California city is offering $13,000 for homeowners to renovate sections of homes prone to collapse

Visit the California Residential Mitigation Program website for more information and to register.Photo byAbby RurenkoonUnsplash

Berkeley residents with living spaces above their garages are eligible for up to $13,000 in grants to retrofit their homes for improved earthquake safety. These structures are more vulnerable to earthquake damage, making retrofits essential. The California Residential Mitigation Program is offering this rebate, covering up to 75% of the retrofit costs.

To qualify, homes must be owner-occupied, built before 2000, and located in specific Berkeley zip codes. Homeowners can apply by filling out an online registration form, which enters them into a lottery for the grant. If selected, homeowners can strengthen their garage walls, brace perimeter walls, or bolt their homes to the foundation.

Visit the California Residential Mitigation Program website for more information and to register.