineer to build an ADU in LA?

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