WHERE WE WORK

OREGON

Oregon faces significant seismic risk, especially west of the Cascades, where major population centers sit atop some of the most dangerous fault zones in the country. Many commercial, industrial, and multifamily buildings in Oregon were constructed before modern seismic codes and remain vulnerable to collapse or costly damage during a major earthquake.

 

While mandatory retrofitting ordinances are still emerging in Oregon, property owners are taking proactive steps to safeguard lives, reduce financial risk, and meet the requirements of insurers and lenders.

Seismic Risk Is Rising in Oregon

Oregon’s geography places it directly in the path of several active and dangerous faults. The most notable seismic threats include:

Cascadia Subduction Zone

A massive offshore fault capable of magnitude 9.0+ earthquakes; the greatest seismic threat to the Pacific Northwest

Portland Hills Fault

Runs beneath Portland’s downtown core, posing major risk to the metro region

Gales Creek Fault

Located just west of Portland and capable of damaging inland earthquakes

East Bank Fault

Lies under central Portland and contributes to localized shaking

Mount Angel Fault

Affects the mid-Willamette Valley region

Given Oregon’s aging infrastructure, high water table, and population density in seismic zones, retrofitting is becoming a critical part of responsible property ownership.

Areas We Serve in Oregon

Saunders Seismic supports commercial and industrial properties across the state, including:

Multnomah County (Portland)

Washington County (Beaverton, Hillsboro)

Clackamas County (Lake Oswego, Oregon City)

Marion County (Salem)

Lane County (Eugene, Springfield)

Jackson County (Medford)

Deschutes County (Bend, Redmond)

Linn County (Albany)

Benton County (Corvallis)

CASE STUDY

Guiding a First-Time Owner Through Seismic Retrofit and Unexpected Repairs

Guided a first-time owner through a seamless seismic retrofit, protecting high-value inventory, resolving surprise issues fast, and delivering the project with total tenant satisfaction.

N/a. Montebello, CA

40+
YEARS
Seismic retrofitting experience
2500+
RETROFITS
Completed across five Western states
$3M+
CLIENTS SAVED ANNUALLY
Through experience, process, and design reviews

What our clients have to say

“Saunders Construction has completed the construction of numerous seismic retrofits for some of our most valued clients with projects in seismically vulnerable states of California, Washington, and Nevada.

 

We are able to recommend your firm to our clients because we have confidence that your organization will execute the work according to the construction documents prepared by our office and with the extra care and attention required by the building tenants.”

Jeff Dyer

J.S. DYER & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Partner With Saunders for Your Next Project

At Saunders Seismic, we make seismic retrofits straightforward, not overwhelming. Whether you manage a REIT, oversee multiple properties, or simply need a reliable partner for your next retrofit project, we support every stage—from early budgeting through final closeout—with clear communication, minimal tenant disruption, and cost-conscious execution.

 

The result? Safer buildings, smoother construction, and peace of mind for owners, investors, and property teams.

 

Protect your portfolio and preserve long-term value. Contact Saunders Seismic today to start planning with confidence.