Understanding Soft-Story Retrofit Program Information: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

The state of California is no stranger to earthquakes and the damages they can cause. As a result, the state has implemented several programs to protect property owners and residents. One such program is the Soft-Story Retrofit Program.

In this article, we will help you navigate through the Soft-Story Retrofit Program information, explaining what it is, why it’s important, and how it works. We will also explore the requirements and deadlines for participation.

What is the Soft-Story Retrofit Program?

The Soft-Story Retrofit Program is an initiative by the City of Los Angeles to identify and retrofit “soft-story” buildings. Soft-story buildings are generally multi-story structures with open spaces on the ground floor, such as parking garages or “tuck-under” buildings. These open spaces create a weak point in the building that can cause it to collapse during an earthquake.

Why is Soft-Story Retrofitting Important?

Earthquakes are a common occurrence in California. While we can’t predict when the next earthquake will strike, we can take precautions to reduce the damage caused by such a disaster. Retrofitting a soft-story building is an effective way to prevent the structure from collapsing in a major earthquake, potentially saving lives and avoiding catastrophic losses.

How Does the Soft-Story Retrofit Program Work?

The Soft-Story Retrofit Program is mandated by the City of Los Angeles, and all owners of vulnerable buildings are required to retrofit their property. The program has been designed to be gradual, giving building owners ample time to complete the retrofit.

Building owners must first hire a licensed engineer to conduct an evaluation of the building to determine if it falls under the “soft-story” category. It will then be determined if a retrofit is required and what the minimum requirement is.

The building owner will then be given a deadline by which the retrofit work must be completed, usually within two years of notification. After the retrofit is completed, the owner must submit proof of retrofit to the Department of Building and Safety.

Requirements and Deadlines for Soft-Story Retrofit Participation

The Soft-Story Retrofit Program applies to all multi-story buildings, including residential and commercial property. The program also applies to all buildings that were built before 1978 and have more than two stories.

The deadline for retrofits varies depending on the building type and the number of stories. Buildings with three stories will have a deadline of September 2021, while buildings up to six stories have until September 2024. Any building with more than six stories has until September 2026.

Conclusion

The Soft-Story Retrofit Program is a critical initiative to protect property owners and residents from the damages caused by earthquakes. Retrofitting a soft-story building is a proactive way to reduce the risk of collapse and save lives in a disaster.

If you are a building owner, it’s essential to understand the program, the requirements, and the deadlines for compliance. Retrofitting a building can be a time-consuming process, so it’s crucial to start as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline. Remember, safety should always be the top priority.