WHERE WE WORK

WASHINGTON

Washington is one of the most earthquake-prone states in the U.S., with a high concentration of faults running beneath its densely populated regions. Many commercial and industrial buildings—especially those built before modern codes were adopted—remain vulnerable to serious structural damage during a seismic event.

 

From Seattle to Spokane, earthquake retrofitting has become a critical safeguard. While Washington currently has fewer mandated retrofit ordinances than California, proactive building owners are taking steps to reduce risk, meet lender requirements, and ensure business continuity.

Seismic Risk Is High in Washington

Washington faces unique seismic threats due to its complex fault system and proximity to the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Notable fault lines and zones of concern include:

Cascadia Subduction Zone

A megathrust fault capable of magnitude 9.0+ earthquakes, affecting coastal and inland areas

Seattle Fault Zone

Runs directly beneath Seattle, posing major risk to the metro area

South Whidbey Island Fault

Extends through Island, Snohomish, and King counties

Tacoma Fault

A lesser-known but highly dangerous fault running beneath the southern Puget Sound

Given the frequency and severity of seismic events across the state, strengthening your building isn’t just about compliance—it’s a vital investment in long-term safety and operational resilience.

Areas We Serve in Washington

We proudly serve commercial and industrial properties throughout Washington, including:

King County (Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton)

Pierce County (Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup)

Snohomish County (Everett, Lynnwood, Marysville)

Spokane County (Spokane, Spokane Valley)

Clark County (Vancouver, Camas)

Thurston County (Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater)

Kitsap County (Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard)

Yakima County (Yakima, Sunnyside)

Whatcom County (Bellingham, Ferndale)

Skagit County (Mount Vernon, Burlington)

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.