What decision does this guide help you make?
Use this guide to screen the current Earthquake Multi-Unit Retrofit program before construction begins. Read the official rules and account for approval, documentation and eligible-cost limits in the project schedule.
CRMP says the 2026 registration window runs from August 19 through September 30. Registration places an eligible building into consideration; it does not guarantee program acceptance, funding or an award.
Use the 2026 cost guide with the decisions described on this page.
What is the practical sequence?
| Stage | Owner’s question | Useful output |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | Is the building type, size, date and city eligible? | Eligibility record |
| Register | Is the current registration window open and complete? | Program account |
| Approve | Has the program approved design and work before start? | Written authorization |
| Claim | Are invoices, permits and completion records eligible? | Documented reimbursement request |
The 2026 overview lists 5-to-10-unit buildings, pre-1991 construction and tuck-under parking among key conditions. It names Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Culver City, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Torrance and West Hollywood as eligible municipalities. The detailed program decision still controls.
Which records should be in one review file?
- official eligibility and registration result;
- unit count, construction date and parking configuration;
- municipal program notice or status;
- approved engineer and contractor information;
- scope, estimate and eligible-cost breakdown;
- program approval issued before covered work;
- permit, invoice, payment and completion evidence.
Where can a proposal become misleading?
Do not subtract $49,600 from a bid as if it were cash in hand. The overview caps construction support by unit and percentage, and separately limits eligible engineering and permit support. The owner remains responsible for ineligible cost, overruns and any work that fails program rules.
What should the written proposal state?
- which costs the provider believes are eligible;
- which program forms it will help complete;
- license and professional details required by the rules;
- design standard and municipal approval path;
- start restriction and authorization checkpoint;
- invoice detail and proof-of-payment format;
- change-order effect on eligibility;
- closeout documents needed for reimbursement.
How do local rules change the answer?
The current overview lists up to $4,260 per unit for eligible construction, capped at 70 percent, plus up to $7,000 for eligible engineering and permitting, also capped at 70 percent, with an overall maximum of $49,600. West Hollywood separately says its local grant phase has 2026 closure dates. Do not confuse the two programs.
What can you do before the first site meeting?
Open the current overview and rules. Confirm the municipality, unit count, building date and tuck-under configuration. Save the program response. Put a “do not start before approval” gate in every project schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Is every Los Angeles, California soft-story building eligible?
No. The program has building, location, timing and process requirements. Use the current official determination.
Can work already underway receive a grant?
The rules require program approval before retrofit work begins. Ask the program directly about the property’s status.
Is the grant maximum the same as the project cost?
No. It is a capped contribution to eligible costs. A complete project may include substantial ineligible or owner-funded cost.