Soil Conditions in Burbank
Los Angeles County's geology is as varied as its neighborhoods. Here's what we typically find.
Alluvial Fan Deposits
Burbank's flatland areas sit on alluvial fan deposits from the Verdugo Mountains and San Gabriel Mountains. These deposits consist of interbedded gravels, sands, silts, and clays, generally becoming denser with depth. Upper soils near the mountain fronts tend to be coarse and bouldery, while the central and southern portions of the city have finer-grained alluvium.
Verdugo Fault Zone
The Verdugo fault runs along the base of the Verdugo Mountains at the northern edge of Burbank. Properties near the fault may be subject to Alquist-Priolo setback requirements. Additionally, the fault creates a boundary between the shallow bedrock of the mountains and the thick alluvial deposits of the flatland.
Shallow Groundwater
Groundwater is encountered at variable depths in Burbank, with shallower levels in the central and southern portions of the city. Historical groundwater contamination plumes from industrial activities exist in parts of Burbank and may require environmental coordination in addition to standard geotechnical investigation.
Hillside Bedrock and Slope Conditions
The Verdugo Mountains hillside areas of Burbank are underlain by granitic and metamorphic basement rock overlain by thin residual soils. Slope stability and debris flow potential are the primary geotechnical concerns for hillside development, and engineering geology investigation is typically required.
What We Do in Burbank
Soils Reports
Geotechnical investigation and foundation recommendations for building permits.
Learn more →Grading Plans
Precise and rough grading design with drainage and earthwork calculations.
Learn more →Compaction Testing
Field density testing and fill certification for construction.
Learn more →Stormwater / LID / WQMP
LID/WQMP compliance and BMP design.
Learn more →Hydrology Reports
Drainage analysis and flood risk assessment.
Learn more →Subsurface Exploration
Drilling, CPT, and test pit programs.
Learn more →Erosion Control Plans
SWPPP and erosion control for grading permits.
Learn more →Street Improvements
Frontage, curb, gutter, and sidewalk design.
Learn more →Utility Plans
Water, sewer, and storm drain design and coordination.
Learn more →Project Coordination
One point of contact managing structural, MEP, surveying, and specialty consultants.
Learn more →We also coordinate with your structural engineer, architect, MEP consultants, and other project team members to ensure our deliverables integrate with the overall design — one point of contact for your geotechnical and civil engineering scope.
What People Build in Burbank
Entertainment Studio Expansion
Burbank's entertainment industry drives ongoing studio and production facility expansion requiring geotechnical investigation for soundstages, office buildings, and parking structures.
Multi-Family Residential
Transit-oriented development near the Metrolink station and downtown Burbank is creating demand for multi-family projects with subterranean parking, requiring geotechnical and shoring design.
ADU / Accessory Dwelling Unit
ADU construction is active in Burbank's residential neighborhoods. Soils reports are required for new detached ADUs and ensure appropriate foundation design for the site-specific soil and groundwater conditions.
Commercial and Mixed-Use
Redevelopment along San Fernando Boulevard and Magnolia Boulevard drives demand for geotechnical and civil engineering services for mixed-use and commercial projects.
Working With City of Burbank Community Development Department
Burbank Community Development requires geotechnical investigation for new construction, significant additions, and grading permits. The city reviews reports in-house and maintains a responsive plan check process. Projects in the hillside area or Media District may have additional review layers.
What Makes This Jurisdiction Distinct
Geotechnical report required for new buildings and grading permits
Engineering geology report required for hillside properties near the Verdugo Mountains
Media District Specific Plan may impose additional development standards
Groundwater management plan may be required if dewatering is needed in contaminated areas
Seismic hazard zone studies required per CGS mapping for liquefaction and landslide zones
Submit geotechnical reports to the Community Development Department at Burbank City Hall. Burbank offers a pre-application review process that is recommended for hillside and larger commercial projects to clarify investigation scope before fieldwork.
Common Questions — Burbank
Building in Burbank?
Tell us about your project and we'll send you a fixed-fee proposal — typically within one business day.