Santa Barbara County, California, South Coastal Part
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Santa Barbara County, California, South Coastal Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maymen-Rock outcrop complex , 50 to 75 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Maymen complex, 75 to 100 percent slopes | 26K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Lodo-Sespe complex , 50 to 75 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gaviota sandy loam, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Los Osos clay loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maymen stony fine sandy loam, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lopez-Santa Lucia complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Milpitas-Positas fine sandy loams, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ayar clay, 30 to 50 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Los Osos-Maymen complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lodo-Rock outcrop complex , 50 to 75 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Todos-Lodo complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Milpitas-Positas fine sandy loam, 9 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lopez-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Santa Lucia gravelly clay loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gaviota-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Santa Lucia gravelly clay loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Capitan-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lopez-Santa Lucia complex, 9 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Linne clay loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 93% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.