As cities throughout California take steps to protect their residents and buildings from the state's frequent seismic activity, it's only a matter of time before smaller cities like Lomita adopt ordinances that require retrofitting soft-story structures. Both Los Angeles and Long Beach have already taken these crucial steps, and their programs offer valuable insight into what Lomita property owners might expect.

What is a Soft-Story Structure?

A soft-story building is a structure where the first floor, typically containing tuck-under parking or retail space, is significantly less rigid than the floors above. This makes the building vulnerable to collapse during an earthquake, which is why cities across California are mandating seismic retrofitting for these types of buildings.

The Los Angeles Soft-Story Retrofit Program

Los Angeles implemented its Mandatory Soft-Story Retrofit Program in 2015. The ordinance targeted over 13,000 buildings and required owners of soft-story structures to retrofit their buildings to meet seismic safety standards. The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) spearheaded this effort, identifying wood-frame buildings constructed before January 1, 1978, with ground floors containing tuck-under parking as the most vulnerable.

The process for Los Angeles property owners typically involves:

• Receiving an order from LADBS.
• Hiring a licensed engineer to assess the building and design a retrofit plan.
• Obtaining permits for construction.
• Completing the retrofit within the deadlines provided by the city, typically within seven years from the date of the order. For more information, visit the Los Angeles Soft-Story Retrofit Program.

In Los Angeles, many property owners are concerned about the seismic retrofit cost, which can vary significantly based on the building's condition and the complexity of the work involved. Understanding these costs is essential for making informed decisions regarding earthquake retrofitting in Los Angeles.

The Long Beach Seismic Retrofit Program

Following in Los Angeles' footsteps, Long Beach introduced its Building Resiliency Program in 2023. This program primarily focuses on wood-framed buildings constructed before 1978 and aims to safeguard buildings against earthquake damage. Much like Los Angeles, Long Beach’s program focuses on soft-story buildings and mandates retrofits for structures that meet specific criteria, such as having tuck-under parking.

The compliance process in Long Beach is similar to that in Los Angeles and involves:

1. Initial assessment of the building by licensed engineers.
2. Permit approval by the city's Department of Development Services.
3. Completing retrofitting within a specified timeline, depending on the building's risk category.

For more details, check out the Long Beach Seismic Retrofit Program.

Residents can expect similar processes in both cities, with the primary goal being to enhance safety for residents and ensure compliance with seismic retrofitting standards. Understanding the soft-story retrofit cost involved is crucial for residents contemplating necessary upgrades.

What Does This Mean for Lomita?

While Lomita hasn't yet adopted a formal soft-story retrofit ordinance, it’s possible the city will soon follow the example set by its larger neighbors. If such an ordinance comes into play, Lomita property owners can expect to go through a similar process. Here's what residents and building owners should prepare for:

• Notification: If your building qualifies as a soft-story structure, the city will notify you about the need for retrofitting.
• Assessment: You will need to hire a structural engineer to assess your building’s vulnerability.
• Permitting: After your engineer designs the retrofit, you’ll need to submit plans to the city for approval and obtain the necessary permits.
• Deadlines: Compliance deadlines could be similar to Los Angeles and Long Beach, where owners are typically given several years to complete the work, depending on their building’s classification.
• Costs: Retrofitting can be costly, but it’s important to keep in mind that many cities, like Long Beach, are exploring options for financial assistance programs to help offset expenses. Understanding the earthquake retrofit cost in your area is essential for planning.

Why is Seismic Retrofitting Important?

California's seismic activity is no secret, and ensuring that your building can withstand an earthquake is not just a legal requirement—it's a life-saving measure. The retrofitting process significantly reduces the risk of collapse during an earthquake, protecting both residents and property values.

 For expert guidance and retrofitting services, consider reaching out to SKS Construction to explore your options and ensure your building is prepared for the future.