The two massive recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, with magnitudes as high as 7.8 and 7.5, have claimed over 40,000 lives so far. This death toll is certain to rise as more bodies are discovered in the rubble of collapsed multistory concrete buildings. With the high frequency of California earthquakes, one can look at […]
Santa Monica is a beautiful coastal city in Southern California that is prone to various natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, and wildfires. To mitigate the impact of these hazards on the city and its residents, Santa Monica has established the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program ("HMGP"). What is the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program ("HMGP")? The […]
Balconies are an excellent feature for any building. They provide a space for outdoor activities and increase the value of the property. However, like any other part of a building, they require regular maintenance and inspection to ensure their safety and integrity. During balcony inspections, a number of common problems can be identified, some of […]
Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) can be a great way to add extra living space and increase the value of your property. However, before you start construction, it's important to understand the zoning and permitting requirements for ADUs in your area. Zoning Requirements The first step in building an ADU is to check the […]
Soft story retrofits are structural improvements to buildings that have a weak or "soft" first story, making them more vulnerable to collapse during an earthquake. In recent years, many cities have implemented laws requiring soft story retrofits to help improve the safety of these buildings and reduce the risk of damage and injury during earthquakes. […]
Balconies are an important feature of many buildings, providing additional living space and a place to enjoy the outdoors. However, balconies can also pose a risk to building occupants if they are not properly maintained or are in poor condition. That's why it's important to have a balcony inspected regularly to ensure its safety and […]
Seismic retrofitting is a process that involves upgrading the structural integrity of a building to make it more resistant to earthquakes. The process is an important safety measure for building owners, as it helps to reduce the risk of damage or collapse during a seismic event. However, many building owners are curious about how long […]
What is the New West Hollywood ADU Height Extension? The city of West Hollywood has recently approved an extension to their Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) program, allowing for more residents to build secondary living spaces on their properties. The new extension to the ADU program in West Hollywood allows for more flexibility in the types […]
A balcony inspection is an important aspect of maintaining the safety and integrity of a building. It is essential to have regular inspections of balconies to ensure they are in good condition and to identify any potential issues that may need to be addressed. There are several key areas that should be covered during a […]
If you think you may have a soft story building but have not received a notice from the city, it is important to take action and determine whether or not your building is, in fact, a soft story building. A soft story building is a type of building that has a weak or vulnerable ground […]
