Program

The City of West Hollywood Building and Safety Division received a Hazard Mitigation Grant for seismic retrofitting of wood framed buildings with soft, weak, or open front wall lines (SWOF), non-ductile concrete buildings (NDC) and pre-Northridge steel frame buildings (PNSMF) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). Grants are available for new retrofit projects for buildings that are currently on the City's Seismic Retrofit survey list. 


Why apply? The City received these grants to assist property owners to comply with City ordinances for seismic retrofitting. There are two types of grants: 

  • Design grants receive up to $5,000 and 
  • Construction grants receive grants up to $20,000. 


Seismic Retrofit Grant Program Rules will guide you through the process. If you have questions with regard to the application process, you can contact us at (323) 848 6309 or email us at retrofit-grant@weho.org

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • New retrofit projects for buildings that are currently on the City's Seismic Retrofit survey list.
  • TO FIND OUT IF YOUR BUILDING IS ON THE SURVEY LIST, CLICK HERE. 
  • For a complete list of requirements, see Step 2 of the Program Rules which can be found via the link below. (Read More)


A

Soft, Weak, or Open Front (SWOF) wood‐framed buildings built before 1978 subject to Ordinance 17-004 provisions and SWOF Retrofit Design Guidelines


Non‐Ductile Concrete (NDC) buildings (or portions of buildings) subject to Ordinance 17-1011 provisions and the NDC/PNSMF Seismic Design Guidelines and document page

B

Pre Northridge Steel Moment Frame Buildings (PNSFM) subject to Ordinance 17-1011 provisions and the NDC/PNSMF Seismic Design Guidelines and document page

C 

Other buildings that are either steel moment frame or non-ductile buildings that could not be determined without further investigation, subject to Ordinance 17-1011 provisions and the NDC/PNSMF Seismic Design Guidelines and document page

Grant Amounts 

How much will the grant pay?

The amount of available grant funding depends on the type and cost of the project.

Grants are available in 2 separate phases:

Phase 1: Design Grants 


Grants for the design phase will be capped as shown in the table below.


Example:

If the design cost for a SWOF building is $10,000, the design grant would be $2,000, (as compared to 75% of the cost or $7,500)


Phase 2: Construction Grants 


Grants for the Construction Phase will be capped as shown on the table below


Example:

If the construction cost for a SWOF building is $40,000, the construction grant would be $15,000, (as compared to 40% of the cost or $16,000)


Program Process &Timeline Summary 

Applications for each phase will be accepted on a rolling basis and through the deadlines noted below. Funding will be awarded for projects based on completed applications and on a first come, first served basis.

Applicants must meet all Program deadlines to retain eligibility for grant funding. Reimbursements for the grant will be issued in two (2) phases, the first phase after the completion of design and the second after the completion of construction.

PROGRAM MILESTONES TIMELINE
Submit Retrofit Grants Program Application Application period opens on January 15, 2022 and will be accepted on a rolling basis through August 18, 2022. (Funding will be awarded for projects based on completed applications and on a first come, first served basis).
Application Review Applicant will be notified by email of their design grant status. A review of the initial applications will take place within ten (10) business days from submittal and owners will be notified of their status.
Application Selection Applicants will be notified if the application has been approved by FEMA/CalOES. Upon approval, Applicants will be able to proceed and obtain a Building Permit
Apply for a Building Permit Applicant will be instructed to apply for a building permit once the building owner has selected the design consultant.
Submit of Retrofit Plans and All Required Information Submit of retrofit plans and all required information such as elevations. City Staff will review drawings for both compliance with City and FEMA requirements. Qualifying applications will be submitted to FEMA/CalOES for Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) review.
Application Selection and Applicant Notification Apply for construction grant (submit three bids) and start construction after getting approval of your grant application Within six months of permit issuance. Extensions will be considered on a case‐by‐case basis.
Construction Completion and Approved Final Inspection Complete construction and receive Approved Final Inspection. Eligible applicants can request reimbursement for construction grants after obtaining an approved final inspection
Phase I – Reimbursement Process Eligible Applicants can then request reimbursement for the Phase I- design grant by providing design consultant invoices and proof of payment.
Phase II - Construction
Invitation to Apply for Construction Grant Once a Building Permit has been issued, Applicant will be invited to apply for construction grant (submit three bids).
Start Construction Start construction after getting approval for the selected contractor and start construction within six months of permit issuance.
Construction Completion and Certificate of Compliance Complete the retrofit project and obtain a Certificate of Compliance no later than July 18, 2024 to be guaranteed Construction grant funding.
Phase II – Reimbursement Process Eligible Applicants can request reimbursement for construction grants once they have received their Certificate of Compliance by providing contractor invoices and proof of payment.
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FAQ

  • Are condominium type buildings subject to the Ordinance?

    Soft story condominiums are included in the Seismic Retrofit Program.  Only non-ductile concrete and pre-Northridge steel moment frame condominium buildings have been exempted from the ordinance.

  • Can rent stabilized property owners pass a portion of costs to tenants?

    Currently no, however, property owners may file a request for a rent increase if the property owner believes costs of completing the retrofit will exceed the net operating income for their property. More information on the application and requirements of assessing net operating income (NOI) is available at www.weho.org/rsh or by calling 323-848-6450.

  • How do I know if my building is included in the program?

    The City has a survey of properties that are subject to the ordinance available on the City’s website at: http://www.weho.org/seismic. Being included in the survey is not confirmation that the building is structurally deficient, hazardous or unsafe.  Further evaluation by a Civil /Structural Engineer licensed in the State of California is required in order to determine if seismic strengthening is required or if the building meets the minimum requirements in the Ordinances.

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