Victorville Municipal Code Art. 17 Earthquake Hazard Reduction for Unreinforced Masonry Buildings

(a) In accordance with California Government Code, Chapter 12.2, Section 8875, the purpose of this Chapter is to promote public safety and welfare by reducing the risk of death or injury that may result from the effects of earthquakes on buildings of unreinforced masonry construction. Such buildings have been recognized for their sustaining of life-hazardous damage as a result of partial or complete collapse during moderate to strong earthquakes.

(b) The provisions of this Chapter are minimum standards for structural seismic resistance established to reduce the risk of loss of life or injury and will not necessarily prevent loss of life or injury or prevent damage to an existing building which complies with this Chapter.

(c) The regulations contained within this Chapter shall be complied with in accordance with the following:

(1) The analysis and design plans for the retrofitting shall be prepared and submitted to the Building Division, for review, approval, issuance of permits, and completion of construction within seven years of the adoption of these regulations. Those properties which change ownership, use, or occupancy shall comply with all requirements of this Chapter prior to the sale of the property or at such time as the change of use or occupancy of the building.

The requirements of this Chapter shall apply to all unreinforced masonry buildings constructed prior to adoption of earthquake design requirements by this jurisdiction. The requirements of this Chapter do not apply to single-family residences.

Exception: Any building owner who proposes to change the use or occupancy of the structure pursuant to Section 16-5.17.010(c)(1), or who is unable to comply with the time limitations of Section 16-5.17.010(c)(1), may appeal to the board of appeals stating reasons as to why total compliance cannot be achieved. All board hearings shall be conducted within the regulations contained within the most current adopted edition of the California Building Code, and all rulings shall be final.

(a) The State Legislature has recognized that property owners may need other than private financial assistance in bringing buildings into compliance with the seismic safety standards and regulations. The State Legislature has amended the 1913 Act to authorize bond financing for private property seismic safety improvements. Property owners wishing to utilize the 1913 Act as the financing mechanism must apply to the City to facilitate the issuance of bonds and subsequent financing. Funding shall be in accordance with regulations contained within the Municipal Improvement Act of 1913 requiring the property owner to agree that the property improved shall be liened to provide collateral for the bond issue.

(b) In addition to the above, other sources of funding as they become available through State and Federal loan and grant programs may be utilized including community development block grant funds.

Alternate materials, designs and methods of construction may be approved by the Building Official in accordance with the California Building Code.

The analysis and design of plans for the retrofitting shall be prepared and submitted to the Building Division for review. Such design shall be from an engineer and/or architect licensed in the State of California. The analysis, design, construction, and inspection of such retrofit shall comply with the most current version of the California Building Code.