DPD continues its work with the Unreinforced Masonry (URM) Policy Committee to develop recommendations for a URM seismic retrofit program. The committee has discussed what buildings would be subject to new regulations, financing options, and the timeline for implementation of the program. The committee’s will next develop incentives for retrofit work and enforcement mechanisms for the program. DPD expects the URM retrofit program will be phased in over a period of years.
Unreinforced Masonry Policy Committee
DPD has held three URM Policy Committee meetings to develop recommendations for an unreinforced masonry (URM) seismic retrofit program. If adopted by the Mayor and City Council, the program would require structural improvements be made to URM buildings in order to enhance their ability to withstand earthquakes. The committee has discussed thresholds for retrofit requirements and possible financing options. Future topics will cover incentives and penalties and a timeline for implementation.
Unreinforced Masonry Policy Committee
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.
2012 Mayor’s Proposed Budget: DPD
Mayor McGinn presented his 2012 budget to the community and to the City Council on Monday, September 26. This was another challenging budget year with an $18 million General Subfund gap to be filled. The General Fund primarily supports the Planning and Code Compliance divisions, and part of department overhead. While the department made some significant General Fund reductions for 2012, they were primarily non-labor plus not filling vacant positions.