Unreinforced Masonry Buildings (URM)

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How were URMs in this database identified?

SDCI compiled an inventory of URM buildings from various visual and permit research surveys performed over the years. This inventory was validated by reviewing photographs of the buildings, visiting selected buildings to view the exterior construction details, and reviewing permit records and other documents, to verify each building should be included. The 2016 Report to Policy Committee on URM List Validation provides a detailed description of the data validation process.

Are all of Seattle’s URMs included in this database?

This URM database is intended to be a comprehensive inventory of URM buildings in Seattle. There may be URM buildings that were not identified during the City’s inventory process; if a building is found to contain URM load bearing walls and is not included in the inventory, it will be classified as a URM and subject to future mandatory retrofit requirements.

How often is this database updated?

The URM database is maintained regularly by staff, and updates are pushed to this dataset weekly.

How does the City recognize URM buildings as retrofitted?

A URM building owner must provide the required documentation and follow submittal procedures to demonstrate compliance with Seattle Existing Building Code section 304.5.1. This code section establishes a minimum standard for a URM to be recognized as retrofitted. Once SDCI approves this documentation, the building’s status in the “Confirmed Compliant Retrofit” column will be updated to “Yes”. An adjacent column, “Retrofit Method per SEBC 304.5.1”, will be updated to reflect the appropriate level of completed retrofit. See page 3 for further description of columns and field values.

When will URM retrofits be required?

• Owners can undertake a voluntary retrofit at any time.
• Owners must retrofit URM building parapets (any wall that continues vertically past the roofline) when they are doing other permitted construction work in the building. (Per Seattle Existing Building Code 302.9 and A113.6.)
• The SEBC currently requires that buildings be seismically retrofitted if owners are conducting a major renovation, occupying a vacant building, or changing the use or occupancy of the building.
• Future mandatory requirements:
  • The City will not require a mandatory retrofit until financial and supportive resources have been clearly identified. The City passed Resolution 32033 in 2021 guiding the development of a Seattle mandatory URM retrofit program. The resolution recommends a variety of potential funding opportunities and f
    Organization: City of Seattle
    Last updated: 2025-02-28T23:36:50.925574
    Tags: sdci, unreinforced-masonry-buildings, urm