Seismic Retrofit in Berkeley

This is to inform you of a change in the Real Property Transfer Tax for the City of Berkeley , effective tomorrow, April 12, 2007 .

On March 13, 2007, the Berkeley City Council passed Ordinance 6971-N.S. amending Berkeley Municipal Code, Section 7.52.060 K (4), eliminating the provision that up to one-third of the Real Property Transfer Tax be set aside in an escrow account pending completion of seismic retrofit work. This ordinance is now going into effect tomorrow.

Therefore, the City will no longer authorize the retention of one-third of the Transfer Tax for the Seismic Retrofit Rebate Program and 100% of the City of Berkeley Real Property Transfer Tax is due upon recordation.

This change does not in any way affect the ability of property owners to take advantage of the Rebate Program.

With that said, before you decide to do any retrofitting for your home, I STRONGLY suggest that you check out Bay Area Retrofit at http://bayarearetrofit.com/

This company is a reputable company and I suggest that you get an inspection from them before any other company!