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Commission continues review of incentives and definitions for voluntary soft‑story seismic upgrades
Summary
DBI discussed proposals to waive fees and expedite permits for voluntary soft‑story seismic upgrades, but deferred action while staff and the Code Advisory Committee refine definitions of 'soft‑story' buildings and how to separate voluntary upgrades from other work.
Commissioners reviewed a proposal to encourage voluntary seismic upgrades of soft‑story wood-frame buildings by waiving permit fees for the voluntary portion of work and expediting review. DBI staff told the commission the Planning Commission recommended approval but asked DBI to elaborate on two points: a clear definition of "soft story" buildings and procedural safeguards to ensure fee waivers apply only to voluntary seismic work rather than unrelated construction.
Kornfield said the department supports the concept but needs time to define thresholds and ensure the program cannot be gamed; commissioners raised tenant-protection concerns about landlords passing retrofit costs to tenants. The CAPS project is examining tenant pass‑through issues and will inform DBI’s approach. No vote was taken; staff will return with clarified definitions and implementation details.
