Parma's Seismic Design Category, explained

Under the seismic model IBC and ASCE 7 use for new construction, Parma is Category B. Low seismic hazard. Code requires basic seismic detailing (bracing, connections) but no special structural system restrictions. That puts Parma in the 48th percentile nationally for seismic hazard - higher than 48% of the 4,875 US cities USGS was checked against here.

Where Parma sits in Ohio

USGS's underlying values for Parma: 0.073g peak ground acceleration, 0.137g at short period, 0.05g at 1 second. Within Ohio alone, Parma ranks 74 of 254 cities by seismic hazard - the 71th percentile in-state. Parma has a population of about 79,350.

Bracing and bolting: the actual cost

A full earthquake retrofit typically runs $5,000-$10,000 nationally (around $7,000 typical), driven mainly by house size and foundation type, not by Ohio specifically. California's Earthquake Brace + Bolt grant, which covers a large share of this cost, is a California-only program and does not apply in Ohio.

What this means for insurance

A Parma homeowner cannot buy a standalone earthquake policy in most cases - it is added to an existing homeowners policy as an endorsement, so the place to start is a regular home-insurance quote.

Where Parma's figures come from

Parma's Category B and every number above trace to USGS's own ASCE 7-16 Design Maps service - see the methodology guide. See the category explainer for what Category B does and doesn't tell you about Parma.