Cerritos, like many other cities in Southern California, has not yet implemented a mandatory soft-story retrofit ordinance. However, cities such as Los Angeles and Long Beach have already adopted regulations to address seismic vulnerabilities, particularly in buildings with tuck-under parking—a design that poses a higher risk of collapse during earthquakes. If Cerritos were to follow suit, similar requirements may be expected. This blog will explore what property owners and residents in Cerritos should anticipate based on the existing ordinances in Los Angeles and Long Beach.
Southern California is in a seismically active region, and older buildings, particularly those with soft-story designs, are at higher risk of collapse during an earthquake. Soft-story buildings typically have open ground floors used for parking or commercial spaces, which makes them structurally weak. A retrofit ordinance requires property owners to strengthen these buildings to better withstand earthquakes.
In cities like Los Angeles, the implementation of the Los Angeles Soft Story Retrofit program has proven essential in safeguarding the lives of residents and minimizing property damage. Similarly, Long Beach's Seismic Retrofit Program is geared toward enhancing the safety of buildings prone to earthquake damage.
If Cerritos follows the path of its neighboring cities, here's what residents and property owners can anticipate:
The city may require property owners to assess their buildings for seismic vulnerabilities, particularly those with tuck-under parking or open ground floors. This evaluation will determine whether the building needs retrofitting to meet modern safety standards.
Once a building is identified as needing a seismic retrofit, property owners may be required to hire licensed contractors to complete the upgrades. This process could include reinforcing the structure, installing steel frames, or upgrading the foundation to prevent collapse. Retrofitting can vary in complexity and cost, depending on the size and design of the building.
In cities like Los Angeles and Long Beach, property owners were given a specific time frame to complete the required retrofits, often ranging from 2 to 7 years, depending on the severity of the risk posed by the building. A similar deadline system could be introduced in Cerritos, offering property owners time to comply while ensuring public safety.
Cities with mandatory retrofit programs have sometimes offered financial incentives or low-interest loans to help property owners cover the cost of retrofitting. Cerritos may consider similar initiatives to ease the financial burden on property owners.
Once retrofitted, buildings in Cerritos could see an increase in safety and possibly property value. In seismic regions like Southern California, properties that have undergone earthquake retrofitting are often seen as more desirable due to the increased safety they offer.
If Cerritos enacts a mandatory seismic retrofitting Los Angeles-style ordinance, it would likely mirror the processes already in place in Los Angeles and Long Beach. For example, Los Angeles has implemented mandatory retrofits for buildings constructed before 1978, and Long Beach is now following suit with a similar program that aims to reinforce vulnerable structures.
Additionally, both cities emphasize public safety as the main driver for these ordinances. Cerritos, situated in a similar seismic zone, would benefit from a proactive approach to building safety, protecting its residents from the potentially devastating effects of a major earthquake.
While Cerritos has not yet implemented a soft-story retrofit ordinance, it's only a matter of time before the city follows the path of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Property owners in Cerritos should start preparing for the possibility of mandatory retrofitting, familiarizing themselves with the costs, timelines, and benefits of such upgrades.
For more information on retrofitting or to explore options for strengthening your building, consider consulting with local experts exploring earthquake retrofit cost estimates to understand the financial commitment involved. Taking early action could help ensure the safety of your building and the people who live or work in it.
By learning from neighboring cities, Cerritos can be better prepared to face seismic challenges and protect its residents from the inevitable threat of earthquakes.
For expert guidance and retrofitting services, consider reaching out to SKS Construction, a trusted name in the industry. SKS Construction Company offers comprehensive solutions to ensure your building is prepared for the future. Learn more about SKS California and read SKS Construction reviews to see how they’ve helped property owners across the region.
