Guidance and Recommendations for the Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Multi-Unit Wood-Frame Buildings with Weak First Stories (FEMA P-807-1)

This technical guidance document provides detailed recommendations for the seismic evaluation and retrofit of multi-unit wood-frame buildings with weak first stories. It covers seismic evaluation criteria, retrofit design examples using special cantilever columns, wood-structural-panel shear walls, and lateral-torsional bracing for steel moment frames. The resource also addresses collector design, steel moment frame modeling, base fixity considerations, and provides retrofit cost estimates. It is intended for professionals involved in the seismic retrofit of vulnerable residential buildings.