Retrofit resources
San Francisco Bay Area Links
The Resilient City: Before the Disaster
A new report from SPUR warns that a major Bay Area earthquake could render over 2,000 soft-story buildings uninhabitable, leading to the loss of housing for 50,000 residents.
Berkeley Soft Story Ordinance
For copies of the Soft Story Ordinance, contact Dlambert@ci.berkeley.ca.us
Bracing for the Big One
KQED Radio host Michael Krasny talks with the author of the new SPUR report and finds out about the status of building retrofitting.
Fremont Soft-Story Earthquake Retrofit Ordinance
In 1999, Fremont was the first jurisdiction in Northern California to adopt a Voluntary Soft-Story Retrofit Ordinance in recognition of the hazards such buildings pose. Fremont received the 2007 Award for Innovation and Exemplary Practice in Earthquake Risk Reduction.
Information on Soft-Story Apartments and Condos
The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) offers valuable information, maps, and tools.
Inventorying Multi-family Soft-Story Buildings: Cities of Berkeley, Campbell, Fremont, San Leandro
Bay Area cities take the initiative to inventory their soft-story apartment buildings and formulate policies for seismic retrofitting.
The Hayward Fault Revealed: The Most Dangerous Urban Fault in America?
As the 140th Anniversary of the last big earthquake on the Hayward Fault approaches, new US Geological Survey studies provide mounting evidence that we should get ready for another big quake soon.
Seismic retrofit program proposed by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom
Announced legislation to speed up the retrofitting of San Francisco homes and businesses that are particularly vulnerable to collapse in a major earthquake.
Alameda Soft-Story Buildings Vulnerable In Quake
Proposed ordinance for City of Alameda
Alameda Soft-Story Ordinance
This is the official Soft-Story Ordinance for Alameda
The Soft-Story Problem and Earthquake Safety
Another issue for condominium conversions.
Downloads and Handbooks on Earthquake Safety and Soft-Story Buildings
Forecasting California’s Earthquakes—What Can We Expect in the Next 30 Years? (4-page PDF)
Earthquake Preparedness Handbook: Request your free hard copy from the USGS.
Soft Story Fact Sheet (2-page PDF)
Community Action Plan for Seismic Safety
This memorandum describes mitigation programs related to soft-story buildings in Berkeley, Fremont, Santa Monica, Los Angeles and other California cities. (18-page PDF)
Call us to discuss your soft-story retrofit project: 510-264-9100
Give us a call at: 510-264-9100
If you received a notice from the city of Alameda, Berkeley or Fremont your building has been identified as potentially hazardous.
Contact us for cost-effective solutions for seismic strengthening and retrofits.
