State retrofit grants of up to $3,000 are available by application to help make homes more resilient to earthquakes.
From the City of Piedmont:
Right now, more than 1.2 million homes in high seismic hazard areas of California, including Piedmont, are particularly vulnerable to earthquake damage because of the way they were constructed.
The Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program offers eligible homeowners grants of up to $3,000 to help offset the cost of seismic retrofits that brace the cripple walls of older homes, when present, and bolt the houses to their foundations. These steps reduce potential for damage or collapse in the event of an earthquake.
Houses that qualify typically:
- Are built before 1980 (but are more prevalent before 1940)
- Have a raised continuous perimeter concrete foundation
- Sit on level ground or a low slope
- May have wood-framed walls (called cripple walls) in the crawl space under the first floor
To apply for a retrofit grant, visit EarthquakeBraceBolt.com and complete the online registration form by February 21st, 2024. The site will guide you through a series of qualification questions to confirm whether your home is eligible.
Once registration closes, grant recipients will be selected through a random drawing. You will be notified via email if you have been selected or placed on the wait list. If selected, you will need a City of Piedmont building permit to complete the retrofit.
Supplementary Grants available for income-qualified households
Additional grants are available for households with an annual income of $87,360 or less. These supplementary grants can provide as much as $7,000 in additional support, depending on the type of work required.
For questions about seismic retrofits, contact Building division staff at (510) 420-3050 or buildingpermits@piedmont.ca.gov.