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:
-
Los Angeles will have the nation’s toughest earthquake safety rules
-
City Adopts Earthquake Retrofit Code
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