Soil Conditions in Spring Valley
San Diego's geology varies dramatically from neighborhood to neighborhood. Here's what we see most often.
Alluvial and Colluvial Deposits
Spring Valley's low-lying areas contain alluvial and colluvial deposits — mixed sands, silts, and clays washed down from surrounding hills. These soils have variable bearing capacity and may require overexcavation and recompaction.
Weathered Metavolcanic Bedrock
The hills around Spring Valley expose metavolcanic and metasedimentary bedrock that weathers to clayey residual soils. These weathered materials can be expansive and produce unstable slopes when cut.
La Nación Fault Zone Proximity
The La Nación fault runs near Spring Valley. Seismic design parameters and potential liquefaction in alluvial areas are key geotechnical considerations for all new construction.
What We Do in Spring Valley
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 compliance, WQMP preparation, 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 Spring Valley
Single-Family Home
New home construction on Spring Valley's hillside and valley lots under County jurisdiction.
ADU / Accessory Dwelling Unit
ADU construction under County of San Diego ADU regulations — soils report required for new detached structures.
Retaining Walls
Retaining wall engineering for hillside lots with weathered bedrock and clay soils.
Working With County of San Diego Planning & Development Services (PDS)
As an unincorporated area, Spring Valley falls under County of San Diego jurisdiction. The County requires geotechnical investigations for new construction and grading permits, reviewed by PDS engineering staff.
What Makes This Jurisdiction Distinct
County grading ordinance — different thresholds and requirements than cities
Potential biological resource constraints under the County MSCP
La Nación fault proximity — seismic analysis required
County stormwater standards — BMP sizing per County Drainage Design Manual
Submit to County PDS at 5510 Overland Avenue, San Diego. Online submittals available through the County portal.
Common Questions — Spring Valley
Building in Spring Valley?
Tell us about your project and we'll send you a fixed-fee proposal — typically within one business day.