Earthquake Safety in San Diego, CA (2026)
4 verified earthquake safety rules for San Diego, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Soft-Story Retrofit
San Diego does not currently have a mandatory citywide soft-story retrofit ordinance like Los Angeles. However, the city has adopted the California Existing Building Code Appendix A (Seismic Retrofit Guidelines) and may require retrofit upon substantial remodel or change of occupancy. The Rose Canyon Fault presents significant seismic risk to multi-story wood-frame buildings.
San Diego Soft-Story Retrofit Requirements
Some RestrictionsFoundation Anchoring
San Diego's adopted California Residential Code (CRC) requires foundation bolting for all new residential construction. Existing homes built before 1979 are encouraged to retrofit with foundation anchor bolts and cripple wall bracing. The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) offers incentive programs for seismic retrofitting.
San Diego Seismic Foundation Anchoring Requirements
Some RestrictionsUnreinforced Masonry
San Diego has an active Unreinforced Masonry (URM) Building ordinance requiring retrofit or demolition of pre-1939 URM buildings. In 2001, 884 URM buildings were identified. The Development Services Department has worked with owners to bring nearly all into compliance, with only 14 buildings remaining as of recent enforcement.
San Diego Unreinforced Masonry Building (URM) Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsSan Diego Unreinforced Masonry Buildings Ordinance
Unreinforced masonry buildings (URM) were constructed with a building permit issued before March 24, 1939, and contain structural load-bearing walls made of: Un-reinforced adobe; Burned clay; Concrete or sand-lime brick; Hollow clay or concrete block; Plain concrete; Hollow clay tile; Rubble and cut stone; or Unburned clay masonry. URMs were not built using modern building codes and contain wal...
Seismic Gas Shutoff
California Health and Safety Code Sections 19200-19204 require certified seismic gas shutoff valves when certain permit triggers occur. San Diego may require installation during major renovations or upon new gas service connections. San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) recommends seismic valves for all customers in earthquake-prone areas.
San Diego Seismic Gas Shutoff Valve Requirements
Some RestrictionsLooking for San Diego County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Diego city rules.
Earthquake Safety in San Diego County →