Soft Story Retrofit in Beverly Hills, CA
Beverly Hills Soft Story Ordinance
Beverly Hills Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Ordinance – What It Means For You
Adopted June 2019.
The City of Beverly Hills adopted a Soft Story Retrofit Ordinance in June 2019 to enhance earthquake safety by strengthening older wood-frame buildings with vulnerable ground floors.
Buildings constructed before 1980 that have four or more units with open or parking spaces on the ground floor are required to comply with the ordinance. Approximately [insert estimated number] buildings fall under this program.
Financial Assistance and Support
- The City provides resources and guidance to property owners throughout the retrofit process.
- While direct grant programs are limited, owners can explore state and federal funding opportunities.
- Informational meetings and technical assistance sessions are available regularly.
Compliance Steps
- Property owners receive notices with clear deadlines.
- A phased approach includes building evaluation, retrofit design, permit acquisition, and construction completion.
- Retrofitting improves occupant safety and helps preserve property value.
For more information and to view the list of affected properties, click here to check the Beverly Hills Seismic Retrofit Program.
Let’s Start Planning!
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a confirmation. You will be contacted to confirm your appointment.
*Inspections are offered free to owner-occupied homes not on the market to be sold within our serviceable areas.
What is Soft-Story Retrofitting and How Does It Protect Your Property?
Soft story retrofitting is the process of reinforcing your building to make it more resilient against earthquakes. The goal is to secure the structure firmly to the ground below, transforming a vulnerable property into a safer, more stable one.
The core of a soft-story retrofit upgrade often involves the strategic erection of steel columns. These columns are anchored to an engineered grade beam, providing robust support where it’s needed most. This innovative approach adds critical structural integrity, especially to those open ground-level areas like tuck-under parking or garages. By reinforcing these inherently weaker points, we prevent the building from swaying or collapsing during seismic activity, safeguarding both the property and its occupants.
With more than 800 five-star reviews online and 20+ years of experience, The Foundation Works is a top-rated foundation repair and earthquake retrofit company that specializes in soft-story retrofitting in Beverly Hills, CA and throughout Los Angeles County.
What is a Soft Story Building in Beverly Hills?
Have you ever noticed those multi-level apartment buildings in Beverly Hills with open ground floors, often used for parking? These are typically “soft-story” buildings, and while they offer convenient parking, their unique structural design presents a significant challenge: vulnerability to earthquakes.
A soft-story building is characterized by one or more floors above a ground level that has large openings and minimal structural support. This common architectural style, especially prevalent in older constructions, makes them particularly susceptible to damage during seismic events. The weak or flexible ground floor can sway excessively, leading to significant structural distress or even collapse.
Many of these buildings were constructed before modern seismic standards were in place. This means that while they might look sturdy, they may not be prepared for the powerful earthquakes that are a reality in our region. This is where soft-story retrofitting becomes not just beneficial, but critical for safety. Retrofitting involves strengthening the structure, securing it to the ground, and dramatically reducing earthquake risks.
The Foundation Works provides comprehensive, start-to-finish soft-story retrofits, handling everything from engineering plans to final stucco repairs. With a strong track record of delivering reliable, code-compliant solutions, we make it easy for property owners to navigate Beverly Hills soft-story retrofit ordinance—efficiently and affordably.
Dates & timelines provided by the City of Beverly Hills Building and Safety Division. Click here to view original compliance schedule.
Your Trusted Partner for Soft-Story Retrofits in Beverly Hills
When it comes to the safety and longevity of your property, you need a partner you can trust. We specialize in structurally sound, safe, and compliant soft-story retrofits across Beverly Hills and throughout L.A. County.
- Trusted Industry Experts: With over two decades of dedicated experience in seismic retrofitting, we are a leading choice for soft-story solutions. Our extensive track record speaks to our expertise and commitment to quality.
- Local Code Specialists: We possess in-depth knowledge of Beverly Hills seismic retrofit regulations. This expertise ensures that your property’s upgrade meets all compliance requirements with precision, avoiding costly delays and ensuring a smooth process.
- Best Engineering Plans: Every building is unique, and so are its retrofitting needs. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our team develops customized engineering plans designed specifically for your building’s structure, streamlining the process and ensuring the most effective and efficient retrofit possible.