SIMI VALLEY : Permits Considered for Repairing Walls
Hoping to ensure the sturdiness of block walls lining public streets, the Simi Valley City Council will consider forcing residents to get permits to rebuild walls damaged in the Jan. 17 earthquake.
Councilwoman Sandi Webb asked the city’s staff to study the feasibility of requiring permits, after reviewing a staff report that said in some cases residents can disregard city standards.
The city has agreed to repair crumbled walls lining major streets, such as along Los Angeles Avenue, Cochran Street and Yosemite Avenue.
According to city codes, those walls must be built with steel reinforcements.
On side streets, however, the city does not require residents rebuilding walls to follow city codes or obtain city permits, if the walls are below 6 feet in height.
Councilwoman Sandi Webb said the city standards should apply to block walls built on side streets.
“I’m worried that, A, somebody is going to get killed,” Webb said, “and, B, that the city is going to get sued.”
The matter will be discussed at the March 21 council meeting.
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