Geotechnical Reports

The Local Government Act states that "a building inspector may require an engineering report when construction is proposed on land that may be subject to flood, mud flows, debris torrents, erosion, landslip, rock falls, subsidence or avalanche". In Nanaimo, we most often encounter a risk of subsidence due to abandoned coal mine workings and risk of landslip on steep sites.

The purpose of the report is to identify hazards, provide recommendations to address the site conditions, and certify that "the land is safe for the use intended".

The City will rely on the report when making decisions regarding development of the land and the report may be registered on the title of the property with a covenant to advise any future purchasers of the potential risks and the remediation that has taken place.

• Guidelines for the Completion of Geotechnical Reports 
• Guidelines for Geotech Assessments Above Abandoned Mine Workings