SOFT STORY SEISMIC RETROFITTING

FULL-SERVICE ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION IN LOS ANGELES
As seen posted by the LADBS, the City of Los Angeles passed Ordinance 183893, which requires the retrofit of pre-1978 wood-frame soft-story buildings and non-ductile concrete buildings. The goal of the mandatory retrofit ordinance is to reduce these structural shortfalls and improve the safety of the flagged buildings during earthquakes in Southern California. Deprived of retrofitting, the weak buildings may be exposed to major structural damage. See how apartments can collapse during an earthquake in this LA Times infographic.
Buildings that are most vulnerable have been identified with the following conditions:
  • Consist of 2 or more stories of wood frame construction
  • Built under building code standards enacted before January 1, 1978
  • Contain ground floor parking or other similar open floor space
The program does not apply to residential buildings with 3 or fewer units.
More information can be found in the following articles:

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO COMPLY?

FROM THE RECEIPT OF THE ORDER TO COMPLY WITH THE  RETROFIT ORDINANCE
  • 2 years: Submit proof of previous retrofit, or plans to retrofit or demolish
  • 3.5 years: Obtain a permit to start construction or demolition
  • 7 years: Complete construction

Helpful Information on the Soft-Story Retrofit Program by the LADBS

DOES MY BUILDING REQUIRE RETROFITTING?

See if your building was selected for a retrofit by entering your address in this interactive database.
If you live in the Los Angeles area and received a notice to comply with the local retrofit ordinance you are not alone. Over 13,000 soft-story properties must do the same. The important place to start is to get an assessment. It is possible that your building doesn’t need retrofitting or that there is a solution for your building that can be very simple. Retrofitting costs and solutions vary, but you can rest assured knowing that Global Builders Inc offers a value engineering approach that is both economical and compliant with the local ordinance.

The lowest Price Guaranteed!

Global Builders Inc’s price is guaranteed to hold as the complete price from day one to day last. We cover your engineering fees, permit fees, construction costs, tenant notification requirements, required 3rd party testing, city sign-offs, and the final Certificate of Occupancy.
Before you start the complicated process of your soft-story retrofitting alone please take a moment to call Global Builders Inc Retrofit Services for your free evaluation at +1 949 923 0657