The purpose of this chapter is to promote public safety and welfare by reducing the risk of death or injury that may result from the effects of earthquakes on unreinforced masonry bearing wall buildings.

The provisions of this chapter are intended as minimum standards for structural seismic resistance established primarily to reduce the risk of life loss or injury. Compliance with these standards will not necessarily prevent loss of life or injury or prevent earthquake damage to rehabilitated buildings. Building owners who retrofit their buildings in Petaluma in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to have used an acceptable standard of care to protect the safety of the public and occupants of the building. This chapter does not require alteration of existing electrical; accessibility; plumbing; mechanical or fire safety systems. (Ord. 1882 NCS §1 (part), 1992.)