WHAT IS A SEISMIC INSPECTION?

Seismic inspection is a service provided by the City of Santa Rosa Building and Code Compliance Division to assist property owners and occupants with the identification of potential earthquake hazards.

REQUIREMENTS

• Inspection by owner's or occupant's request only.
• Owner or occupant must be present at inspection.

FEES

RESIDENTIAL

• The fee is $40.00.
• Fee must be paid at the time the inspection request is made.

COMMERCIAL

• The fee is $120.00.
• Fee must be paid at the time the inspection request is made.

SERVICES PROVIDED

Visual inspection of premises and identification of hazards, such as:

• Laterally unsupported upper (or split levels)
• Laterally unsupported garages or decks
• Lack of anchor bolts or base shear transfer
• Visually unstable hillsides
• Unanchored veneer, brick or chimneys
• Deficiencies in building's lateral load system (roof/floor diaphragm, shearwalls, etc.)
• A written report of the inspection will be sent to both the property owner and the occupant

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

• Inspection of underfloor or attic areas which are not easily accessible
• Inspection of possible structural hazards not related to the building's lateral bracing system
• Recommendations as to how to correct or mitigate hazardous conditions [Note: Upon identification of hazards, the City will recommend that the owner hire a private engineer or builder to analyze fully the potential hazard and recommend an appropriate course of action]
• Soils or geologic review

Please Note:

• We encourage all citizens to prepare as much as possible for a future disaster, such as a major earthquake. To accomplish this goal, people need to increase the safety and security of their families and homes. Actively preparing will not prevent the next disaster, but it will help you minimize its effects.
• Inspection comments are based on a visual inspection of the property. Review of building plans, thorough inspection of attic or underfloor areas, or inspections involving the removal of finish materials are not typically part of this inspection program. Due to the limited nature of inspections, all the potential earthquake hazards may not be detected and identified.

For further information please call the Department of Community Development at 707-543-3223