How Anaheim Handles Earthquake Safety: A Practical Guide
Anaheim maintains 197 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with earthquake safety. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Anaheim falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Unreinforced Masonry
Anaheim completed its mandatory unreinforced masonry (URM) retrofit program under California Government Code 8875 and Anaheim Municipal Code Chapter 15.52. Owners of URM buildings had to retrofit, demolish, or post visible warning placards. Most of the historic URM stock in Anaheim's Colony Historic District has been retrofitted.
Key details: Ca Gov Code: CA Gov Code 8875 required URM inventory and mitigation. Anaheim Municipal Code: Anaheim Municipal Code 15.52 implements the URM program. Most Colony District: Most Colony District URMs have been retrofitted. Compliance Records Held: Compliance records held by Anaheim Building Division. Historic Landmark Urms: Historic landmark URMs need preservation coordination.
Seismic Gas Shutoff
California Health and Safety Code 19200 through 19205 and the California Plumbing Code require seismic gas shutoff valves when a building is newly constructed or undergoes a substantial addition or alteration over 10,000 dollars. Anaheim enforces these standards through the Planning and Building Department at permit issuance.
Key details: Requirement: Required on new construction and $10,000+ remodels. Requirement: CA Health and Safety Code 19200-19205. Requirement: CA Plumbing Code 1210.1.4 installation standard. Requirement: Must be listed by IAS, UL, or approved agency. Requirement: Installed on customer side of the gas meter.
The Bottom Line
Anaheim's earthquake safety rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Anaheim is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on Anaheim's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.