Berkeley Municipal Code Ch. 19.66 Waiver of Seismic Retrofitting Fees

The purpose of this chapter is to promote seismic strengthening by waiving building permit fees for seismic retrofit for certain unreinforced masonry buildings and structures. (Ord. 6797-NS § 1 (part), 2004; Ord. 6145-NS § 1, 1992)

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions are applicable:

A. "Eligible buildings or structures" eligible for waiver of seismic retrofitting fees are those structures which are listed on the City’s list of potentially hazardous buildings (PHB) under the URM Ordinance No. 6,088-NS, and are owned by non-profit organizations with tax-exempt status and which buildings or structures contain meeting rooms in which the public attends gatherings.

B. "Seismic retrofit work" shall be as defined in the Berkeley Municipal Code, Section 7.52.060.K.2, as added by Ordinance No. 6,072-NS, and as referred to in the Administrative Regulation. (Ord. 6797-NS § 1 (part), 2004; Ord. 6145-NS § 2, 1992)

No fee shall be required for permit applications or inspection for seismic retrofit work for eligible structures and buildings as defined in BMC Section 19.66.020.A other than accelerated plan checking fees or fast track fees. (Ord. 6797-NS § 1 (part), 2004; Ord. 6145-NS § 3, 1992)

This chapter shall apply exclusively to the seismic retrofit work on existing buildings. It shall not apply to new construction of a building, or any portion thereof, performed after October 1, 1991.

This chapter shall not apply to residential parking structures.

This chapter shall not apply to work that will result in enlargement of existing useable space of a building or work that will facilitate future enlargement or change of use or upgrading of other than seismic retrofit. (Ord. 6145-NS § 5, 1992)