Geological and soil engineering studies as described in Section 17212 shall be made, within the boundaries of any special studies zone, for the construction of any school building as defined in Section 17283, or if the estimated cost exceeds twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), for the reconstruction or alteration of or addition to any school building for work which alters structural elements. The Department of General Services may require similar geological and soil engineering studies for the construction or alteration of any school building on a site located outside of the boundaries of any special studies zone. No studies need be made if the site under consideration has been the subject of adequate prior studies.

No school building shall be constructed, reconstructed, or relocated on the trace of a geological fault along which surface rupture can reasonably be expected to occur within the life of the school building.

A copy of the report of each investigation conducted pursuant to this section shall be submitted to the Department of General Services pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 17280) of this chapter and to the State Department of Education. The cost of geological and soil engineering studies and investigations conducted pursuant to this section may be treated as a capital expenditure. The dollar amount set forth in this section shall be increased on an annual basis, according to a construction costs inflation index recognized and selected by the department.

(Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 422, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2002.)