Earthquake Ordinance Gets Final Approval
The El Segundo City Council has given final approval to an ordinance designed to reduce deaths or injuries in earthquakes by requiring that unreinforced masonry buildings be made safe or demolished.
The measure takes effect in 30 days. It applies to between 25 and 30 structures--many in the Richmond Street Old Town area--built before modern earthquake standards were developed in 1934.
Under the state-mandated ordinance, the owners of these buildings will be ordered by the city to have structural analyses done. They will be given 270 days either to demonstrate that the buildings meet safety requirements or to develop plans to alter the buildings or demolish them. Another option will give the owners 120 days to develop plans to install wall anchors.
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