Santa Barbara County Northern Branch Jail

County of Santa Barbara
Santa Maria, California

Project Summary

The Northern Branch Jail project was the largest capital project undertaken in the history of the County of Santa Barbara. Constructed on a 6-acre parcel in the Santa Maria area of Santa Barbara County, the facility was built to serve the northern region of the County and relieve overcrowding at the Main Street Jail in Santa Barbara. It comprises a complex of structures including a 376-bed facility with medium and high security cells and isolation cells, a 32-bed mental health and medical facility, and an outpatient medical clinic. Ancillary improvements included retaining walls, water storage tank, and pavement/flatwork for vehicular and pedestrian use.

Geotechnical Services

Prior to construction, Earth Systems’ scope of work during the design phase of the project included a geotechnical engineering and engineering geology report.

Special Inspections and Materials Testing

Over the course of construction, Earth Systems provided the following:

  • Compaction testing of the soils, aggregate base and hot mix asphalt
  • Observation of foundation excavations
  • Certification of grading
  • Materials special inspection including structural steel, reinforced concrete, structural masonry, shop and field welding, and fireproofing