City of Oakland Building Services
Oakland Soft-Story Seismic Retrofit Program is available to homeowners in Oakland, CA.
Provides grants to help low- and moderate-income homeowners retrofit wood-frame buildings with soft-story (weak first floor) conditions. Required for multi-unit buildings and available for single-family homes built before 1991.
Grant covers portion of seismic retrofit costs, typically $5,000-$10,000
Data last verified 2026-05-25. How we verify our data.
In Oakland, CA, you can combine this program with other local help to cut your cost:
A grant-savvy contractor in Oakland, CA can handle the paperwork, inspections, and timelines so your funding releases on schedule. Getting matched is free.
You will likely need a contractor to apply
Projects like this almost always need a licensed contractor, and many grants ask for a written estimate as part of your application. Lining up a contractor in Oakland early keeps your application moving.
Get matched with a contractorEach program sets its own contractor rules. Check the official program page for exact requirements.
Documents you will likely need
Requirements vary by program and locality. Confirm the exact rules on the official program page. We can help you prepare your paperwork, but you submit it yourself.
Deadline: Rolling applications
Ask us. It is free, and a real person answers within a business day.
Email us about this programGrant up to $10,000.
Oakland Soft-Story Seismic Retrofit Program is open to homeowners in Oakland, CA.
Apply directly with City of Oakland Building Services using the official program link on this page or call (510) 238-3381. There is no middleman and no fee.
Grant-approved contractors understand the documentation, inspections, and timelines, so your funding releases on schedule.
Rebates and discounts that stack on top of any grant. Most are free to use.
This is just one of many grants, rebates, and free programs available. Stack them together to maximize your savings.
See All Programs