Los Angeles Soft-Story Retrofit Ordinance – Stay Compliant with Cal-Quake

Los Angeles has enacted one of the nation’s most aggressive seismic retrofit mandates, requiring thousands of property owners to strengthen vulnerable soft-story buildings. If your building falls under the ordinance, Cal-Quake is here to guide you through the entire process—from assessment and permitting to full compliance—efficiently and cost-effectively.

​

🔗 View the Official Los Angeles Soft-Story Retrofit Program Here

​

What Is the Los Angeles Soft-Story Ordinance?

The Los Angeles Mandatory Soft-Story Retrofit Program (Ordinance 183893 & 184081) was established in response to the devastating 1994 Northridge Earthquake, which caused catastrophic collapses of soft-story buildings.

​

The city identified more than 13,500 at-risk buildings requiring mandatory retrofitting to improve earthquake resilience.

Failure to comply can result in fines, legal liabilities, and increased risk of structural failure in the event of an earthquake.

​

Los Angeles has a Tenant Habitability Plan (THP) requirement and a Cost Recovery program which allows the property owner to potentially recoup up to 50% of the cost of construction over the span of 10 years. Cal-Quake handles both of those for you!

​

Does your Property Require a Retrofit?

Your building may be subject to the Los Angeles Soft-Story Ordinance if it meets the following criteria:

​

✅ Multi-story residential or mixed-use building
✅ Built before 1978, prior to updated seismic codes
✅ Soft, weak, or open ground floor, such as tuck-under parking or commercial storefronts
✅ Received an official compliance notice from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)

​

If you are unsure whether your property is affected, Cal-Quake provides free consultations to determine your compliance requirements.

​​

Order to Comply Timelines:

The Los Angeles soft story retrofit timelines, from the receipt of the Order to Comply, are:

• 2 years: submit proof of previous retrofit or submit plans done by an engineer or architect showing the retrofitting needed or plans to demolish

• 5 years (from the original compliance date, so 1.5 years after the engineering deadline): obtain a permit to begin construction or demolition

• 7 years, total, from the original compliance date: complete retrofit construction

​

How Cal-Quake Can Help

Cal-Quake makes compliance easy with a full-service retrofit approach, handling every aspect of your project to ensure safety and efficiency.

​

✅ Property Inspection & Compliance Assessment – We identify vulnerabilities and confirm if your building is subject to the ordinance.
✅ Custom Seismic Engineering Plans – Designed to meet city code while maximizing cost-effectiveness.
✅ Permit Filing & LADBS Approval – We manage all paperwork and city requirements.
✅ Seismic Retrofitting & Construction – Installation of structural reinforcements, including steel moment frames and shear walls.
✅ Final Inspection & Certification – Ensuring your building is fully compliant and earthquake-resistant.

​

Why Choose Cal-Quake for Your Los Angeles Retrofit?

🔹 30+ Years of Experience – Leading experts in seismic retrofitting and structural engineering with hundreds of retrofits completed.
🔹 End-to-End Compliance Assistance – We handle everything, so you don’t have to.
🔹 Cost-Effective & Fast Turnaround – Minimizing tenant disruption while ensuring top-tier safety.
🔹 Los Angeles Ordinance Specialists – Our team stays up to date with LADBS requirements.

​

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 Los Angeles's Soft-Story Retrofit Ordinance.

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