Retrofitting California buildings for earthquakes is on the horizon

Seismic retrofit ordinances are becoming the norm in many California municipalities. Builders and building owners are busy trying to meet compliance deadlines.

California is home to many older buildings that need to be strengthened against earthquakes and it’s not an option anymore — it’s mandatory.

The Commercial Observer says mandatory retrofit programs aren’t designed to keep buildings safe, but rather designed to save lives.  Building owners who want to protect their buildings should discuss building retrofit construction with an experienced structural engineer who can provide information about retrofit options that could reduce risk beyond the minimum compliance required.

Structural engineers with code development experience are advising cities and working to make retrofit rules better for everyone involved.