California reinstituted an ambitious plan to study dangerous earthquake faults and create zoning maps that could restrict development. In July, the California Geological Survey began to zone the Santa Monica fault, which is among 2,000 miles of fault lines statewide that still need to be mapped.
California drastically reduced these mapping efforts over the past 20 years because of budget cuts. Gov. Jerry Brown recently signed off on $1.49 million in new funding and $1.3 million in annual dedicated funding to be paid for with increased building permit fees.
Without the maps, many communities have limited information on the location of faults, and whether they might impact new development. More than a dozen properties were approved for construction on or near the Hollywood and Santa Monica faults over the last decade without in-depth studies that would have been required had the state zoned those faults, according to the Los Angeles Times. Both faults could cause major temblors.
Building permit fees were increased by about 30% to fund the mapping project.
(http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-quake-faults-20140702-story.html)
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Nov 6, 2017
AIA releases new architect commissioning document
It will be used with the standard form for owner/consultant contracts.
Codes and Standards | Nov 2, 2017
ASHRAE releases new version of Thermal Comfort Standard
Update includes calculations from direct solar radiation.
Codes and Standards | Nov 1, 2017
Drone users can now get instant authorization from FAA
Skyward offers app to receive permission for low altitude flights.
Codes and Standards | Oct 31, 2017
Real estate giant launches global tenant health and wellness certification initiative
Tishman Speyer will use Fitwel health certification system to guide building improvements.
Codes and Standards | Oct 30, 2017
AIA revises architect scope documents in latest contract form release
Design-bid-build forms last updated in 2007.
Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2017
Boston’s Old South Church asks tower developer for $19 million for casting shade
Request highlights ongoing conflict between developers and residents over right to sunshine.
Codes and Standards | Oct 24, 2017
Asphalt roofing design guide now available in digital form
Recently updated Modified Bitumen Design Guide can be viewed on smartphones and tablets.
Codes and Standards | Oct 23, 2017
Energy efficiency investments on the rise; will increase next year
Survey of facility management executives shows onsite renewables, energy storage will spike in 2018.
Codes and Standards | Oct 20, 2017
AIA contract document updates include new BIM, digital data provisions
Documents are structurally different from 2007, 2008 versions.
Codes and Standards | Oct 19, 2017
IAPMO seeks proposals for 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, Uniform Mechanical Code
The deadline is March 16, 2018.