Register for Upcoming Unreinforced Masonry Building Informational Webinars

SDCI has been working to advance the City's program for improving the earthquake safety of unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings. These vintage brick buildings are prone to collapse in an earthquake. The vulnerability of these buildings can be reduced through a seismic retrofit to strengthen roof, wall, and floor connections.

To celebrate the Great Washington ShakeOut, the annual drop, cover, hold earthquake preparedness drill, taking place at 10:17 a.m. on October 17, SDCI invites you to register for our webinars that will provide updates on current URM program development and a technical briefing on upcoming code changes that will facilitate and recognize URM retrofits.

Webinar #1: Seattle URM Retrofit Program Update
When: Wednesday, October 16, 2024; 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Target Audience: General
Register here: https://seattle.webex.com/weblink/register/rb6e23810fa19f1d22d18bfbc1a4a0988

Topics will include:

• Seattle's earthquake vulnerability
• Upcoming changes to City codes for URM retrofit minimum standards
• Supportive resources in development
• Q&A

Webinar #2: Seattle URM Retrofit Recognition Technical Briefing
When: Thursday, October 17, 2024; 2:30-4:00 p.m.
Target Audience: Technical
Register here: https://seattle.webex.com/weblink/register/r4d77f43fa1cb248c30f1b2297b195a07

Topics will include:

• Changes to 2021 Seattle Existing Building Code (SEBC)
  • URM retrofit definitions, minimum standards, and methodology
  • Modification to substantial alteration triggers
• Updates to the City of Seattle URM database
• Procedure to demonstrate retrofit status of URM buildings
• Procedure to appeal URM determination of non-URM buildings

We will record both webinars and post them to SDCI's Unreinforced Masonry Buildings website.