The purpose of this chapter is to promote public safety, health and welfare by reducing the risk of death or injury that may result from the effects of earthquakes on unreinforced masonry buildings.

The provisions of this chapter establish minimum standards for structural seismic resistance primarily to reduce the risk of death or injury, but cannot prevent loss of life or injury or prevent earthquake damage to an existing building even though it complies with these standards. (Ord. 3552 § 1, 1993)