From past earthquakes, multi-story buildings with weak and/or open front wall lines creating a “soft-story” (i.e. buildings with tuck-under-parking) performed poorly and collapsed.
The goal of the city’s mandatory retrofit program, under Los Angeles Soft Story Ordinances 183893 and 184081, is to reduce structural deficiencies by the most economical and feasible method. Without proper strengthening, these vulnerable buildings may be subjected to structural failure during and/or after an earthquake.
Buildings that are most vulnerable have been identified with the following criteria:
- Consist of 2 or more stories wood frame construction
- Built under building code standards enacted before January 1, 1978
- Contains ground floor parking or other similar open floor space
The program does not apply to residential buildings with 3 or less units.
Order to Comply
Each property owner of these buildings will be sent an order to comply. These orders will be sent accordingly based on the following priorities:
| Priority | Categories | Start date of Sending Out Orders |
|---|---|---|
| I. Buildings with 16 or more dwelling units | 3-story and above | May 2, 2016 |
| 2-story | July 22, 2016 | |
| II. Buildings with 3 or more stories | with less than 16 units | Oct 17, 2016 |
| III. Buildings not falling within the definition of Priority I or II | with 9-15 units | TBD |
| with 7-8 units | TBD | |
| with 4-6 units | TBD | |
| Condos/Commercial | TBD |
The property owner must comply with the ordinance within the following time limits:
From the receipt of the Order to Comply:
- 2 years: Submit proof of previous retrofit, or plans to retrofit or demolish
- 3.5 years: Obtain permit to start construction or demolition
- 7 years: Complete construction
Seismic Synergies specializes in retrofitting buildings for earthquakes in the greater Los Angeles area. We perform both engineering and construction on these projects and offer a 100% financed solution to those who qualify. Get your seismic retrofit completed within 30 days of construction, guaranteed!
Contact us now for more information on proceeding with your seismic retrofit.
