Earthquake ready SF could require seismic safety screenings on concrete buildings

San Francisco is taking significant steps toward earthquake preparedness with new legislation mandating seismic safety screenings for concrete buildings. Authored by Supervisor Myrna Melgar, the bill addresses the potential risks posed by buildings that may not meet current safety codes. Specifically, the legislation targets tilt-up structures, which include warehouses and grocery stores, and non-ductile concrete buildings that may lack necessary steel reinforcement. Melgar noted that there is uncertainty regarding how many buildings will need retrofitting, as the city does not yet have a comprehensive list. While the screenings are compulsory, owners are not currently required to carry out retrofitting, raising questions about the long-term safety of these structures.

The estimated costs for screenings range from several hundred to a few thousand dollars, a price Melgar argues is reasonable compared to the potential costs of disaster recovery. The bill is set to undergo further scrutiny in another committee before a final vote by the Board of Supervisors in May. This legislation reflects the city's commitment to safeguarding its residents amid the ever-present threat of earthquakes.