Earlier editions: 2026-09
Chapter XIII — BUILDING AND HOUSING›Article XVIII — EARTHQUAKE HAZARD REDUCTION IN EXISTING UNREINFORCED MASONRY BEARING WALL BUILDINGS
Alameda Municipal Code § 13-60 In General
Alameda Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Alameda
Cite as: Alameda Municipal Code § 13-60 · Text as of 2026-10-04
13-60.1 - Purpose.¶
The purpose of this article is to promote public safety and welfare by reducing the risk of death or injury that may result from the effects of earthquakes on unreinforced masonry bearing wall buildings.
(Ord. No. 2573 N.S. § 1)
13-60.2 - Provisions.¶
The provisions of this article are intended as acceptable standards for structural seismic resistance established primarily to reduce the risk of life loss or injury. Compliance with these standards will not necessarily prevent loss of life or injury or prevent earthquake damage to rehabilitated buildings. This article does not require alteration of existing electrical, accessibility, plumbing, mechanical or fire safety systems unless they constitute a hazard to life or property.
(Ord. No. 2573 N.S. § 1)
13-60.3 - Scope.¶
a. The provisions of this article shall apply to all existing buildings having at least one (1) unreinforced bearing wall as defined herein.
b. All buildings of masonry construction, including those buildings specifically exempted from this article shall be made to comply with the following:
All parapets that are parallel to and adjacent to a public sidewalk or to an adjacent lower building shall be braced.
All walls that are parallel to and adjacent to a public sidewalk or to an adjacent lower building shall be anchored at the roof line.
(Ord. No. 2573 N.S. § 1)
13-60.4 - Exceptions.¶
Except for the requirements of subsection 13-60.3b, this article shall not apply to the following:
a. Residential structures containing five (5) or fewer dwelling units which are used solely for residential purposes.
b. All buildings with an occupancy load of less than twelve (12) persons and not more than 2.5 persons per one thousand (1,000) square feet of total building floor area. The calculation of the occupancy load shall be as determined by the Building Official.
c. Warehouses including ancillary office or other uses not to exceed five (5%) percent of the floor area of the warehouse.
(Ord. No. 2573 N.S. § 1)
13-60.5 - Alternate Materials, Designs and Methods of Construction.¶
Alternate materials, designs and methods of construction may be approved by the building official in accordance with this article.
(Ord. No. 2573 N.S. § 1)
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