# Specialized Engineering Services in Southern California: MEP, Civil & Environmental
Beyond traditional structural engineering, specialized engineering services address the complex mechanical, electrical, plumbing, civil, and environmental systems that make modern buildings functional, efficient, and compliant with California's rigorous environmental regulations.
MEP Engineering Services
MEP—Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing—engineering designs the systems that make buildings livable, functional, and code-compliant.
Mechanical Engineering Design
Mechanical engineering design encompasses HVAC systems that control temperature, humidity, and air quality. In Southern California, mechanical design must address high cooling loads, California Title 24 energy requirements, and climate-appropriate equipment selection.
Electrical Engineering Design
Electrical engineering for buildings includes power distribution, lighting design, low-voltage systems, and solar PV integration. All designs must meet National Electrical Code requirements and Title 24 lighting power allowances.
Plumbing Engineering Design
Plumbing engineering addresses water supply, drainage systems, gas systems, and special systems. California's water conservation requirements and backflow prevention regulations drive plumbing design decisions.
Civil Engineering Specialized Services
Civil engineering encompasses site development and infrastructure systems outside the building envelope.
Stormwater Management Engineering
Stormwater design engineering has become increasingly complex with California's evolving regulations. Design approaches include source control, treatment BMPs (Best Management Practices), and hydromodification management.
Stormwater engineers navigate NPDES permits, municipal stormwater permits, Regional Water Quality Control Board requirements, and Low Impact Development (LID) mandates.
Grading and Drainage Plans
Grading and drainage plans ensure proper site drainage while meeting erosion control and environmental requirements. This includes finish grade elevations, cut and fill calculations, storm drain pipe sizing, and erosion control measures.
Septic System Engineering
Septic design engineers create on-site wastewater treatment systems for properties without sewer access. Design considerations include soil percolation rates, groundwater depth, lot size requirements, and health department regulations.
Septic engineering has become increasingly specialized as regulations tighten to protect groundwater.
When Do You Need Specialized Engineering Services?
**MEP Engineering:**
- Commercial buildings (always required)
- Residential projects >5,000 sq ft (typically required)
- Multi-family buildings and mixed-use developments
**Stormwater Engineering:**
- Projects creating >5,000 sq ft impervious area
- Sites in sensitive watersheds
- Industrial sites with outdoor operations
**Grading Engineering:**
- Projects with >50 cubic yards of grading
- Sites with slopes >10%
- Hillside development
**Septic Engineering:**
- Properties without sewer access
- Rural or semi-rural development
- Replacement of failed septic systems
MEP Engineering
Stormwater Engineering
Next Steps
Our team includes specialized engineers across all disciplines. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your specialized engineering needs.