The paper reviews current ordinances and standards in use and under discussion on the western seaboard of the United States with particular reference to the cities of Seattle, Sacramento, Santa Rosa, Long Beach, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Details of various upgrading methods and testing procedures are included. In New Zealand, both the objective and standards required to achieve that objective appear far more clear. Some personal thoughts are given on a more systematic approach to the upgrading of high earthquake risk buildings in this country.