Soft Story Retrofit in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles Soft Story Ordinance
Los Angeles Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Ordinance – What It Means For You
Adopted November 22, 2015.
The Los Angeles City Council enacted Ordinance No. 183893 on November 22, 2015, establishing mandatory seismic retrofit requirements for wood-frame buildings with soft stories. This ordinance is designed to improve the earthquake safety and durability of older buildings in Los Angeles by targeting weaknesses found in soft-story structures.
Scope of the Ordinance
This ordinance covers existing wood-frame buildings already standing that fit the following conditions:
- Constructed before January 1, 1978
- Contain four or more dwelling units
- Feature a ground floor with parking or open space, creating a “soft” first story
Approximately 13,500 buildings in Los Angeles fall within the scope of this ordinance.
Compliance Timeline
Property owners must adhere to the following deadlines after receiving the Order to Comply:
- Within 2 years: Provide a structural report and retrofit or demolition plans, or show evidence of a completed retrofit.
- Within 3.5 years: Secure all required permits for the retrofit or demolition work.
- Within 7 years: Finish the retrofit or demolition and close out all permits.
While the City of Los Angeles does not currently offer direct grants for soft story retrofits, property owners may explore other funding options:
The Earthquake Soft-Story (ESS) Grant Program provides financial assistance up to $13,000 to qualified homeowners to help with seismic retrofit costs. Eligibility criteria include owning and residing in a single-family home built before 2000 with living space over a garage.
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Recent Developments
In April 2025, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) canceled over $30 million in grants intended for seismic retrofits in California, including Los Angeles. These funds were part of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program and were aimed at retrofitting multifamily soft story buildings. The cancellation has left many property owners seeking alternative funding sources to comply with the mandatory retrofit requirements.
Visit the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) Soft Story Retrofit Program
Expert Soft Story Retrofits in Los Angeles
Throughout many residential neighborhoods in Los Angeles, soft-story buildings are a common sight. These structures feature weak or flexible ground floors—typically open parking areas beneath residential units—which make them particularly vulnerable to earthquake damage. Due to the city’s seismic activity and the age of these buildings, ensuring their structural integrity is a critical safety concern.
Many soft-story buildings were constructed before the adoption of modern seismic codes and standards, which means they do not meet current safety requirements. Retrofitting these properties is essential not only to protect residents and property but also to comply with local regulations, such as the Los Angeles Soft Story Retrofit Ordinance.
A professional soft-story retrofit involves reinforcing the structure by installing steel columns anchored to an engineered grade beam, effectively securing the building to its foundation. This process significantly reduces the risk of collapse or severe damage during an earthquake, enhancing occupant safety and preserving property value.
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 Los Angeles?
A soft-story building typically refers to a multi-level structure with large open spaces on the ground floor, such as tuck-under parking, garages, or commercial storefronts, with limited structural support. These openings create a “soft” level that lacks the strength and stiffness of the floors above, making the building vulnerable during earthquakes.
Due to Los Angeles’s seismic activity, many older buildings with soft stories pose significant safety risks. That’s why the city has enacted strict retrofit ordinances requiring property owners to strengthen these structures to protect residents and businesses.
The primary objective of a soft story retrofit in Los Angeles is to reinforce the ground level by installing steel columns and engineered beams anchored securely to the foundation. This upgrade helps prevent structural collapse during an earthquake, safeguarding lives and property.
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 Los Angeles soft-story retrofit ordinance—efficiently and affordably.
Dates & timelines provided by the City of Los Angeles Building and Safety Division. Click here to view original compliance schedule.
Earthquake-Ready Soft Story Retrofitting in Los Angeles
Ensuring your property is both secure and compliant with Los Angeles soft-story retrofit requirements, The Foundation Works provides expert solutions, efficient project delivery, and unparalleled service you can depend on.
- Experienced Retrofit Specialists: With over 20 years of expertise, we are a trusted leader in soft-story retrofitting throughout Los Angeles.
- Local Code Experts: Our team ensures your property meets all Los Angeles seismic retrofit regulations with full compliance.
- Customized Engineering Solutions: We design retrofit plans tailored to your building’s specific needs, optimizing efficiency and preventing delays.
- Minimally Disruptive Process: Our tenant-focused approach reduces interruptions, allowing residents and businesses to maintain their routine smoothly.