VOC is Volatile Organic Compounds (off-gassing)- basically water-based paints/solvents (low) vs. petroleum based (high). You can’t even buy any house paint around here that isn’t water-based.
http://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/rghm/ap/Pages/main.aspx
the he Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act, or Special Studies act.
As an example, here in Indiana, we can get around paying for flood insurance if we can show we’re not really in a flood zone even if the lender’s expert says we are. Of course in the end it’s the lender’s decision.
It sounds like the plan commission is afraid you are close to a fault and if your addition was destroyed it would leak toxic fumes and 1.) sicken or kill everyone on your block, or 2.) possibly create a Godzilla-like creature off shore or in the fault.
“You can learn more about the potential of fault rupture by:
Asking the property owner or real estate agent to see any geologic report prepared for the site.
Checking the files of local government for consulting reports for nearby sites. Also, most fault investigations required by the Alquist-Priolo Act are on file at the Department of Conservation’s California Geological Survey office in San Francisco.
Researching maps and data on active faults at technical libraries at the California Geological Survey, U.S. Geological Survey, and universities.
Hiring a consulting geologist to provide a preliminary assessment of the fault-rupture hazard for a specific site (see the Yellow Pages).”
Hiring a consulting engineer sounds like your best bet. Then if things go tits-up, everyone can blame him/her/it.
Hope this helps. I would call their office every day offering to help resolve the matter. If they get tired enough of you, they will push your matter to the front burner just to get rid of you.