March 28, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

City Of Santa Monica To Identify Buildings At Risk During Earthquakes:

The City of Santa Monica has allocated $105,000 to launch the first phase of a comprehensive seismic safety program which will identify buildings at risk during earthquakes and address vulnerabilities within the City.

This initial phase focuses on the creation of an inventory of buildings that may require seismic retrofitting. City council members voted on the program at its Feb. 11 meeting.

Santa Monica Mayor Pam O’Connor said earthquake safety was of utmost importance to the City.

“We are launching a comprehensive seismic retrofit program to both update our existing building inventory and establish requirements for seismic assessments and mitigations,” O’Connor said. “While we await the State revision of its earthquake fault maps, Santa Monica will continue to require stringent compliance with the City’s geotechnical guidelines as well as State and City Building Codes. We are committed to the highest standards in seismic safety.”

This work represents the first phase in the City’s continuing effort to identify buildings that may not have been retrofitted following the City’s requirement to retrofit hazardous buildings.

It allows the compilation of an inventory of buildings requiring strengthening, augmenting staff’s on-going efforts. The consultant would identify non-ductile concrete buildings and steel moment frame buildings. This work would complement staff’s on-going efforts to identify other types of buildings requiring retrofit, such as unreinforced masonry buildings, concrete wall tilt-up buildings, and soft-story structures.

During the second phase, City staff would re-assess the current seismic retrofit plan check and permit fee waiver that was instituted after the 1994 Northridge earthquake.

This reassessment would focus on whether the fee waivers should be continued, as well as examine best practices of seismic retrofit programs from other communities, such as the City/County of San Francisco.

City staff would present this information and a recommendation for City Council consideration during the FY 2014-15 budget process. In addition, City staff will work closely with Rent Control staff on the rent control implications of building upgrades for affected buildings

In phase three, staff will return to City Council in the fall of 2014 with recommendations to update the municipal code to incorporate the latest technical standards, timeframes for retrofit, and related administrative requirements. This will be followed with notification to building owners of un-retrofitted structures and full implementation of the program.

Seismic retrofits improve building safety, reduce insurance premiums, and help with marketing to potential tenants. The goal of these efforts is to ensure that Santa Monica is well prepared, and that the community remains safe.

Efforts at the state level include funding allocations by Governor Jerry Brown for the mapping of California faults, including the Santa Monica Fault.

State Assembly Member Richard Bloom and State Senator Ted Lieu were instrumental in pushing for funds to advance the mapping studies. Upon official approval of the map by the State Geologist, the most recent fault information will provide additional means for mitigation of earthquakes hazards and building safety.

in News
Related Posts

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...

Caltrans Extends Closure on Topanga Canyon Boulevard Due to Mud and Rockslide

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

PCH Closure on March 26 Adds to Local Road Closures, Seek Alternative Routes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has...

Animal Rights Groups Demand an End to Turtle Racing at Brennan’s Pub

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Organization Says Its Tried to Contact the Westside Bar for Months By Zach Armstrong Among its numerous entertainment events...

SMC Unveils Spring 2024 Issue of Acclaimed Literary Journal, Author Readings Coming in April

March 24, 2024

March 24, 2024

The Issue Presents a Mix of New, Returning, and Debut Writers, Reflecting Diversity and Enduring Relationships Santa Monica College announced...