Geological hazards: approval of projects.

Under the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act, prior to approving a project within an earthquake fault zone, a city or county is directed to require the preparation of a geologic report, subject to certain exceptions. The act authorizes cities and counties to, among other things, establish stricter policies and criteria, and impose and collect specified additional fees. Existing law requires the approval of a project by a city or county to be in accordance with policies and criteria established by the State Mining and Geology Board and the findings of the State Geologist. This bill would require a city or county, prior to approval of a project in certain locations, as described, to determine that either the project is in compliance with existing law relating to the policies and criteria established by the State Mining and Geology Board and the findings of the State Geologist, as provided, or the project is not located on an active fault trace, as determined by a geological site investigation. By expanding the duties of local officials in the process of approving a project, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.