Reinforced Concrete and Masonry Wall Structures

Burbank

The city of Burbank Ordinance Number 19-3,922 became effective on January 1, 2020. Article 16, Division 2 of the ordinance is titled Earthquake Hazard Reduction in Existing Reinforced Concrete Wall and/or Reinforced Masonry Wall Buildings with Flexible Diaphragms.

Scope

Burbank’s mandatory earthquake hazard reduction program applies to existing buildings that have the following characteristics:

Designed under building codes in effect prior to February 14, 1977
Have reinforced concrete walls and/or reinforced masonry walls with flexible diaphragms

Any such buildings that have been seismically strengthened prior to January 1, 2020 are also considered to be within the scope of the ordinance and must be evaluated according to the provisions of the ordinance.

Priority Designations

Buildings within the scope of this ordinance are issued a rating classification based on occupant load as follows:

Group I: Occupant load 300+
Group II: Occupant load 30 to 299
Group III: Occupant load less than 30

Timeline

The city of Burbank requires that building retrofits adhere to the timeline shown below. Compliance orders are to be issued for Group I buildings first. Group II and III buildings are to be issued compliance orders after 1 year and 2 years, respectively. Once a compliance order has been received, the subsequent deadlines are initiated.

MILESTONE	REQUIREMENT
BEGIN PROCESS	Compliance order received by building owner
275 DAYS AFTER ORDER	Deadline to submit one of the following: a structural analysis which demonstrates that the building meets the minimum requirements of the ordinance a structural analysis and plans for the proposed structural alterations to comply with the ordinance plans for the demolition
365 DAYS AFTER ORDER	Deadline to obtain building permit
545 DAYS AFTER ORDER	Deadline to commence construction
3 YEARS AFTER ORDER	Deadline to complete construction

CONTACTS

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.
Phone: (626) 696-4650
E-mail: seismicordinances@wje.com

City of Burbank | Community Development Department | Building & Safety Division
150 N. Third Street, First Floor, Burbank, CA, 91502
Phone: (818) 238-5220
Email: building@burbankca.gov