Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) Retrofit Program

The Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) Retrofit Program is a grant initiative that provides financial assistance to eligible California homeowners to complete building code-compliant seismic retrofits. The program aims to reduce earthquake damage risk for older, vulnerable homes by reinforcing their foundations through bolting and bracing methods. Administered under the California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP), EBB supports low-cost, effective retrofits for qualifying properties. The EBB retrofit process strengthens homes by bolting the wood frame to the foundation and, where needed, bracing cripple walls in the crawl space with plywood. This seismic reinforcement helps prevent homes from sliding or toppling off their foundations during earthquakes. Homes must be wood-framed, constructed before 1980, and built on raised foundations or with accessible crawl spaces. Retrofit grants of up to $3,000 are available, with additional support of up to $7,000 through a supplemental grant for homeowners earning $89,040 or less annually, subject to available funding. To qualify, applicants must own and reside in the home being retrofitted. Non-owner-occupied residences can also apply during designated registration periods but are limited to five properties per owner. Properties must be in eligible ZIP Codes, on level or slightly sloped ground, and must not have already undergone a retrofit. Applicants complete an online registration form, which assesses eligibility through a series of house-specific questions. Registration typically opens between August and October. During this time, homeowners can submit applications online. CRMP also offers notifications and program updates via email sign-up. The grant is intended for retrofit projects that comply with current seismic safety standards and are not under contract at the time of application. Contractors and homeowners must coordinate through EBB-approved pathways and processes. The EBB program contributes to public safety and disaster preparedness by making critical structural improvements accessible to more California residents, especially those in high-risk seismic zones and low-income households. The program is not recurring on a fixed schedule but typically reopens annually, dependent on state funding cycles.

Check ZIP Code eligibility first; ensure house has not already been retrofitted; gather income documentation if applying for supplemental grant.