Laws and Guidelines

New Structures/Developments

Local jurisdictions are required by California law to implement the Seismic Hazard Mapping Act , which requires that sites within "Zones of Required Investigation" be investigated for liquefaction and/or landslide hazard before structures for human occupancy are built.

Real Estate Disclosure/Existing Structures

The California Natural Hazards Disclosure Act , requires that sellers of real property and their agents provide prospective buyers with a "Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement" when the property being sold lies within one or more hazard areas delineated on maps prepared by the California Geological Survey for individual 7.5-minute quadrangles. Liquefaction Seismic Hazard Zones and Earthquake-Induced Landslide Zones are shown together on Seismic Hazard Zones maps ; Earthquake Fault Zones are shown on Earthquake Fault Zone maps .

The California Geological Survey (CGS) is charged with producing the Seismic Hazard Zones maps , which define zones of required investigation for liquefaction and earthquake-generated landslides. CGS provides information on the regulations and guidelines relating to liquefaction .