Oakland Soft-Story Retrofit Ordinance – Stay Compliant with Cal-Quake
Oakland Soft Story Retrofit Program
The City of Oakland has implemented a mandatory Soft-Story Retrofit Ordinance to strengthen earthquake-vulnerable buildings and protect residents from structural failures. If you own a multi-story building with a weak ground floor, compliance with this ordinance is required to avoid penalties and ensure your property’s safety.
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At Cal-Quake, we specialize in full-service seismic retrofitting, handling every step—from structural assessments and permitting to full compliance—quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
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🔗 View the Official Oakland Soft-Story Retrofit Program Here
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What Is the Los Angeles Soft-Story Ordinance?
Following extensive seismic studies, the City of Oakland identified hundreds of soft-story buildings that are highly vulnerable to collapse during earthquakes. These structures, typically featuring tuck-under parking or open ground floors, lack the lateral strength needed to withstand seismic activity.
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To address this risk, Oakland’s Soft-Story Retrofit Ordinance requires property owners to seismically strengthen their buildings within a specific timeframe. Failure to comply can result in legal penalties, financial liability, and potential tenant displacement in the event of an earthquake.
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Does your Property Require a Retrofit?
Your building may be subject to the Oakland Soft-Story Ordinance if it meets the following criteria:
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✅ Multi-unit residential or mixed-use building
✅ Built before 1991, prior to modern seismic codes
✅ Soft, weak, or open front wall, including tuck-under parking or ground-level commercial spaces
✅ Received an official compliance notice from the City of Oakland
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Not sure if your building qualifies? Cal-Quake offers free assessments to determine your compliance status and next steps.
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Order to Comply Timelines:
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How Cal-Quake Can Help
Cal-Quake makes seismic retrofitting simple, efficient, and cost-effective with our end-to-end project management.
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✅ Property Inspection & Structural Analysis – We evaluate your building’s vulnerabilities and confirm ordinance requirements.
✅ Custom Seismic Engineering Solutions – Designed to meet Oakland’s retrofit guidelines while minimizing cost and tenant disruption.
✅ Permit Processing & City Compliance Assistance – We handle all documentation and approvals with the City of Oakland.
✅ Seismic Strengthening & Construction – Installation of shear walls, steel moment frames, and other reinforcements.
✅ Final Inspection & Certification – Ensuring full compliance and earthquake resilience.
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Why Choose Cal-Quake for Your Oakland Retrofit?
🔹 30+ Years of Experience – Trusted experts in seismic retrofitting and earthquake engineering.
🔹 Complete Compliance Management – From engineering to final inspections, we handle everything.
🔹 Minimizing Disruptions – Fast, efficient construction to keep tenants and businesses operational.
🔹 Oakland Ordinance Specialists – We stay up to date with city requirements to ensure compliance.
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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 Oak Soft-Story Retrofit Ordinance.
📞 Call us: 323-931-2969
📧 Email: info@cal-quake.com
