Burbank Soft-Story Retrofit Ordinance – Stay Compliant with Cal-Quake

Burbank has approved several earthquake retrofit ordinances to safeguard properties, promote public welfare, and mitigate risks from seismic forces. Three mandatory programs require retrofitting for commercial structures, including unreinforced masonry, reinforced concrete and masonry buildings, and welded steel moment frame buildings. These ordinances aim to protect commercial properties against earthquake damage by strengthening their foundations and support structures.

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At Cal-Quake, we specialize in structural retrofitting solutions that meet Burbank’s requirements, ensuring your building remains safe, compliant, and structurally sound.

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🔗 View the Official Burbank Soft-Story Retrofit Program Here

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What Is the Burbank Soft-Story Ordinance?

In response to growing seismic risks, the City of Burbank has identified soft-story buildings as particularly vulnerable to collapse during earthquakes. These structures, often featuring tuck-under parking or open commercial spaces on the ground floor, lack the lateral strength necessary to withstand seismic forces.

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To address this issue, the city enacted an ordinance requiring property owners to evaluate and retrofit qualifying buildings within a specified timeline. Failure to comply could result in penalties, legal liabilities, and increased safety risks.

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Mandatory Commercial Retrofit Ordinances in Burbank: Protect Your Business from Seismic Forces

Burbank requires mandatory retrofit ordinances to address seismic vulnerabilities in commercial buildings. By requiring retrofitting, the city strengthens structural integrity and reduces the likelihood of collapse, promoting public welfare through increased safety.

• 9-1-7-100 Unreinforced Masonry Buildings

• 9-1-7-200 Reinforced Concrete & Masonry Buildings

• 9-1-7-600 Welded Steel Moment Frame Buildings

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Voluntary Retrofit Ordinances in Burbank: Keep Your Building Safe

With voluntary retrofit ordinances, Burbank encourages building owners to take proactive steps and reinforce their properties. For soft-story residential buildings—commonly featuring open parking or weak street-facing walls—retrofitting strengthens weak points, reducing earthquake hazards for one or more stories.

• 9-1-7-A300 Seismic Strengthening of Cripple Walls and Sill Plate Anchorage of Light, Wood-Frame Residential Buildings

• 9-1-7-A400 Earthquake Hazard Reduction in Existing Wood Frame Residential Buildings with Soft, Weak or Open Front Walls (Soft-Story) 

• 9-1-7-A500 Earthquake Reduction in Existing Concrete and Concrete with Masonry Infill Buildings 

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How Cal-Quake Can Help

Cal-Quake streamlines the retrofitting process to ensure full compliance with Burbank’s regulations while minimizing disruptions to tenants and businesses.

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✅ Site Inspection & Structural Assessment – Our engineers evaluate your building’s seismic vulnerabilities.
✅ Custom Seismic Engineering Plans – Designed to strengthen structural weaknesses while adhering to city codes.
✅ Permit Filing & Compliance Management – We handle all necessary approvals to fast-track your project.
✅ Seismic Reinforcement & Construction – Expert installation of shear walls, steel moment frames, or cantilever columns.
✅ Final Inspection & Certification – Ensuring your building is compliant and earthquake-resistant.

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Why Choose Cal-Quake for Your Berkeley Retrofit?
🔹 30+ Years of Seismic Retrofitting Expertise – Thousands of successful projects completed.
🔹 Hassle-Free Process – We manage engineering, permits, and construction from start to finish.
🔹 Cost-Effective & Efficient – Get high-quality retrofitting at competitive rates.
🔹 Beverly Hills Compliance Experts – We stay up to date with local regulations so you don’t have to.

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Get Started Today – Free Consultation!
Don’t wait until it’s too late—earthquake retrofits protect lives, property, and your investment. Contact Cal-Quake today for a free consultation and ensure your building is compliant with Burbank's Soft-Story Retrofit Ordinance.

📞 Call us: 323-931-2969
📧 Email: info@cal-quake.com