Notice of Open Comment: UC policy on Seismic Safety

To: UC Santa Cruz Community

From: Ed Reiskin, Chief Financial Officer & Vice Chancellor of Finance, Operations, and Administration

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on a proposed Presidential policy on Seismic Safety. The policy is proposed to be revised and includes the following key issues:

  • Replace the deadline to 2030 with a continual improvement requirement for each location to achieve a minimum 4% per year reduction of non-compliant space above the established 2022 baseline square footage averaged over a three-year period. Note that any improvements completed in compliance with State-mandated requirements for critical care facilities will count towards the 4% reduction goal.
  • All currently occupied Seismic Performance Rating VI facilities shall be given the highest priority in capital planning and allocation decisions and brought into compliance with policy no later than December 31, 2037, and
  • Existing leases for certain non-compliant UC-occupied facilities may be extended through 2037.

Comments may be sent to the Policy Coordination Office at pco@ucsc.edu by the close of business on December 31, 2024.