Soil Conditions in Huntington Beach
Orange County presents a range of subsurface conditions. Here's what we encounter most frequently.
Marine Terrace Deposits
Huntington Beach is underlain by Pleistocene marine terrace deposits consisting of fine to medium sands, silty sands, and occasional clay layers. These beach and nearshore deposits are generally loose to medium dense near the surface and become denser with depth, but they can be susceptible to liquefaction where saturated.
Shallow Water Table
The water table in Huntington Beach is shallow throughout much of the city, often encountered within 5 to 15 feet of the ground surface near the coast and in low-lying inland areas. Shallow groundwater affects foundation design, requires dewatering for deeper excavations, and contributes to liquefaction susceptibility.
Newport-Inglewood Fault Zone
The Newport-Inglewood fault zone runs through the eastern portion of Huntington Beach. Projects near this fault trace are subject to Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act requirements, which mandate fault rupture hazard investigations to establish building setback distances from active fault traces.
Liquefaction-Prone Soils
Significant portions of Huntington Beach are mapped within state liquefaction hazard zones due to the combination of loose sandy soils and shallow groundwater. Liquefaction analysis is a standard component of geotechnical investigations in the city, and mitigation measures such as ground improvement, stone columns, or deep foundations are frequently recommended.
What We Do in Huntington Beach
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
WQMP preparation, LID 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 Huntington Beach
Custom Coastal Home
Geotechnical investigation addressing liquefaction, shallow groundwater, and coastal hazards for new home construction near the coast.
ADU / Accessory Dwelling Unit
Soils reports and grading plans for ADUs in established Huntington Beach neighborhoods, including liquefaction evaluation where required.
Mixed-Use Development
Full geotechnical and civil engineering packages for mixed-use projects along Beach Boulevard, Edinger Avenue, and Pacific Coast Highway corridors.
Oil Field Redevelopment
Environmental and geotechnical assessment for residential and commercial projects on former oil production sites, including methane risk evaluation and remediation coordination.
Seawall and Retaining Wall
Foundation investigation and structural design support for seawalls, bulkheads, and retaining walls in the harbor and coastal bluff areas.
Working With City of Huntington Beach Community Development Department
Huntington Beach's Community Development Department reviews building and grading permits, with geotechnical reports evaluated by the city's contract geotechnical reviewer. Projects within the Coastal Zone require additional review under the city's Local Coastal Program and may need California Coastal Commission approval for certain categories of development.
What Makes This Jurisdiction Distinct
Coastal Development Permit required for projects within the Coastal Zone
Liquefaction analysis required for most new construction due to widespread liquefaction hazard mapping
Alquist-Priolo fault rupture investigation required for properties within the Newport-Inglewood Fault Zone
WQMP required with enhanced BMP requirements for projects near coastal receiving waters
Methane mitigation may be required for properties near former oil production areas
Huntington Beach uses an electronic plan check submittal system. Projects in the Coastal Zone should anticipate additional review time of 2 to 4 weeks beyond standard plan check timelines. Pre-application meetings with Community Development staff are available and recommended for coastal and larger projects.
Common Questions — Huntington Beach
Building in Huntington Beach?
Tell us about your project and we'll send you a fixed-fee proposal — typically within one business day.