Registration is now open for a new statewide grant program offering eligible soft-story apartment building owners up to $49,600 toward the cost of mandatory earthquake retrofits.

The Earthquake Multi-Unit Retrofit Program, or EMR, is administered by the California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP). It is designed for qualifying buildings that:

- Were built with wood framing before 1991;
- Contain five to 10 residential units;
- Have a soft, weak or open-front seismic deficiency, known as SWOF; and
- Are already subject to a mandatory local retrofit ordinance.

These buildings frequently have parking areas, garages or other large openings on the ground floor, leaving them with inadequate structural support and a greater risk of severe damage or collapse during a major earthquake.

The program is available in 14 California cities, including Oakland. Registration is open through September 30, 2026. Because the application period is limited, eligible property owners are encouraged to confirm their eligibility and register promptly.

Many soft-story apartment buildings are occupied housing and represent an important part of California’s affordable housing supply. Strengthening these properties can help protect tenants while reducing the risk of casualties, property loss and displacement following a major earthquake.

CRMP supported 6,811 residential earthquake retrofits statewide through its programs in 2025 alone.

Building owners can find participating cities, eligibility requirements and registration information at EMRtools.org.