City to Aid in Making Buildings Quake Safe

The City Council has tentatively approved an ordinance requiring owners of older buildings considered likely to collapse during a significant earthquake to make those structures safer.

At the same time, the council last week offered to pay half the cost of new designs and waive some city fees for owners who fix their properties.

A recent survey indicated that 12 buildings on Main Street, between Garden Grove Boulevard and Acacia Parkway, were built with unreinforced masonry and could be dangerous during an earthquake.

Community Development Director Matthew Fertal said such buildings have become a concern across the state following recent earthquakes, particularly the Northridge earthquake that damaged hundreds of buildings in Los Angeles County.

The ordinance, patterned after a state model, requires owners to strengthen their properties within a certain period of time, which could be extended if specific improvements are done right away.

To help the owners comply, the city will pay up to $5,000 for plans and designs. In addition, the Planning Department will not charge building permit and plan check fees.

Fertal said in a report to the council that before the city extends help, each building owner must obtain bids for the plans from licensed engineers or architects.

Fertal said that the program will be paid through Community Development Block grants.