Business Details
46 Years
experience
Your Trusted Civil Engineering Partner on the Central Coast
Bethel Engineering has been a trusted civil engineering firm serving California's Central Coast since 1980. Our team combines over three decades of local regulatory expertise with a commitment to value engineering and timely project delivery. Specializing in land development, public works, and construction oversight, we work closely with clients to navigate complex projects from concept to completion. Our deep understanding of regional challenges like flood zones and soil conditions ensures designs meet jurisdictional requirements while prioritizing constructability.With a client roster spanning developers, municipalities, and nonprofits, we maintain strong relationships with local agencies to streamline approvals and deliver cost-effective solutions. Our services integrate stormwater management, grading plans, and SWPPP compliance, reflecting our dedication to environmental responsibility. As a locally owned firm, we balance comprehensive capabilities with personalized attention to every project detail.
Services
Site Design
Public Improvement Plans
Grading Plans
SWPPP Preparation
Water System Design
Construction Inspection
Tentative Maps
Septic Design
Airport Facilities Design
Engineering Studies
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of civil engineering experience on California's Central Coast
- Our team includes licensed Professional Engineers with local regulatory expertise
- We provide end-to-end project management from concept to construction completion
- Our value engineering approach optimizes project budgets without compromising quality
- We maintain direct relationships with local municipal staff for streamlined approvals
Services
Site Design
Our site design services create functional layouts for residential, commercial, and public projects while addressing local regulations. We optimize land use through grading plans, utility layouts, and drainage solutions. Our engineers ensure compliance with municipal requirements while maintaining construction feasibility.
Public Improvement Plans
We develop comprehensive plans for municipal infrastructure including roads, parks, and utility systems. Our designs integrate stormwater management and ADA compliance while coordinating with local agencies. Projects range from small neighborhood parks to major transportation corridors.
SWPPP Preparation
Our team creates Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans meeting Clean Water Act requirements. We provide monitoring services and reporting to maintain compliance throughout construction phases. This includes erosion control measures and site-specific pollution prevention strategies.
Construction Inspection
We offer field inspection services to verify construction adherence to approved plans. Our engineers monitor quality control and document progress while addressing field adjustments. This ensures final deliverables match design specifications and regulatory standards.
Water System Design
Our water system designs include distribution networks, storage tanks, and pump stations for municipal and private developments. We ensure hydraulic efficiency while complying with state water quality standards. Projects incorporate fire flow requirements and future expansion capacity.
People
Russell Garrison
Principal Engineer/President
With 30+ years in civil engineering, specializes in roadway design and project management. Holds Cal Poly SLO degree in Industrial Technology. Oversees engineering staff and project designs from concept to completion.
Lori M. Speer
Senior Engineer/Vice President
Licensed Professional Engineer with expertise in public works projects. Recognized by APWA for municipal service. Manages QA/QC and provides engineering review for multiple California cities and districts.
Brian Deale
Senior Engineer
Specializes in residential development and septic system design. Provides construction administration and SWPPP services. Holds Cal Poly SLO degree in Aeronautical Engineering with 20+ years at Bethel Engineering.
Stephen R. Shively
Principal Engineer/President Emeritus
Co-founder with 40+ years of experience in value-engineered designs. Former Public Works Director for Solvang. Provides strategic oversight while maintaining active engineering involvement in complex projects.
Trevor Lauridsen
Project Engineer
Licensed Professional Engineer specializing in residential developments. Provides SWPPP inspection services and construction testing. Graduated from Cal Poly SLO with Civil Engineering degree in 2014.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve California's Central Coast region, including Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties.
What project types do you handle?
We work on residential, commercial, public works, and agricultural projects ranging from small renovations to large-scale developments.
How long have you been in business?
Since 1980, providing civil engineering services to Central Coast clients for over four decades.
Do you handle municipal projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience with city governments and public agencies across multiple jurisdictions.
What engineering specialties do you offer?
Our services include site design, stormwater management, grading plans, water system design, and construction oversight.
How do you ensure regulatory compliance?
We maintain direct relationships with local agencies and incorporate current standards into all design phases.
