Pasadena Soft Story Retrofitting
Pasadena Soft Story Ordinance
Pasadena Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Ordinance – What It Means For You
Adopted May 20, 2019.
In 2019, the City of Pasadena adopted a mandatory soft-story retrofit ordinance, requiring seismic retrofits to certain categories of potentially vulnerable buildings. The City of Pasadena has determined that there are approximately 493 wood soft-story buildings that require evaluation and possible retrofit.
Ordinance No. 7345 applies to all existing buildings of wood-frame construction, or wood-frame portions thereof, where:
- A permit for construction of a new building was applied for on or before November 12, 1976, or if no permit can be located, the structure is determined by the Building Official to have been built under Building Code standards enacted prior to November 12, 1976, and
- The ground floor or basement portion of the structure contains parking or other similar open floor space that causes Soft, Weak, Open-Front Wall Lines.
As of August 2021, Notice and Order has been sent to all owners of affected properties in Priorities 1, 2 and 3 that may require a soft story retrofit. To find out what type of properties are not a part of the Ordinance, click here.
Pasadena Soft Story Retrofit Contractor
Soft-story buildings identified in the Pasadena Soft Story Retrofit Ordinance are wood-framed buildings with more than one story that typically have extensive ground story windows, garage doors, or open-air spaces (such as parking, with or without garage doors, large window openings, etc.) with little or no solid walls—making them especially vulnerable to earthquakes.
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 Pasadena, CA and throughout Los Angeles County.
What is a Soft Story Building in Pasadena?
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 The City of Pasadena’s soft-story retrofit ordinance—efficiently and affordably.
Pasadena Soft Story Retrofit Deadlines for Owners
- 1 Year from Notice to Owner – Submit a completed Screening Form (Optional) if Owner believes property is exempt from Ordinance. There is no fee for the review.
- 3 Years from Notice to Owner (This timeline has been extended to 4-years pursuant to Resolution No. 9774 – Submit Retrofit Plans & Obtain Building Permit.
- 7 Years from Notice to Owner – Complete Construction.
Structurally Sound, Safe, and Compliant Soft Story Retrofits in Pasadena, CA
When it comes to securing your property and meeting the Pasadena 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 Pasadena and throughout L.A. County.
- Local Code Specialists: Our team possesses extensive knowledge of Pasadena’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.
We pride ourselves on being an authority in the industry. We will gladly help you with any questions that you may have!
Phone: (323) 663-4841
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