Soil Conditions in Newport Beach
Orange County presents a range of subsurface conditions. Here's what we encounter most frequently.
Marine Terrace and Beach Deposits
Newport Beach is underlain by Pleistocene marine terrace deposits and Holocene beach sands consisting of fine to medium sands, silty sands, and shell fragments. These deposits are generally loose to medium dense near the surface and can be highly susceptible to liquefaction in saturated zones, particularly on the Balboa Peninsula and harbor islands.
Shallow and Tidally Influenced Groundwater
Groundwater in much of Newport Beach is very shallow, often within 5 to 10 feet of the surface in low-lying coastal areas and the harbor. Water levels can fluctuate with tidal cycles in areas adjacent to Newport Harbor and the Back Bay, significantly affecting excavation, dewatering, and foundation design.
Newport-Inglewood Fault Zone
The Newport-Inglewood fault zone passes directly through Newport Beach, with mapped Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones in several areas. Projects within or near the fault zone require fault rupture hazard investigations, and building setbacks from active fault traces must be established before construction of habitable structures.
Bay and Harbor Sediments
Properties around Newport Harbor, Balboa Island, and the Back Bay are underlain by young, soft bay mud and estuarine sediments. These soils are highly compressible with very low bearing capacity, often requiring deep foundations such as driven piles or drilled piers to reach competent bearing material below the soft sediments.
What We Do in Newport 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 Newport Beach
Custom Coastal Home
Geotechnical investigation addressing liquefaction, shallow groundwater, and pile foundation design for custom homes on the Balboa Peninsula, Balboa Island, and Corona del Mar bluffs.
Harbor-Front Redevelopment
Deep foundation investigation and marine geotechnical assessment for properties along Newport Harbor, including pier and bulkhead design coordination.
ADU / Accessory Dwelling Unit
Soils reports and foundation recommendations for ADU construction, including liquefaction and groundwater evaluation in coastal neighborhoods.
Commercial / Mixed-Use
Full geotechnical and civil engineering packages for mixed-use and commercial projects along Pacific Coast Highway, Mariner's Mile, and the Balboa Village area.
Bluff-Top Residential (Corona del Mar)
Bluff stability evaluation, setback analysis, and foundation design for homes on the coastal bluffs in Corona del Mar and Newport Coast.
Working With City of Newport Beach Community Development Department
Newport Beach's Community Development Department manages building, grading, and coastal development permits. Geotechnical reports are reviewed by the city's contract geotechnical consultant, and the city's plan check process is thorough given the prevalence of coastal hazards, fault zones, and sensitive environmental areas. Projects in the Coastal Zone require additional review under the city's Local Coastal Program.
What Makes This Jurisdiction Distinct
Coastal Development Permit required for most new construction within the Coastal Zone
Alquist-Priolo fault rupture investigation required for properties within Newport-Inglewood Fault Zone
Liquefaction analysis required for projects in state-mapped zones covering most of the coastal and harbor areas
Harbor-front projects subject to Harbor Design Guidelines and Harbor Commission review
WQMP required with strict BMP standards due to sensitive coastal receiving waters including Newport Bay
Newport Beach accepts electronic plan submittals through its permitting portal. Plan check timelines vary from 4 to 6 weeks for standard projects, with coastal and harbor-front projects potentially requiring longer review. Pre-application conferences with Community Development staff are strongly recommended for projects in the Coastal Zone or near the harbor.
Common Questions — Newport Beach
Building in Newport Beach?
Tell us about your project and we'll send you a fixed-fee proposal — typically within one business day.