Seismic Mitigation Program

The Seismic Mitigation Program is a subset of the Facility Hardship program that provides for the seismic repair, reconstruction, or replacement of the “most vulnerable” school facilities.

See all Seismic Mitigation Program forms.

Eligibility
Prior to submitting an application to the Office of Public School Construction (OPSC) under the Seismic Mitigation Program (SMP), districts must obtain a letter from the Division of the State Architect (DSA) stating that the facility being considered is a qualifying Category 2 building. To obtain a DSA review and letter, districts must follow the procedures listed in the DSA Procedure 08-03.

In order to be eligible for seismic funding, the District must have a qualifying Category 2
Building Type as defined in the definitions of the School Facility Program (SFP) Regulation Section1859.2 as follows:

• C1 – Concrete Moment Frame,
• C1B – Reinforced Concrete Cantilever Columns with Flexible Diaphragms,
• C2A – Concrete Shear Wall with Flexible Diaphragms,
• C3A – Concrete Frame with Infill Masonry Shear Walls and Flexible Diaphragms,
• PC1 – Precast/Tilt-up Concrete Shear Wall with Flexible Diaphragms,
• PC1A – Precast/Tilt-up Concrete Shear Wall with Rigid Diaphragms,
• PC2A – Precast Concrete Frame without Concrete Shear Walls and with Rigid Diaphragms,
• PC2 – Precast Concrete Frame and Roofs with Concrete Shear Walls,
• URM – Unreinforced Masonry Bearing Wall Buildings,
• RM1 – Reinforced Masonry Bearing Wall with Flexible Diaphragms,
• URMA - Unreinforced Masonry Bearing Wall with Rigid Diaphragms,
• S1B – Steel Cantilever Columns with Flexible Diaphragm,
• S3 – Steel Light Frame Metal Siding and/or Rod Bracing, or
• M – Mixed construction containing at least one of the above structures types.

Per Regulation section 1859.82 seismic mitigation projects must meet all of the following requirements:

1. The construction contract was executed on or after May 20, 2006
2. The project funding provided shall be the minimum work necessary to obtain DSA approval
3. The building is designed for occupancy by students and staff
4. The DSA concurs with either a structural engineer’s report or if the risk is due to faulting, liquefaction, or landslide, concurrence from the California Geological Survey.

Once districts obtain the DSA review and eligibility letter, they can begin the SMP application process with the OPSC. We encourage you to visit the Facility Hardship page on our website and utilize the Facility Hardship Request form as a reference for compiling the required documentation for your application.

Funding

The Architect’s Submittal Guidelines and the Presentation on Additional Grant for Site Development Costs contain detailed information for school districts and architects to prepare project plans, specifications, and cost estimates for project applications.

Please note: SMP projects may be subject to Prevailing Wage Monitoring/Labor Compliance Program requirements.
Fiscal Reporting
The Substantial Progress and Expenditure Audit Guide contains detailed information on audit requirements, including substantial progress and expenditure reporting.

The Financial Hardship Program provides funding to districts that cannot provide all or a part of the required local matching share for a Seismic Mitigation project.

Presentations & Webinars

Senate Select Committee on Earthquake and Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery Hearing - April 20, 2012

Seismic Mitigation Program Outreach Event - September 29, 2011

Contacts

For assistance, please contact: