San Francisco Plans Seismic Safety Evaluations for 4,000 Buildings

In response to recent seismic activity, San Francisco officials are advancing an ordinance that would require owners of concrete buildings to conduct seismic safety screenings, aiming to identify vulnerabilities in nearly 4,000 potentially at-risk structures. The ordinance, introduced by Supervisor Myrna Melgar, does not mandate retrofits but establishes a framework for voluntary upgrades and will allow residents to access building safety information through a new website. If approved, owners will have 18 months to complete assessments after being notified of their building's status. This initiative seeks to enhance public safety and preparedness in the wake of recent earthquakes, with a focus on high-risk neighborhoods like South of Market and the Tenderloin. Furthermore, a recent report indicates that California counties, particularly San Francisco and Los Angeles, rank as the most vulnerable in the U.S. regarding earthquake damage, highlighting the urgent need for such safety measures. The ongoing efforts reflect a broader commitment to earthquake resilience in urban planning and infrastructure management.