Building Homes On Shaky Ground

When one geologist says not to build, developers find another geologist that says everything is fine.

1 minute read

August 12, 2002, 7:00 AM PDT

"The Alquist-Priolo Act relies on developers and their hired experts to assess seismic risks, and on local officials to ensure that everything is aboveboard. Some cities thoroughly review geologists' reports, but others lack the interest or the expertise... Early drafts of the law provided for rigorous state oversight of development in active earthquake zones and strict guidelines for determining whether a site was safe for building. Real estate interests lobbied hard against those provisions. Geologists also objected, complaining that the law would leave them vulnerable to lawsuits. Legislators removed the tough oversight language."

Thanks to Chris Steins

FULL STORY: Fault Lines in Law Leave Homes on Shaky Ground

Sunday, August 11, 2002 in The Los Angeles Times

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