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Since the beginning of the last century, when first building code was developed, several major earthquakes happened in California. Since then construction practices and new technology has been developed to enhance seismic stability for new buildings. In addition, Building Codes have been updated with more stringent structural requirements to address seismic safety. However, there are still many older buildings, which have not been retrofitted to meet the newer building codes for seismic safety. These buildings are most likely to be damaged or destroyed by the next big earthquake. One can minimize the damage of their home in an earthquake by strengthening in their house from potential weaknesses. This strengthening may include bolting their house to the foundation and bracing their crawl space cripple walls with plywood. The City of Milpitas Building & Safety Department is starting a new program to help you make your house safer. We will provide interested homeowners with a Prescriptive (“Cookbook”) Plan Set that may be used to strengthen older homes and for obtaining their building permit. The Building Department will provide pre-construction and follow-up inspections to ensure that the construction is done properly. The cost of the program, which includes the Plan Set, permit fees and up to three inspections is only $240.
Voluntary Seismic Upgrade Plans Sets
For information call: (408) 586.3240.
Building seismic retrofit improvements are exempt from additional assessment by Santa Clara County. See attached “Claim for Seismic Safety Construction Exclusion from Assessment” application or contact County Assessors Office at (408) 299-5300. |
