There is a long overdue requirement for urban multi-storey and self-build small buildings to improve the standard of their construction. After almost every urban earthquake, the call goes out for building construction to be improved. But what are the requirements for improving building construction, and how can they be achieved; and are there other housing strategies to be considered for the achievement of earthquake disaster reduction as an integral part of sustainable development? . . . micro-zoning of earthquake risk can be used to modify population occupancy and to modify construction standards. Peru is an example of the practice and Turkey is an example of the need.