San Leandro Homeowners Chosen For Earthquake Retrofit Funding Assistance
SAN LEANDRO (CBS SF) -- San Leandro Mayor Stephen Cassidy, along with the City Council announced Monday that the city is one of six jurisdictions that has been chosen by the California Earthquake Authority to be included in a statewide program that will provide new funding for residential seismic retrofit work.
The Earthquake Bolt and Brace program will allow qualified homeowners to apply for an incentive payment of up to $3,000 to help pay for costs associated with retrofitting their homes, including hiring contractors and permit costs.
Cassidy said in a statement that the program is "a great opportunity" for homeowners to protect their homes in the event of an earthquake.
"This program also serves as another example of the success of our city in obtaining state and federal resources for the benefit of all San Leandrans," he said.
As part of the requirements, homeowners must submit their applications to the California Earthquake Authority between Jan. 15 and Feb. 15. Also, houses must be detached, composed of one to four dwelling units, built prior to 1979, be on a level or low-sloping lot, have cripple walls less than 4 feet tall and have a raised foundation.
According to the city, San Leandro was made eligible for the funding partly due to its Home Seismic Strengthening class, which has been offered by the city's Building Division since 1994 and educates the public on earthquake damage and teaches participants how to design and draw plans that are acceptable for obtaining permits.
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