CA

Civil and Structural Engineers in California

We take civil and structural engineering projects across California. Engineering for a project in California must be sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed in California, and every plan or report we issue there is. Engineering licenses there are issued by the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists (BPELSG). Common drivers of engineering work here include high seismic hazard and active faults, wildfire in the wildland urban interface and landslides and debris flows on steep slopes.

Licensing boardBoard for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists (BPELSG)
Verify a licensePublic license search

Local conditions we plan for

  • High seismic hazard and active faults
  • Wildfire in the wildland urban interface
  • Landslides and debris flows on steep slopes
  • Coastal bluff erosion and sea level rise

Building code: California Building Standards Code (Title 24), based on the 2024 IBC and IRC, statewide (ICC adoption chart, April 2026).

Services we provide here

Residential

Retaining Wall DesignSwimming Pool EngineeringADU Site and Structural EngineeringResidential Site Plan for a New HomeDriveway Permit and Culvert EngineeringHillside and Steep Lot Engineering

Site Development & Land

Land Development Feasibility StudyCommercial Site Plan and Civil DesignSubdivision Engineering and Plat SupportLot Split and Minor SubdivisionMass Grading and Earthwork PlanParking Lot DesignSolar Farm Civil DesignEV Charging Station Site DesignZoning, Rezoning and Entitlement SupportEngineer's Cost Estimate and Bond EstimateTopographic SurveyBoundary and ALTA/NSPS Survey

Drainage, Stormwater & Flood

Yard Drainage and Flooding EngineeringGrading and Drainage PlanAs-Built Lot Grading CertificationStormwater Management PlanDetention and Retention Pond DesignDrainage Study and Hydrology ReportGreen Infrastructure and Rain Garden DesignFlood Elevation CertificateLOMA, LOMR-F and LOMR Flood Map ChangesFloodplain Development Permit and No-Rise CertificationV-Zone Coastal Construction CertificationSeawall and Bulkhead DesignDock, Pier and Boat Lift EngineeringPond and Small Dam Design

Foundations & Structural

Foundation Inspection by an EngineerFoundation Crack EvaluationFoundation Repair Design and OversightBowing Basement Wall AssessmentCrawl Space and Pier-and-Beam AssessmentFoundation Design for a New HomeManufactured Home Foundation CertificationRetaining Wall Failure Assessment

Buildings & Structural

Home Addition EngineeringLoad-Bearing Wall Removal EngineeringDeck and Porch EngineeringStructural Letter for Rooftop SolarPole Barn, Garage and Shed EngineeringStructural Design for a New HomeCommercial Building Structural DesignFacade Inspection (Local Law 11, FISP and City Ordinances)Balcony and Exterior Elevated Element Inspection (California SB 721 and SB 326)Florida Condo Milestone Inspection (SB 4-D)Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS)Parking Garage Condition Assessment (incl. NYC Local Law 126)Seismic Retrofit and Soft-Story OrdinancesHouse Bolting and Cripple Wall BracingHurricane and Wind Mitigation EngineeringSteel and Concrete Structural Repair DesignConcrete Spalling and Balcony Slab Repair DesignBuilding Envelope and Water Intrusion Investigation (Structural Scope)Tower, Sign and Antenna Structural AnalysisCrane Pad and Temporary Works DesignUnderpinning DesignSinkhole Repair Design

Geotechnical & Soils

Geotechnical ReportSoil Boring and Soil TestingSoil Compaction and Construction Materials TestingSinkhole InvestigationSlope Stability and Landslide AssessmentExpansive Clay Soil EvaluationExcavation Shoring and Trench Protection Design

Water, Sewer & Septic

Septic System DesignSoil Percolation (Perc) TestFailed Septic and Drain Field Replacement DesignWater and Sewer Utility DesignSewer Lift Station and Grinder Pump DesignSewer Lateral and Service Connection DesignFire Flow and Water Main AnalysisWater and Wastewater Treatment DesignLead Service Line Inventory and Replacement Program

Transportation

Traffic Impact StudyTraffic Control Plan (Work Zone)Pavement Design and EvaluationPrivate Road and Subdivision Street DesignCommercial Driveway and State Highway Access PermitCulvert Design and ReplacementBridge DesignBridge Inspection and Load Rating

Permits, Environmental & Compliance

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)Erosion and Sediment Control PlanADA Site Accessibility ComplianceWetland Delineation and Section 404 PermittingPhase I Environmental Site AssessmentSPCC Plan CertificationIndustrial Stormwater Permit ComplianceMS4 Stormwater Program SupportTown and Municipal Engineer Services

Inspections & Reports

Structural Engineer Letter for Mortgage (FHA, VA, Conventional)Structural Inspection Before Buying a HomeSpecial Inspections and Construction TestingAs-Built and Record DrawingsProperty Condition Assessment (PCA)Dam Safety Inspection

Legal & Insurance

Civil Engineering Expert WitnessConstruction Defect InvestigationStorm and Insurance Claim Structural AssessmentFire Damage Structural AssessmentNeighbor Drainage and Flooding DisputeTrip and Fall and Premises Safety Engineering ExpertForensic Engineering and Failure AnalysisPreconstruction Condition Survey and Vibration MonitoringSubstantial Damage and Substantial Improvement Determination Support

Frequently asked questions

How do I verify an engineer's license in California?

Engineers practicing in California are licensed by the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists (BPELSG). You can confirm a license number and its status in the board's public license search before you sign a contract.

Which building code applies in California?

California Building Standards Code (Title 24), based on the 2024 IBC and IRC, statewide (ICC adoption chart, April 2026). Cities and counties can add local amendments, which is one reason to hire an engineer who works in your area.

What site problems do engineers see most in California?

Common issues include high seismic hazard and active faults, wildfire in the wildland urban interface, landslides and debris flows on steep slopes and coastal bluff erosion and sea level rise.

Are there special engineering licensing rules in California?

California licenses Civil Engineer as its own PE discipline. Civil applicants, including comity applicants, must pass the NCEES PE Civil exam plus the state specific Civil Seismic Principles and Civil Engineering Surveying exams. Structural Engineer is a separate title authority held by licensed civil engineers.

Cities we serve

Los AngelesSan DiegoSan JoseSan FranciscoFresnoSacramentoLong BeachOaklandBakersfieldAnaheimStocktonRiverside

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