Geologically hazardous areas include areas susceptible to erosion, sliding, earthquake, or other geological events.

These areas pose a threat to the health and safety of citizens, fish, and wildlife, when incompatible commercial, residential, or industrial development is sited in areas of significant hazard.

When technology cannot reduce risks to acceptable levels, building in geologically hazardous areas is best avoided.

Some geological hazards can be reduced or mitigated by engineering, design, or modified construction or mining practices so that risks to health and safety are acceptable.

This distinction should be considered by counties and cities that do not now classify geological hazards in their critical areas ordinance. Counties and cities should also consider classifying geologically hazardous areas as either known or suspected risk, no risk, or unknown where data are not available to determine the presence or absence of a geological hazard.

Learn more about critical area definitions.