FAQ CGS USE Why am I required to have a CGS review when I already and paid for my own consultant? In 1972, Senate Bill 35 was passed stating that any person or entity subdividing a property into parcels of 35 or less on unincorporated land must submit geologic or geotechnical reports to the County as part of the preliminary plat application process. Municipalities or public agencies may request that CGS review a site, although these reviews are not governed by the statute. Why is a CGS review necessary when I already hired my own geologist? The CGS review is an independent third-party review that is done for the County, similar to the service a building inspector provides for construction review. The purpose of the CGS review is to ensure that all geologic concerns have been adequately identified and addressed in the geologic reports and that the proposed development is feasible. Why does CGS charge for land use reviews? Doesn’t taxpayer money pay for this service? CGS land use reviews are not subsidized through the general fund, although some other review agencies are supported by taxpayer money. In 1984 the state legislature decided that CGS reviews should be paid for with fees paid by the applicant of the proposed development so that taxpayers are not viewed as subsidizing development. Did the CGS geologist make a field visit to the site? A CGS geologist visits each site reviewed. If the review is a re-submittal for a site that has been visited previously, a second site visit may not be necessary. If significant changes have occurred since the initial review, the site may be visited again. Why is the CGS review letter so short and simple? What is my fee paying for? The CGS letter is a review of the geologic material submitted and reflects the level of detail contained in those documents. CGS does not offer designs, but rather ensures that the work that has been done is meaningful and adequate for the site conditions and proposed development. A site review that adequately addresses all the geologic conditions present at the site may be a short confirmation letter. If more work needs to be done or if difficult site conditions are present, the letter may be longer. What type of information do I need to submit to CGS for a land use review?
FAQ CGS Why am I required to have a CGS review when I already and paid for my own consultant? In 1972, Senate Bill 35 was passed stating that any person or entity subdividing a property into parcels of 35 or less on unincorporated land must submit geologic or geotechnical reports to the County as part of the preliminary plat application process. Municipalities or public agencies may request that CGS review a site, although these reviews are not governed by the statute. Why is a CGS review necessary when I already hired my own geologist? The CGS review is an independent third-party review that is done for the County, similar to the service a building inspector provides for construction review. The purpose of the CGS review is to ensure that all geologic concerns have been adequately identified and addressed in the geologic reports and that the proposed development is feasible. Why does CGS charge for land use reviews? Doesn’t taxpayer money pay for this service? CGS land use reviews are not subsidized through the general fund, although some other review agencies are supported by taxpayer money. In 1984 the state legislature decided that CGS reviews should be paid for with fees paid by the applicant of the proposed development so that taxpayers are not viewed as subsidizing development. Did the CGS geologist make a field visit to the site? A CGS geologist visits each site reviewed. If the review is a re-submittal for a site that has been visited previously, a second site visit may not be necessary. If significant changes have occurred since the initial review, the site may be visited again. Why is the CGS review letter so short and simple? What is my fee paying for? The CGS letter is a review of the geologic material submitted and reflects the level of detail contained in those documents. CGS does not offer designs, but rather ensures that the work that has been done is meaningful and adequate for the site conditions and proposed development. A site review that adequately addresses all the geologic conditions present at the site may be a short confirmation letter. If more work needs to be done or if difficult site conditions are present, the letter may be longer. What type of information do I need to submit to CGS for a land use review? USE
Resource-Guide-2017.docx