Business Details
46 Years
experience
Trusted Civil Engineering Services in Santa Maria, CA
Founded in 1980 by Dennis Bethel, our firm has built a legacy of excellence in civil engineering services for land development and public works projects across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. With over 30 years of experience, we specialize in delivering value-engineered solutions that prioritize efficiency, budget adherence, and timely completion. Our team of seasoned professionals brings diverse expertise to every project, from concept through construction, serving clients ranging from private developers to municipal agencies. We maintain a reputation for navigating complex regulatory landscapes and addressing multifaceted challenges with innovative design approaches.Our portfolio includes hundreds of completed projects that reflect our commitment to quality, safety, and community impact, from infrastructure upgrades to award-winning public facilities. As a locally rooted firm, we combine deep regional knowledge with technical proficiency to meet client needs while upholding the highest industry standards. Our leadership in engineering excellence is demonstrated through long-standing client relationships and recognition for setting benchmarks in the Central Coast region.
Services
Civil Engineering Design
Construction Supervision
Site Design
Tentative Maps
Development Plans
Public Improvement Plans
Grading Plans
SWPPP Preparation
Septic Design
Water System Design
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in Central Coast civil engineering projects
- Our team includes licensed engineers with specialized expertise in public works
- We deliver value-engineered solutions that maintain project schedules and budgets
- We serve diverse clients including local governments and major developers
- Our portfolio includes hundreds of successfully completed land development projects
Services
Civil Engineering Design
We provide comprehensive civil engineering design services for land development and public works projects. Our team creates value-engineered solutions that optimize project budgets while meeting regulatory requirements. With expertise in roadway design, drainage systems, and infrastructure planning, we support clients from concept through construction completion across California's Central Coast region.
Construction Supervision
Our construction supervision services ensure project compliance with design specifications and regulatory standards. We provide on-site inspection, quality control, and progress monitoring for diverse developments including residential communities, commercial centers, and municipal infrastructure projects. Our experienced engineers maintain strict oversight throughout the construction process to guarantee successful project delivery.
Site Design
We specialize in site design for residential, commercial, and municipal developments. Our services include grading plans, utility layout, and stormwater management systems. We create functional, code-compliant site plans that maximize land use efficiency while addressing environmental considerations and regulatory requirements for developments throughout the Central Coast region.
SWPPP Preparation
We develop comprehensive Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) for construction projects. Our services include plan preparation, monitoring, and reporting to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Our qualified specialists provide ongoing support for stormwater management during all project phases, maintaining environmental standards while facilitating regulatory approval.
Septic Design
Our septic system design services address residential and commercial developments where municipal sewer connections aren't available. We create code-compliant, environmentally responsible septic solutions tailored to site-specific conditions. Our engineers ensure proper system sizing, placement, and regulatory compliance for developments across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties.
People
Russell Garrison
Principal Engineer/President
With over 30 years at Bethel Engineering, Russ specializes in roadway and drainage design. He oversees project designs and manages engineering staff, bringing projects from concept to completion.
Lori M. Speer
Senior Engineer/Vice President
Recognized by APWA in 2020, Lori specializes in public works projects and provides QA/QC review. She holds a Civil Engineering degree from Cal Poly SLO and manages major development projects.
Brian Deale
Senior Engineer
With 20+ years at Bethel, Brian manages residential and public works projects. He provides structural design oversight and SWPPP services, holding an Aeronautical Engineering degree from Cal Poly SLO.
Stephen R. Shively
Principal Engineer/President Emeritus
Co-founder with extensive public works experience, Steve has led major infrastructure projects and served as District Engineer for Los Alamos Community Services District and Public Works Director for Solvang.
Trevor Lauridsen
Engineer
Specializing in residential and small commercial projects, Trevor provides SWPPP inspection services. He holds a Civil Engineering degree from Cal Poly SLO and has been with Bethel since 2014.
Questions
What engineering services does Bethel Engineering offer?
We provide civil engineering design, construction supervision, site planning, SWPPP preparation, septic design, and public works project management for residential, commercial, and municipal developments.
How long has Bethel Engineering been in business?
Bethel Engineering has served California's Central Coast since 1980, providing civil engineering services for over 40 years.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, working with clients in cities including Santa Maria, Orcutt, Guadalupe, and Solvang.
What types of projects do you handle?
Our expertise covers residential developments, commercial centers, public works infrastructure, educational facilities, and municipal projects including roadways, parks, and utility systems.
How do you ensure project success?
We combine value engineering with experienced project management, maintaining strict quality control and regulatory compliance throughout design and construction phases for timely, budget-conscious delivery.
