Need an Earthquake Retrofit? Pilot Program in Rockridge Could Pay Up to $3,000

By Ajay Singh

Single-family residential homeowners in the 94618 and 94609 zip codes of Rockridge and Temescal have an opportunity to get a rebate of up to $3,000 under a pilot program aimed at the seismic retrofitting and strengthening of houses for protection against earthquakes.

Called Earthquake Brace + Bolt: Funds To Strengthen Your Foundation Pilot Program, the offer is part of the California Residential Mitigation Program, a so-called “joint powers authority” created by the California Earthquake Authority and the Governor's Office of Emergency Services.

“The purpose of Earthquake Brace + Bolt is to decrease the physical and financial damage of earthquakes on single-family residential homes in California that meet specific criteria,” according to a program representative.

The 94618 and 94609 zip codes were chosen as a pilot market because of the number of houses there that "meet the criteria for a retrofit," the representative said, adding: "The other area is Eagle Rock in Southern California."

Seismic retrofitting typically costs from $2,000 to $10,000. Under the California Residential Mitigation Program, homeowners whose houses meet certain criteria will be prequalified and their applications entered into database. The participants will then be randomly selected to receive up to $3,000, the representative said.

The deadline for registering for the pilot program is Oct. 30. Visit EarthquakeBraceBolt.com and complete a pre-qualification survey. Call (877) 232-4300 for more information.