Tap to get financing
HUD 221(d)(4) Loans
Information
Loan Facts Terms, Qualifications & GuidelinesInterest RateTerm SheetHUD Multifamily LoansStatutory LimitProcessRefinanceHUD Multifamily Construction Loans
Application
Application ProcessChecklist
Knowledge base
HUD 221(d)(4) FAQsGlossary
Developers
General Contractor RequirementsDeveloper Requirements & Fees3rd Party Reports & GuidelinesAppraisal ProcessMarket StudyArchitectural and Engineering ReportsDavis Bacon WagesEnvironmental Assessments
About
About HUD 221(d)(4) LoanContact usLeadership
Forms
Typical Loan TimetableDetailed Operating Statement & Underwriting AnalysisEstimate of Replacement & Construction Costs
Get financing
Newly Published
Jun 14 at HUD 221(d)(4) Loans
What is Underwriting?
Jun 14 at HUD 221(d)(4) Loans
What are the Benefits of Non-Recourse Loans?
Jun 14 at HUD 221(d)(4) Loans
Market Rate vs. Affordable Properties in Relation to HUD 221(d)(4) Loans
Explore the Janover Network
Mar 24 at Multifamily Loans
The Best 3 Multifamily Loans for Affordable Housing in 2023
Mar 20 at Multifamily Loans
Multifamily Minute Reader Reflections: How Will Bank Failures Impact Multifamily?
Mar 17 at Commercial Real Estate Loans
Top 10 Commercial Real Estate Lenders of 2023
Was This Article Helpful?
HUD 221(d)(4) Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated on Feb 19, 2023
2 min read

HUD Seismic Assessments: What You Need to Know

One of the parts of the HUD loan application and approval process is getting a HUD seismic assessment, which is needed if your HUD 221(d)(4) project is located in seismic zones 3 or 4. Seismic zones 3 and 4 (based on 1997 UBC seismic zone maps) are generally located in areas including all of California, large amounts of Alaska and Hawaii, some Oregon, Washington, and Nevada, and a small amount of Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, and Arkansas.

Better Financing Starts with More Options Start Your Application and Unlock the Power of Choice. Click Here to Get Quotes →$1.2M offered by a Bank at 6.0%$2M offered by an Agency at 5.6%$1M offered by a Credit Union at 5.1%Click Here to Get Quotes
In this article:
  1. HUD-Compliant Seismic Assessments: The Basics 
  2. HUD Seismic Assessments Must Be In Compliance With ASCE 31 
  3. Different Elements of HUD Seismic Assessments
  4. To learn more about the HUD 221(d)(4) loan program, fill out the form below and a HUD loan specialist will get in touch. 
  5. Related Questions
  6. Get Financing

HUD-Compliant Seismic Assessments: The Basics 

One part of the HUD loan application and approval process is a HUD seismic assessment. This is needed if your HUD 221(d)(4) project is located in seismic zones 3 or 4 (based on 1997 UBC seismic zone maps). In general, 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. Just like an appraisal, environmental assessment, or market study, a seismic assessment is a third-party report that needs to be completed by a qualified contractor. 

HUD Seismic Assessments Must Be In Compliance With ASCE 31 

If your development project is located in seismic zones 3 or 4, you will most likely need to order a HUD seismic assessment in compliance with ASCE 31, a set of standardized building safety guidelines from the American Society of Civil Engineers. This study, which must also be in compliance with HUD MAP guide requirements, will require a high degree of technical and engineering expertise. Therefore, developers should only hire highly experienced, licensed civil or structural engineers who are familiar with seismic analysis. 

Different Elements of HUD Seismic Assessments

There are three different tiers, or stages of a HUD seismic assessment. Depending on your project, you may not need to go through with all of them. These include: 

  • Tier 1 Evaluation: Initial Screening Phase

  • Tier 2 Evaluation: Evaluation Phase

  • 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. 

To learn more about the HUD 221(d)(4) loan program, fill out the form below and a HUD loan specialist will get in touch. 

Related Questions

What is a HUD seismic assessment?

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.

What are the requirements for a HUD seismic assessment?

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

What are the benefits of a HUD seismic assessment?

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.

What are the risks associated with a HUD seismic assessment?

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.

How much does a HUD seismic assessment cost?

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.

What is the timeline for a HUD seismic assessment?

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.

In this article:
  1. HUD-Compliant Seismic Assessments: The Basics 
  2. HUD Seismic Assessments Must Be In Compliance With ASCE 31 
  3. Different Elements of HUD Seismic Assessments
  4. To learn more about the HUD 221(d)(4) loan program, fill out the form below and a HUD loan specialist will get in touch. 
  5. Related questions
  6. Get Financing
Categories
  • FHA 221(d)(4) Loans
  • HUD 221(d)(4) Loans
Tags
  • HUD Loan Approval
  • HUD Seismic Assessment
  • HUD 221(d)(4)
  • FHA 221(d)(4) Loans
  • FHA Multifamily Financing
  • FHA Multifamily Loans
  • HUD 221(d)(4) Loan
  • FHA 221(d)(4) Loan

Getting commercial property financing should be easy.⁠ Now it is.

Click below for a free, no obligation quote and to learn more about your loan options.

Get financing →
Janover logo

HUD 221(d)(4) Loans is a Janover company. Please visit some of our family of sites at: Multifamily Loans, Multifamily Today, Commercial Real Estate Loans, SBA7a Loans, CMBS Loans, Apartment Loans, HUD Loans, HUD 221d4 Loan, HUD 232 Loan, HUD 223f Loan, HUD 223a7 Loan, SBA Express Loans, SBA 504 Loans, and OpportunityZones Help.

Janover Inc.

6401 Congress Ave
Ste 250
Boca Raton FL 33487

[email protected]

Site Information

Privacy Policy
Terms of Use

This website is owned by a private company that offers business advice, information and other services related to multifamily, commercial real estate, and business financing. We have no affiliation with any government agency and are not a lender. We are a technology company that uses software and experience to bring lenders and borrowers together. By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies, our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use cookies to provide you with a great experience and to help our website run effectively.

Freddie Mac® and Optigo® are registered trademarks of Freddie Mac. Fannie Mae® is a registered trademark of Fannie Mae. We are not affiliated with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae.

Copyright © 2022 Janover Inc. All rights reserved.