San Francisco Soft-Story Retrofit Ordinance – Stay Compliant with Cal-Quake
San Francisco Soft Story Retrofit Program
The City of San Francisco has implemented the Mandatory Soft-Story Retrofit Program (MSSP) to improve earthquake resilience and protect multi-story buildings with soft, weak, or open ground floors. If your building is subject to this ordinance, Cal-Quake is here to help you navigate the compliance process—from initial assessment and permitting to full seismic retrofitting—quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
🔗 View the Official San Francisco Soft-Story Retrofit Program Here
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What Is the San Francisco Soft-Story Ordinance?
The San Francisco Mandatory Soft-Story Retrofit Program (MSSP), outlined in Ordinance No. 66-13, was established to strengthen multi-unit residential buildings that are at high risk of collapse during seismic activity.
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The city has identified thousands of at-risk structures, many of which sustained significant damage in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. The ordinance requires property owners to complete seismic retrofitting within a specified timeframe to remain compliant. Failure to comply can result in penalties, legal liabilities, and increased safety risks for tenants.
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Does your Property Require a Retrofit?
Your building may be subject to the San Francisco Soft-Story Ordinance if it meets the following criteria:
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✅ Wood-frame construction with three or more stories
✅ Built before 1978, prior to modern seismic codes
✅ Contains five or more dwelling units
✅ Has a soft, weak, or open-front wall on the ground floor, including tuck-under parking or large open commercial spaces
✅ Received an official compliance notice from the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI)
Not sure if your building qualifies? Cal-Quake offers free property evaluations 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
We handle the entire seismic retrofitting process—from engineering to final inspection—so you don’t have to.
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✅ Property Inspection & Structural Assessment – We evaluate your building’s vulnerabilities and confirm ordinance requirements.
✅ Custom Seismic Engineering Plans – Designed to meet San Francisco’s strict retrofit guidelines while maximizing cost-effectiveness.
✅ Permit Processing & Compliance Management – We handle all paperwork and city approvals with the San Francisco DBI.
✅ Seismic Strengthening & Construction – Installation of shear walls, steel moment frames, and other reinforcements.
✅ Final Inspection & Certification – Ensuring your building is fully compliant and earthquake-ready.
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Why Choose Cal-Quake for Your Pasadena Retrofit?
🔹 30+ Years of Seismic Retrofitting Expertise – Thousands of successful projects completed.
🔹 End-to-End Compliance Solutions – We handle everything from engineering to final inspections.
🔹 Cost-Effective & Efficient – Get high-quality retrofitting at competitive rates.
🔹 San Francisco Ordinance Specialists – We stay up to date with DBI requirements to ensure full 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 San Francisco Soft-Story Retrofit Ordinance.
📞 Call us: 323-931-2969
📧 Email: info@cal-quake.com
