Soil Conditions in Inglewood
Los Angeles County's geology is as varied as its neighborhoods. Here's what we typically find.
Older Alluvium and Lakewood Formation
Inglewood is underlain by older Pleistocene alluvial deposits and the Lakewood Formation — a sequence of nearshore marine and continental sediments. These soils are generally stiff to hard clays and medium dense to dense sands, though localized soft or loose zones exist, particularly in former drainage swales.
Newport-Inglewood Fault Zone
The Newport-Inglewood fault zone passes directly through the city, roughly following the alignment of the Inglewood Oil Field. This is one of the most seismically significant faults in the LA Basin, and properties within the Alquist-Priolo zone require fault rupture hazard investigation before development.
Oil Field Legacy
The Inglewood Oil Field, one of the largest urban oil fields in the country, underlies the western portion of the city. Former well sites, abandoned pipelines, and variable fill associated with oil field operations can present challenges including methane gas intrusion, contaminated soils, and irregular subsurface conditions.
Liquefaction and Lateral Spreading
Portions of Inglewood near the Centinela Creek channel and lower-lying areas are mapped within liquefaction hazard zones. Where loose sandy soils coincide with shallow groundwater, liquefaction-induced settlement and lateral spreading toward free faces must be evaluated in the geotechnical investigation.
What We Do in Inglewood
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 Inglewood
Transit-Oriented Development
The Inglewood Transit Connector and Crenshaw/LAX Line are spurring new multi-family and mixed-use development requiring comprehensive geotechnical and civil engineering services.
Single-Family Home
New homes and major renovations in Inglewood's residential neighborhoods require soils reports, with additional investigation for properties near the fault zone or oil field.
ADU / Accessory Dwelling Unit
ADU construction is growing in Inglewood. A soils report is typically required and may need to address oil field-related conditions for properties in the western portion of the city.
Commercial Development
The economic development around SoFi Stadium has created demand for new commercial projects along Market Street, Manchester Boulevard, and Prairie Avenue requiring full geotechnical and civil engineering packages.
Working With City of Inglewood Planning Division
Inglewood requires geotechnical reports for new construction, grading, and development within mapped hazard areas. The Planning Division coordinates with Building & Safety for technical review of soils reports. Projects near the Inglewood Oil Field may require additional environmental documentation.
What Makes This Jurisdiction Distinct
Fault rupture hazard investigation required for properties within the Newport-Inglewood Alquist-Priolo zone
Methane gas evaluation may be required for properties near the Inglewood Oil Field or former production sites
Hollywood Park Specific Plan area has distinct development standards and entitlement process
Liquefaction analysis required for properties within CGS-mapped hazard zones
WQMP with LID compliance required for new development per LA County MS4 Permit
Submit geotechnical reports to the Inglewood Building & Safety Division with the permit application. Projects within the Hollywood Park Specific Plan area should coordinate early with the Planning Division for entitlement and environmental review requirements.
Common Questions — Inglewood
Building in Inglewood?
Tell us about your project and we'll send you a fixed-fee proposal — typically within one business day.