Soft Story Retrofit in Culver City, CA
Culver City Soft Story Ordinance
Culver City Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Ordinance – What It Means For You
Adopted September 27, 2021.
In 2021, Culver City enacted a mandatory soft-story retrofit ordinance, requiring all qualifying buildings to undergo seismic retrofitting. This ordinance affects the following structures:
Vulnerable buildings are identified by the following criteria:
- All soft, weak, and open front buildings are part of the program. The City conducted a survey to identify buildings that had soft story characteristics.
- Generally built before 1980. A typical cause of a soft story building is where the ground floor parking is located under livable area. Single Family structures are exempt in Culver City.
- Notices were mailed to all property owners of buildings identified by the City as potentially seismically vulnerable.
The purpose of the Culver City Soft Story Ordinance is to promote public welfare and safety by requiring soft story building retrofit.
For a list of properties identified by Culver City as having seismic vulnerabilities requiring a soft story retrofit, click here.
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If you’ve ever driven through a residential street in Culver City lined with apartment buildings, chances are you’ve seen a soft-story property. These buildings have weak or flexible ground floors—often featuring open parking areas beneath living spaces—making them especially vulnerable to earthquakes.
Many older buildings were constructed before modern seismic standards, which means retrofitting is critical for safety. A soft-story retrofit strengthens the structure by adding steel columns anchored to an engineered grade beam, securing the building to the ground and reducing earthquake risks.
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 Culver City, CA and throughout Los Angeles County.
What is a Soft Story Building in Culver City?
A soft story building is a multi-level structure with one or more floors above a ground level that has a large opening such as tuck-under parking or garages, and minimal structural support.
Want to learn more? Read about the soft-story problem and how retrofitting can protect your property here: The Soft Story Problem.
The goal of a soft story retrofit is simple—to secure the structure to the ground below. The bulk of the soft story retrofit upgrade is in erecting steel columns that are anchored to an engineered grade beam.
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 Culver City’s soft-story retrofit ordinance—efficiently and affordably.
Culver City Soft Story Retrofit Deadlines for Owners
- Submit Screening Report – 1 year from notice to the Owner
- Submit Retrofit Plans – 2 years from notice to the Owner
- Obtain Permit – 3 years from notice to the Owner
- Commence Construction – 4 years from notice to the Owner
- Complete Construction – 5 years from notice to the Owner
Structurally Sound, Safe, and Compliant Soft Story Retrofits in Culver City, CA
When it comes to securing your property and meeting the Culver City soft-story ordinance requirements, The Foundation Works is a one-stop shop, delivering expertise, efficiency, and exceptional service you can count on.
- Trusted Industry Experts: With over two decades of experience, we are the top choice for soft-story retrofitting in Culver City and throughout L.A. County.
- Local Code Specialists: Our team possesses extensive knowledge of Culver City’s seismic retrofit regulations, ensuring your property meets all compliance requirements with precision.
- Tailored Engineering Plans: We develop customized retrofit solutions designed specifically for your building’s structure, streamlining the process and preventing costly delays.
- Tenant-Friendly Approach: Our efficient workflow minimizes disruptions to residents and business operations, allowing life to carry on with minimal interruption.