If you own a home in California with a raised foundation, the California Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program can help you pay for seismic retrofitting. This program, backed by the California Earthquake Authority, is designed to strengthen older homes before the next big earthquake hits. There’s no income requirement for the base grant, and it’s open to both rental properties and primary residences.
Who’s Eligible?
To be eligible for the Earthquake Brace and Bolt program, you must:
Own the property (rental homes qualify)
Be located in an eligible ZIP code
Not have previously completed a retrofit
While there’s no income requirement for the base grant, owner-occupied homes with household incomes of $89,040 or less may also qualify for a supplemental grant that covers additional costs.
What Kind of Homes Qualify?
The EBB program focuses on older homes that are more vulnerable to earthquake damage. Your home will likely qualify if it meets these conditions:
Built before 1980
Located on level ground
Has a raised foundation with a continuous concrete perimeter
Not sure what kind of foundation you have? Look for small vents or an access panel along the lower exterior of your home. If you spot a crawl space opening, you likely have a raised foundation, which means your home is a strong candidate for the EBB retrofit grant.
How to Apply for the Earthquake Brace and Bolt Program
Applying for the EBB program is quick and straightforward:
Visit EarthquakeBraceBolt.com before October 17, 2025.
(If you miss the deadline, the program reopens each year.)Click “Register Now.”
Create an account and submit your information.
Important: Do not start work or pull permits before receiving official acceptance, as this will make you ineligible for reimbursement.
The application takes about five minutes. After registering, you’ll be added to a short waitlist, and most homeowners receive an acceptance email within six months.
Once accepted, you can hire a contractor from the EBB directory or contact Tim Sparks at Earthquake Bracing Incorporated:
Email: timothygalesparks@gmail.com
Phone: (760) 221-3664
Mesa has no business affiliation with Tim and does not receive any compensation for this referral.
If Your Property Is Managed by Mesa
Because the homeowner must initiate the application, Mesa cannot apply on your behalf. However, once you’ve been approved for the grant, simply email your property manager and CC timothygalesparks@gmail.com. After that, Mesa will coordinate scheduling and payments directly.
After the Work Is Completed
Earthquake retrofits are excluded from property tax reassessment in California, meaning your taxes will not increase.
To claim the exclusion, you must file Form BOE-64 with your county assessor’s office within 30 days of completing the retrofit.
Here are quick links for major counties:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program?
It’s a California state grant that helps homeowners pay for seismic retrofits on older, raised-foundation homes. The program covers up to $3,000, with extra funding available for low-income households.
How much does an earthquake retrofit cost?
Most retrofits cost between $4,000 and $6,000. With the EBB grant, homeowners typically pay $1,000 to $3,000 out of pocket.
Does my home qualify?
Homes built before 1980 that sit on level ground and have a raised foundation with a concrete perimeter usually qualify.
Can rental properties qualify for EBB?
Yes. Both owner-occupied and rental properties qualify, for up to five properties per owner.
Can I start the retrofit before I’m accepted?
No. If you begin work or pull a permit before being accepted, your project will not be eligible for reimbursement.
Will a retrofit raise my property taxes?
No. Seismic retrofits are excluded from property tax reassessment. File Form BOE-64 with your county assessor to claim the exemption.
How do I apply?
Go to EarthquakeBraceBolt.com during the open enrollment period and complete the short registration form.
