Voluntary Retrofit of Older Woodframe Structures: A program in the City’s Housing Element that is designed to assist owners with the seismic upgrade of single family homes. The City of San Luis Obispo Building and Safety Division has developed a Voluntary Seismic Retrofit Program for Older Residential Structures to promote public safety and welfare by reducing the risk of earthquake-induced damage to existing homes. In the aftermath of a major seismic event, those who reside in homes rendered uninhabitable by damage incurred in the initial or subsequent events will find themselves without shelter.

The program has been designed to make a simple, effective and efficient way for our San Luis Obispo City residents to do the retrofit on their homes that are on “unbraced cripple walls” or that are not bolted to the foundation. A set of standard retrofit plans are available for free at the permit counter, located at 919 Palm Street. The plan set consists of 1) Sample Foundation Plan, 2) Instructions, 3) Technical Notes, 4) Construction Details, 5) Reinforcement Schedule, and 6) Construction Data. Residents pay a $219 permit fee and plans will be stamped and approved over the counter and a permit can be issued the same day. Please see the links below for additional information.

Residential Seismic Retrofit Plan

Simpson Strong-Tie 5 Steps for a Safer Home

Simpson Strong-Tie Retrofit Handout

Excerpts from the Homeowner's Guide to Earthquake Safety

GIS Maps - Parcel & Zoning Information

Earthquake Preparedness: Taking steps to become prepared in a disaster will save lives and protect property. Please refer to the information provided in the links below:

2020 Homeowner's Guide to Earthquake Safety & 2022 Commercial Property Owner's Guide to Earthquake Safety provided by California Seismic Safety Commission.

FEMA, Federal Emergency Management Agency

USGS, United States Geological Survey Earthquake Hazards Program.