GARDEN GROVE : 12 Old Buildings on Seismic List

Some buildings in downtown Garden Grove may face renovation or removal because of state seismic safety requirements, according to a report presented to city officials this week.

The report listed 12 buildings on the city’s historic Main Street that are built of unreinforced masonry, a type of construction that is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes. In 1986, state lawmakers approved a measure requiring all local agencies to compile a list of these potentially hazardous buildings.

Once the hazardous buildings have been identified, the city will develop a mitigation program that could range from relatively minor renovations to removal of the building. A report about the program must be presented to the state Seismic Safety Commission.

However, not all unreinforced masonry buildings are unsafe, said Katherine C. Standiford, an administrative analyst for the city.

“I’ve been contacted by two property owners who’ve said that their buildings have been reinforced to withstand earthquakes,” Standiford said.

The seismic program will be discussed with property owners during a Parking and Main Street Commission meeting in January. Tenants of the buildings will be invited to a similar meeting in February.