Seismic retrofits help prevent homes from sliding and collapsing during an earthquake. Get reimbursed for up to $3,000 of a seismic upgrade to your home, or get the full cost covered if you meet income qualifications.
Income-qualified households can get reimbursed for the full cost of a seismic upgrade to their home, while others can qualify for up to $3,000 for making their foundations more resilient to earthquakes.
To qualify for a lottery to get these refunds, Berkeley homeowners should sign up for the state's Earthquake Brace + Bolt rebate program by November 29. Those households with annual incomes below $72,080 can qualify for up to 100 percent of the seismic retrofit cost.
Apply online for Earthquake Brace + Bolt
Phone: (877) 232-4300
Eligibility: owner-occupied single-family residences and small multifamily buildings (1-4 units) in Berkeley and other eligible zip codes
Bracing and bolting have a big impact in a community like Berkeley, where older homes may not have the seismic protections required of newer construction.
Learn more at a November 16 community webinar
A virtual workshop will teach you about rebates, myths and tips about earthquake insurance, and obtaining permits for seismic retrofits.
Earthquake Brace + Bolt Workshop
Wednesday, November 16, 6:30pm
Register online
This event is hosted by California Earthquake Authority and the City of Berkeley.
Berkeleyans have strengthened homes, gotten rebates
Since March 2016, 485 Berkeley homeowners have received Earthquake Brace + Bolt rebates, bringing nearly $1.5 million in state funding to Berkeley residents while increasing the resilience of our community.
Incentives from the California Earthquake Brace + Bolt Program help pay for seismic upgrades to houses most vulnerable to severe damage—pre-1980, wood-framed homes with raised foundations that may have unbraced "cripple walls," the short wood-framed wall surrounding the crawl space under the first floor.
In addition to the state's rebates, homeowners in Berkeley have other resources to pay for seismic improvements including a transfer tax reduction program for seismic upgrades made within a year of purchase, and Property Assessed Clean Energy financing.
Explore our Seismic Safety Information and Programs for additional resources.
Improve the safety of your home and apply by November 29, 2022 for a chance at a $3,000 rebate - or more.
Links
- November 16 Earthquake Brace + Bolt Community Webinar Registration
- Earthquake Brace + Bolt (State of California)
- Funding for Seismic Retrofits (City of Berkeley)
- Seismic Safety Information and Programs (City of Berkeley)
- Earthquake Preparedness (City of Berkeley)
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