DPD is creating a proposal for a mandatory unreinforced masonry (URM) retrofit program that will help reduce the earthquake risk to unreinforced masonry buildings. DPD has, with help from a technical committee, developed a proposed standard for retrofits. Next steps include formation of a policy committee this month to help develop recommendations for a retrofit requirement threshold, incentives and penalties, possible financing options, and a time line for implementation.
The first meeting of the URM Policy Committee is planned for the end of February 2012. DPD is planning eight monthly meetings to give the committee members time to explore the policy issues. Meetings will be open to the public and facilitated by an independent consultant. You can follow the progress of the committee on DPD’s Emergency Management URM pages on the DPD website (www.seattle.gov/dpd/emergency/unreinforcedmasonrybuildings/default.asp). Information about the upcoming meetings, committee agendas, minutes, reports and other information will be posted there. Alternatively, you can receive notices of information about unreinforced masonry buildings by subscribing to our list serve, available through the URM website.
Sandy Howard
(206) 233-7194
sandy.howard@seattle.gov