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Commission backs AB 108 to adopt Appendix A3 and link homeowners to $3,000 retrofit rebate
Summary
The commission unanimously approved AB 108, an administrative bulletin adopting Appendix A3 of the California Existing Building Code (prescriptive measures for bolting and bracing) and aligning DBI with the California Residential Mitigation Program and the Earthquake Brace and Bolt rebate program.
The Building Inspection Commission voted unanimously on April 16 to add its approval to Administrative Bulletin AB 108, which adopts Appendix A3 of the California Existing Building Code to provide a prescriptive pathway for bolting and reinforcing single‑family homes against earthquake damage.
"AB 108 actually just really adopts A3… it's a way to create that pathway," Patrick Otellini, chief resilience officer, said. Janille Maffei, chief mitigation officer for the California Earthquake Authority and executive director of the California Residential Mitigation Program, told the commission the program offers a $3,000 rebate to qualifying homeowners who complete eligible retrofits and that adopting A3 locally helps ensure work meets program standards.
Maffei described a pilot in which roughly 300 applicants qualified for the program across selected zip codes; the program chose 20 homes for more intensive follow‑up. Commissioners asked whether two‑ to four‑unit structures could qualify; Maffei said structures of one to four units that meet A3 criteria will be accepted.
Commissioner Walker moved to approve and Commissioner Meyer seconded; the motion carried unanimously. Staff said DBI will follow up with outreach and inspector/plan‑checker training as the bulletin is implemented.
