In earthquake-prone California, new seismic codes are believed to have significantly boosted safety and resiliency, but much of the state’s older building stock is highly vulnerable to seismic events.
Last year, Los Angeles took a major step to address that deficiency when it enacted the toughest set of mandatory seismic upgrade laws in the nation. The legislation requires the retrofit of some 15,000 buildings. Some owners may have to pay millions of dollars to pay for the retrofits.
Unless other communities or the state follow Los Angeles’s lead with an evaluation and upgrade law, building codes do not address existing structures unless a building is being sold, repurposed, or undergoing an extensive remodel in excess of 25% of a building’s value. One current state law does require seismic upgrades in one sector: critical care medical buildings.
Without similar laws, it may be a long while before the state’s older buildings are retrofitted according to current seismic best practices. Another problem the state faces is assuring the quality of retrofit contractors. There has been some discussion about state licensing for retrofit contractors, but there are no solid plans in the works to do that.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 15, 2019
USGBC calls for proposals for feedback, concepts for next LEED version
The move follows successful public input on LEED 4.1.
AEC Tech | Jul 15, 2019
Lack of standards hampers development of exoskeleton industry
Guidelines, common terminology, and testing methodology are needed, says expert.
Concrete | Jul 8, 2019
Concrete repair code requirements released
American Concrete Institute offers guidance on assessment, repair, rehab of existing concrete structures.
K-12 Schools | Jul 8, 2019
Collaborative for High Performance Schools releases 2019 Core Criteria Version 3.0 Update
The update adds credits to lower carbon footprints and to promote climate change resiliency.
Wood | Jul 8, 2019
Campaign launched to promote ‘climate-smart wood’
The Forest Stewardship Council and other groups aim to help buyers understand and make it easier to locate lumber that meets sustainable forestry standards.
Urban Planning | Jul 8, 2019
U.S. cities experience ‘Doppler shift’ in walkable urban development
The walkability trend is spreading to urbanizing suburbs.
Codes and Standards | Jun 27, 2019
Construction workers need continuous skills upgrades
A report by Autodesk and Deloitte focuses on how workers can succeed in an automated world.
Codes and Standards | Jun 27, 2019
Updated standard for liquid applied flashing for exterior wall openings released
AAMA document establishes minimum performance requirements.
Codes and Standards | Jun 27, 2019
Public restrooms being used for changing clothes, phone conversations, and 'getting away'
About 60% of Americans use a public restroom one to five times a week, according to the latest annual hand washing survey conducted by Bradley Corporation.
Codes and Standards | Jun 21, 2019
Green Globes 2019 accepted as a revised American National Standard
Advances include language on resilience, life cycle cost analysis, moisture control analysis, health, and effectiveness.