MOORPARK : Law Would Regulate Building Repairs

The Moorpark City Council on Wednesday will consider adopting an urgency ordinance that would regulate the reconstruction of buildings damaged in last month’s earthquake.

“Nowhere in our codes does it say, or is it clear, how to treat a partially destroyed building in terms of restoring it,” said Mayor Paul Lawrason. “This is just putting in place some guidelines and requirements.”

Under the proposal, if 10% or less of a structure is damaged, the owner need only bring the building into compliance with the building codes that were in place when it was built. If between 10% and 50% of the building is damaged, then the portion being repaired must be brought into compliance with the most current building codes. If more than 50% of the structure is damaged, the entire structure must be brought within current codes.

Another portion of the law sets a tough new standard for block or “garden” walls constructed in the city, requiring all such walls to be designed by a professional engineer or architect.

Lawrason said he has problems with that section of the law because of the cost it would impose on residents and businesses. “I understand the reason for it, but there must be some alternative to that,” he said.

The council will discuss the proposal at its 7 p.m. meeting in City Hall.