Cutting Costs, Increasing Safety: New Fee Reductions Make “Fixing The Bricks” More Affordable in 2026

Seattle’s unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings are an essential part of the city’s architectural heritage, and they are also among the most vulnerable structures during an earthquake. Over the last several years, we’ve been working to make seismic retrofits more affordable, and easier to complete. URM owners have more support than ever to strengthen these buildings and protect the people and neighborhoods who rely on them with new reductions in URM seismic retrofit permit and plan review fees taking effect in January 2026.

Building on Meaningful Progress

We have already taken significant steps to reduce the cost of URM retrofits. Last year’s adoption of the 2021 Seattle Existing Building Code (SEBC) introduced the Alternate Method for Retrofit, which allows qualifying URM buildings to meet a reduced scope of required seismic improvements. This policy change dramatically decreased estimated retrofit costs, lowering average estimates by up to 70 percent.

This major cost savings opportunity empowers more URM owners to invest in safety and preserve historic structures.

New 2026 Fee Reductions: 50 Percent Off Permit and Plan Review Fees

Beginning in 2026, Seattle will take another major step toward affordable URM Retrofits. In alignment with Resolution 32033 (2021), which directed the City to pursue a variety of financial strategies to support URM retrofits, SDCI will implement a 50% reduction in permit and plan review fees for projects that contribute to a code-compliant seismic retrofitted URM building.

This move reduces upfront costs during the earliest stages of the project and helps building owners shift more of their resources directly into construction and safety improvements.

State-Level Momentum: HB 1810 and New Opportunities for Incentives

URM retrofit affordability efforts are also gaining traction at the state level. House Bill 1810, sponsored by Representative Donaghy (D 44), would fund state-supported analysis and recommendations for a suite of tax incentives aimed at making life-saving URM retrofits more economically viable. The bill is currently before the House Appropriations Committee, awaiting a hearing. Securing funding for HB 1810 during the 25th anniversary of the Nisqually earthquake (Feb. 28, 2001) would mark a milestone of seismic proportions—honoring lessons learned from past damage while making a meaningful investment in the resilience and safety of communities across Washington.

Why Invest in URM Retrofits? The Benefits Are Clear

In addition to enhancing public safety and preserving the city’s historic character, seismic retrofits offer significant long-term economic and environmental benefits.

The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) Mitigation Saves Report shows that every $1 invested in seismic retrofitting saves $13 in future losses, including avoided damage, emergency response costs, displacement, and business interruption. Retrofits aren’t just a regulatory requirement; they’re one of the most cost-effective risk reduction tools available.

In addition to economic benefits, strengthening an existing structure is far more sustainable than demolition and replacement. Reusing and retrofitting buildings avoids the substantial carbon emissions generated by new construction and supports the City’s climate goals by conserving materials, reducing debris, and extending the lifespan of structures already embedded in our communities.

A Stronger, Safer, More Sustainable Seattle

Through reduced retrofit scope, lowered fees, and continued policy alignment with Council and the Mayor’s office, Seattle is advancing a comprehensive strategy to improve the resilience of its URM building stock. The 2026 fee reductions mark another meaningful milestone in making this work more financially achievable for property owners across the city.

URM retrofits reinforce the buildings that define our neighborhoods, make our communities safer during earthquakes, and contribute to a more sustainable future. With new incentives and streamlined requirements, now is the time to take advantage of the tools available and invest in strengthening Seattle’s built environment for generations to come.