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FAQs
Strengthening Unreinforced Masonry Buildings
Why do I have to
strengthen my building?
What do I have to do?
Where do I start?
How long will my permit be
active?
Can my permit include other work along with the structural
strengthening?
How much will my permit cost?
Is there a list
of engineers and contractors?
What is the
sign I am supposed to have posted?
Has the deadline for sprinkler installation in the downtown core area
changed?
What if I still have
questions?
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Why do I have to
strengthen my building?
The City established a program to
reduce the hazards posed by unreinforced masonry buildings (URMs) in
accordance with California State Laws. During the 1990s, all URMs in
the City of San Luis Obispo were identified and comprehensive structural
analyses were completed. Subsequently, deadlines for complete
reinforcement were adopted, with changes to these
deadlines following
the San Simeon earthquake of December 2003. The high concentration of URM
buildings in the City’s downtown has prompted a renewed effort on the
City’s part to address this hazard.
What do I have to do?
1. Make sure your building is posted
with the required sign and that any leases entered into after 1/1/2005
include mandated language.
2. Complete all strengthening
(Level B)
by your
deadline.
Where do I start?
Begin by reviewing your seismic
strengthening permit. Discuss any changes or improvements you now wish to make with
your engineer.
How long will my permit be
active?
Your
current seismic strengthening permit
will remain valid until the work is completed
or until your
deadline, whichever comes first.
Can my permit include other work along with the structural
strengthening?
Yes! Other improvements can be included
with the request for structural strengthening.
How much will my permit cost?
A fee of $40 will be set for each plan
review of a Building Permit application, each Planning Application for
Architectural Review and each Building Permit.
Is there a list
of engineers and contractors?
The city has developed a
list of
engineers and contractors interested in this type of work. However, the
work of strengthening a building is not so technical as to necessitate
specialized skills or equipment. Put effort into using a contractor who
works well with your engineer.
What is the sign
I am supposed to have posted?
All URM buildings are required to have
signs posted so that occupants and
visitors have notice that they are entering an unreinforced masonry
building. Be sure your building is currently posted with the sign provided by the City.
Has the deadline changed for sprinkler installation in the downtown core
area?
The new deadlines for strengthening URM
buildings are also applicable to installation of sprinklers. Please
consult the
deadline list.
What if I still have questions?
If you have questions or wish to talk
about the plans previously submitted to the City, please call Tim
Girvin, Chief Building Official at 781-7159 or e-mail him at
tgirvin@slocity.org.
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