Los Angeles County, California, West San Fernando Valley Area
The most common soil here is Xerorthents, on about 9% of the land. Balcom and Mocho come next.
About 89% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 63% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 42% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 39% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Los Angeles County, California, West San Fernando Valley Area, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Los Angeles County, California, West San Fernando Valley Area. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mocho-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not rated |
| Conejo-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, MLRA 19 | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| San Emigdio-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Xerorthents-Urban land-Balcom complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited | |
| Capistrano-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chualar-Urban land complex, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Anacapa-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Balcom silty clay loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, MLRA 20 | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Gaviota complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes, warm MAAT, MLRA 20 | 4K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Gazos-Balcom complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lopez shaly clay loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cropley-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | C | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Saugus loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xerorthents-Urban land-Balcom complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Capistrano-Urban land complex, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gazos silty clay loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Badland | 2K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Mipolomol-Topanga association, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Balcom silty clay loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, MLRA 20 | 1K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gaviota sandy loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, warm MAAT, MLRA 20 | 1K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 42% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 63% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.