Los Angeles Seismic Retrofit Resources
The Los Angeles Soft-Story Retrofit Program targets 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 mandatory retrofit program, under Ordinance 183893 and Ordinance 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:
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Consist of 2 or more stories wood frame construction
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Built under building code standards enacted before January 1, 1978
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Contains ground floor parking or other similar open floor space
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The program does not apply to residential buildings with 3 or less units.
Each property owner of these buildings will be sent an order to comply based on the following schedule and priorities:
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May 2, 2016 3 Story buildings with 16 or more dwelling units
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July 22, 2016 2 Story buildings with 16 or more dwelling units
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Oct 17, 2016 Buildings with 3 or more stories with less than 16 units
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Jan 30, 2017 9-15 unit buildings not falling within the definition of Priority I or II
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May 29, 2017 7-8 unit buildings not falling within the definition of Priority I or II
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Aug 14, 2017 4-6 unit buildings not falling within the definition of Priority I or II
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Oct 30, 2017 Condos/Commercial
​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