A HUD seismic assessment is a third-party report that needs to be completed by a qualified contractor for HUD loan applications and approvals. It is needed if the project is located in seismic zones 3 or 4 (based on 1997 UBC seismic zone maps). There are three different tiers, or stages of a HUD seismic assessment: Tier 1 Evaluation (Initial Screening Phase), Tier 2 Evaluation (Evaluation Phase), and Tier 3 Evaluation (Detailed Evaluation Phase). Tier 1 involves a general site survey, and generally looks at the overall condition of structures to ensure that adequate data has been collected about the site in regards to ASCE 31 compliance. If there are issues to be resolved, a Tier 2 evaluation will address these. However, if the project needs serious analysis or improvement, then it may require a more fully detailed Tier 3 evaluation.

For more information, please see HUD Seismic Assessments: What You Need to Know and 1997 UBC seismic zone maps.

A HUD seismic assessment must be in compliance with ASCE 31, a set of standardized building safety guidelines from the American Society of Civil Engineers. This study must also be in compliance with HUD MAP guide requirements. Developers should only hire highly experienced, licensed civil or structural engineers who are familiar with seismic analysis. Additionally, the HUD seismic assessment must be completed by a qualified contractor and must be located in seismic zones 3 or 4, based on 1997 UBC seismic zone maps. These include all of California, large amounts of Alaska and Hawaii, some of Oregon, Washington, and Nevada, and a small amount of Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, and Arkansas.

Source: HUD Seismic Assessments: What You Need to Know and 1997 UBC seismic zone maps

A HUD seismic assessment provides a detailed analysis of the seismic safety of a building. This assessment is important for ensuring that a building is safe and meets the standards set by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). The assessment also helps to identify any potential risks associated with the building, such as structural damage or collapse in the event of an earthquake. Additionally, the assessment can help to identify any necessary repairs or upgrades that may be needed to ensure the building is safe and meets the standards set by HUD.

The risks associated with a HUD seismic assessment include the potential for inaccurate or incomplete data, which could lead to costly delays or even the rejection of the loan application. Additionally, the assessment must be completed by a qualified contractor who is familiar with seismic analysis and is in compliance with ASCE 31 and HUD MAP guide requirements. If the contractor is not experienced or qualified, the assessment may not meet HUD standards and the loan application could be rejected.

The cost of a HUD seismic assessment will depend on the size and complexity of the project. Generally, the cost of a seismic assessment can range from $5,000 to $50,000. For more information, you can refer to the Telcordia Seismic Zone Map and the HUD MAP guide requirements.

The timeline for a HUD seismic assessment depends on the complexity of the project and the number of tiers required. Generally, a Tier 1 evaluation can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, while a Tier 2 evaluation can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. A Tier 3 evaluation can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more. For more information, please refer to the HUD Seismic Assessments: What You Need to Know page on our website.