Unreinforced Masonry: San Jose vs Sunnyvale
How do unreinforced masonry rules compare between San Jose, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
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.
View full San Jose rules →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
No data available yet for Sunnyvale.
Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Jose | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | Gov. Code §8875 | - |
| Pre-1933 Buildings | October 6, 1933 cutoff | - |
| Notice Required | Earthquake risk posting | - |
| San Jose Inventory | Relatively small | - |
| Seismic Zone | Zone 4 | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Jose FAQ
Does San Jose have unreinforced masonry buildings?
Yes, though fewer than older cities like San Francisco or LA since most of San Jose's growth occurred after 1933. Existing URM buildings must post earthquake risk notices and may face retrofit requirements during major renovations.
What is required for URM buildings in San Jose?
Owners must post earthquake risk warning notices visible to occupants per Government Code §8875.8. Major renovations may trigger mandatory seismic upgrade. The Building Division can order vacating of buildings deemed an imminent hazard.
Sunnyvale FAQ
No FAQs available.
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