Oregon is part of the Cascadia Subduction Zone which is prone to seismic activity. Older buildings, especially those built before 1980, are unlikely to withstand a large earthquake and could be severely damaged. You can reinforce buildings easily and inexpensively.

Washington County does not require building permits ord inspections for seismic upgrades, though we will issue voluntary residential seismic upgrades on request. These permits provide documentation of resilience analysis and installation of seismic-resistive devices.