Earthquake Safety in San Jose, CA (2026)
6 verified earthquake safety rules for San Jose, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Soft-Story Retrofit
San Jose's mandatory soft-story retrofit ordinance (No. 31123) targets approximately 3,500 wood-frame buildings containing about 25,000 housing units. Originally effective April 1, 2025, City Council delayed the start to April 1, 2026. Buildings are divided into three groups: Group 1 (pre-1978, 5+ units) must complete retrofit by April 2031, Group 2 (1978-1990, 5+ units) by April 2032, and Group 3 (pre-1990, 3+ units) by April 2033.
San Jose Soft-Story Retrofit Ordinance (No. 31123)
Heavy RestrictionsFoundation Anchoring
San Jose follows the California Existing Building Code (CEBC) Chapter A3 for foundation anchoring of older wood-frame homes. Pre-1978 homes without bolted sill plates should be anchored to foundations. The state Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program offers up to $3,000 in incentives for qualifying homeowners in high-risk San Jose ZIP codes near the Hayward and Calaveras faults.
San Jose Foundation Anchoring & Cripple Wall Bracing
Some RestrictionsUnreinforced Masonry
San Jose follows the California Unreinforced Masonry Building Law (Government Code §8875) requiring identification and mitigation of URM buildings constructed before 1934. Under San Jose Municipal Code and CEBC provisions, URM building owners must post earthquake risk notices and may be required to retrofit or demolish. San Jose has a relatively small URM inventory compared to older California cities.
San Jose Unreinforced Masonry (URM) Building Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsSeismic Gas Shutoff
San Jose follows California Plumbing Code and local building code requirements for seismic gas shutoff valves (SGSOV). Installation is required for new construction, certain permitted renovations, and at point of sale. Valves must be installed downstream of the gas meter and carry manufacturer warranties. San Jose is served by PG&E, which provides gas shutoff guidance for seismic safety.
San Jose Seismic Gas Shutoff Valve Requirements
Some RestrictionsNon-Ductile Concrete Retrofit
San Jose has a limited inventory of pre-1980 non-ductile concrete buildings and has not adopted a mandatory retrofit ordinance. Voluntary seismic evaluations are encouraged following ASCE 41 standards, with statewide AB-2681 requiring jurisdictions to inventory at-risk concrete buildings.
Non-Ductile Concrete Building Inspection
Few RestrictionsBalcony Inspection Program
California SB-721 and SB-326 (the Balcony Bill) require statewide periodic inspections of exterior elevated elements (balconies, decks, walkways) on multifamily buildings of three or more units, with the first inspection due January 1, 2025.
Multifamily Balcony Inspection Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Jose city rules.
Earthquake Safety in Santa Clara County →