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City releases draft earthquake‑safety plan; commission discusses financing and shelter‑in‑place concept
Summary
DBI staff and city representatives said the mayor released a draft earthquake‑safety implementation plan — a public 30‑year timeline listing approximately 50 projects — and commissioners discussed financing options, shelter‑in‑place guidance and mandatory retrofit opportunities for small homeowners.
City staff told the Building Inspection Commission that the mayor has released a draft earthquake‑safety implementation plan tied to the Loma Prieta anniversary, and described outreach and next steps for implementation.
A staff presenter said the draft plan is publicly available on the city administrator's website and includes "a timeline that lists 50 different projects and programs that we hope to accomplish over the next 30 years." The presenter said staff are meeting with civic groups such as SPUR, Harvard Kennedy School representatives, tenant groups and apartment owners to build support.
Commissioners questioned how the program would be financed. Commissioner Walker asked whether financing mechanisms such as Mello‑Roos or bonds could be used to support strengthening, particularly for soft‑story residential buildings. Staff said they are seeking updated opinions from bond counsel after watching other jurisdictions adopt financing approaches for related improvements.
Commissioners and staff also discussed a shelter‑in‑place approach to disaster habitability that would encourage residents in structurally safe homes to stay put after an earthquake while the city provides neighborhood services such as water distribution and mail pick‑up. A staff speaker emphasized that shelter‑in‑place would require the city to make up certain service differences for households that remain at home without utilities.
Several commissioners urged simplification of engineering guidance and mandatory low‑cost retrofits tied to ordinary remodel permits so homeowners could take incremental steps to improve seismic safety. Staff said structural‑engineering guidance developed with regional engineers is being prepared for code advisory review and that modest early measures can substantially improve seismic performance.
Staff asked the commission for continued support and said the implementation team will return with future updates and additional briefings to other city boards and commissions.
