52.3°
The risk of a major earthquake is always present in Alameda, just as it is in much of California. The home pictured on the right was one of the more than 114,000 structures that were damaged when the earthquake struck Northridge, CA in January 1994. The picture below is an example of the damage that can occur to a soft-story building, where open store fronts or garages are tucked under the building.
Alameda is renowned for its historic wood-framed architecture, and there are many buildings that are classified as soft-story located in the city. The City of Alameda is committed to protecting its residences and limiting damage to Alameda’s historic architecture. This page includes several documents that inform property owners and contractors about residential seismic strengthening requirements and provides useful guidance for properties within Alameda’s city limits.
City Ordinances
Soft-Story Ordinance (Adopted 3/18/2009). Contains mandatory compliance requirements.
Potentially Hazardous Soft Story Buildings List – Updated as of November 30, 2011
Existing Wood Frame Ordinance – Adopted 8/15/2006. Outlines voluntary minimum standards.
Useful Building Code Guidance from the International Existing Building Code Council (IEBCC)
IEBCC Chapter A3 – Prescriptive Provisions for Seismic Strengthening
Standard Plan A – Residential Seismic Strengthening Plan
IEBCC Chapter A4 – Earthquake Hazard Reduction (soft-story buildings)
