Santa Monica Soft-Story Retrofit Ordinance – Stay Compliant with Cal-Quake
Santa Monica Soft Story Retrofit Program
The City of Santa Monica has one of the most comprehensive seismic retrofit programs in California, requiring property owners to strengthen vulnerable buildings to withstand earthquakes. If your building falls under the ordinance, Cal-Quake provides a full-service solution—from assessment and engineering to permitting and construction—ensuring you stay compliant, protected, and financially secure.
🔗 View the Official Santa Monica Seismic Retrofit Program Here
What Is the West Hollywood Soft-Story Ordinance?
Following seismic studies and lessons from past earthquakes, Santa Monica passed the Seismic Retrofit Program (Ordinance 2537, 2538, and 2539) to strengthen at-risk buildings and prevent structural failures.
Santa Monica’s retrofit requirements are stricter than those in Los Angeles, affecting a wider range of structures, including soft-story buildings, non-ductile concrete buildings, and steel moment frame structures.
Failure to comply with the ordinance can result in legal penalties, loss of insurance eligibility, and increased risk of collapse in an earthquake.
Does your Property Require a Retrofit?
Your building may be subject to the Santa Monica Seismic Retrofit Program if it meets the following criteria:
✅ Multi-story wood-frame building with a soft, weak, or open-front wall on the ground floor
✅ Built before 1996, before modern seismic codes were implemented
✅ Identified by the City of Santa Monica as requiring a mandatory retrofit
✅ Received an official compliance notice from the City of Santa Monica
In addition to soft-story buildings, the ordinance also applies to:
✔️ Non-ductile concrete buildings built before 1977
✔️ Steel moment frame buildings built before 1996
Not sure if your property qualifies? Cal-Quake offers free property evaluations to determine your compliance status and the necessary steps.
How Cal-Quake Can Help
Cal-Quake makes seismic retrofitting straightforward, cost-effective, and minimally disruptive to tenants.
✅ Property Inspection & Structural Assessment – Our engineers analyze your building’s seismic vulnerabilities.
✅ Custom Seismic Engineering Plans – We design cost-effective solutions tailored to meet Santa Monica’s stringent seismic codes.
✅ Permit Filing & Compliance Assistance – We handle all paperwork and city approvals with the City of Santa Monica.
✅ Seismic Reinforcement & Construction – Installation of shear walls, steel moment frames, or foundation reinforcements.
✅ Final Inspection & Certification – Ensuring your building is fully compliant and earthquake-ready.
Why Choose Cal-Quake for Your Santa Monica Retrofit?
🔹 30+ Years of Seismic Retrofitting Expertise – Thousands of successful retrofits completed.
🔹 End-to-End Compliance Solutions – From engineering to final approval, we handle it all.
🔹 Minimized Disruptions – Fast construction with minimal tenant inconvenience.
🔹 Santa Monica Ordinance Specialists – We stay up to date with local seismic safety regulations.
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 the Santa Monica Soft-Story Retrofit Ordinance.
📞 Call us: 323-931-2969
📧 Email: info@cal-quake.com