Soil Conditions in West Covina
Los Angeles County's geology is as varied as its neighborhoods. Here's what we typically find.
Alluvial Fan Deposits
Central and southern West Covina sit on alluvial deposits from San Jose Creek and Walnut Creek — generally good bearing capacity but site-specific verification is needed.
San Jose Hills
Northern West Covina rises into the San Jose Hills with Puente Formation bedrock — interbedded siltstone, sandstone, and claystone. Hillside development requires slope stability evaluation.
Expansive Soils
Weathered Puente Formation and residual soils in transitional areas exhibit moderate expansion — driving foundation design recommendations.
Liquefaction Zones
Lower-lying portions of the city may be mapped in Seismic Hazard Zones for liquefaction — mandatory investigation where mapped.
What We Do in West Covina
Soils Reports
Geotechnical investigation for residential, commercial, and hillside projects — prepared to City of West Covina standards.
Learn more →Grading & Drainage Plans
Grading design for valley and hillside lots compliant with City requirements.
Learn more →Compaction Testing & Inspections
Nuclear gauge testing and field inspections during grading and foundation construction.
Learn more →Stormwater / LID / WQMP
LID compliance and stormwater management for LA County MS4 Permit requirements.
Learn more →Hydrology & Hydraulic Reports
Pre- and post-development drainage analysis for City and LA County Flood Control compliance.
Learn more →Erosion Control (SWPPP / ESCP)
Construction-phase stormwater pollution prevention for grading permits.
Learn more →Street Improvement Plans
Sidewalk, curb, gutter, and driveway approach design for public ROW.
Learn more →Utility Plans
Water, sewer, and storm drain design coordinated with City utilities and providers.
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 West Covina
ADUs & Residential Additions
West Covina's residential neighborhoods are adding ADUs and additions. Alluvial soils and hillside conditions drive geotech scope.
Hillside Development
Custom homes and improvements in the San Jose Hills — slope stability, retaining walls, and grading design.
Multi-Family Housing
Apartment and townhome development on infill sites — geotech and civil engineering.
Commercial & Retail
Projects along the Eastland Center, Azusa Avenue, and West Covina Parkway corridors.
Pool & Retaining Wall Engineering
Foundation design for pools and retaining walls in expansive soil areas.
Grading & Site Development
Cut/fill grading for residential and commercial pads.
Working With City of West Covina — Planning Division
The City of West Covina Planning Division handles building permits and development review. The City requires soils reports for new construction and hillside development.
What Makes This Jurisdiction Distinct
Soils reports required for new construction, hillside lots, and projects in mapped hazard zones
Hillside development standards apply to properties in the San Jose Hills area
LA County MS4 Permit governs stormwater — City enforces local LID requirements
Seismic Hazard Zone mapping for liquefaction and landslide applies to portions of the city
Fault investigation reports coordinated through our partner engineering geologists when required
Active ADU development program
Submittals through City of West Covina Planning Division, 1444 West Garvey Avenue South, West Covina 91790.
Common Questions — West Covina
Building in West Covina?
Tell us about your project and we'll send you a fixed-fee proposal — typically within one business day.