8897
GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 8897
8897. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: (1) There exists a serious threat to homes in the State of California from damage during earthquakes. Over 23,000 homes were damaged or destroyed during the Loma Prieta earthquake of October 17, 1989, due to the lack of adequate foundation anchoring or as a result of cripple wall failure. (2) The building codes used in the State of California did not require homes to be bolted to their foundations until on or about 1949, and some of California's local jurisdictions did not enforce the anchor bolting requirements until as late as 1958. (3) There are approximately 1,200,000 homes in the State of California which may not be bolted or anchored to their foundations or do not have adequate cripple wall bracing. (4) There also exists a serious threat of gas leaks followed by fire and explosion from water heaters that overturn, damaging the plumbing or electrical wiring during an earthquake due to the lack of adequate anchoring, strapping, or bracing. (b) Therefore, it is the goal of the Legislature to ensure that all homes be anchored to their foundations, have adequately braced cripple walls, and have the water heaters braced, strapped, or anchored, and that deficiencies be disclosed by the seller to prospective buyers. (c) The Legislature finds and declares that the disclosure of earthquake deficiencies should provide a prospective buyer with information on the possible vulnerability of the dwelling being purchased. It is the intent of the Legislature that the seller be able to complete the report without having to consult with any design professional.