Hawthorne is proactively advancing toward enforcing a soft-story retrofit ordinance, joining other South Bay cities like Los Angeles and Long Beach in prioritizing seismic safety. This ordinance aims to address the structural vulnerabilities in buildings susceptible to earthquake damage, specifically targeting soft-story structures, which often feature open ground-floor spaces used for parking or storefronts.

What Hawthorne Property Owners Should Expect

The soft-story retrofit ordinance in Hawthorne is likely to follow the patterns seen in neighboring cities, ensuring a methodical approach to improving building safety. Here’s what property owners can expect:

1. Mandatory Inspections: All property owners will be required to have their buildings professionally inspected to determine if they meet the criteria for soft-story structures. Buildings with open ground-floor configurations, such as those used for parking or commercial purposes, are typically classified as soft-story structures.
2. Identification of Soft-Story Structures: Buildings classified as soft-story structures often have large openings on the ground floor with inadequate structural support, making them particularly vulnerable in earthquakes. The ordinance will help identify these buildings and establish a path for retrofitting.
3. Retrofitting Deadlines: Once a building is identified as requiring retrofitting, owners will be given a timeline to complete the necessary upgrades. Taking early action can prevent penalties or potential fines for non-compliance, and ensures the safety of residents and occupants. Each building’s timeline will vary depending on its assessment, with priority often given to larger residential structures.
4. Financial Considerations: Retrofitting is a significant investment, but it's essential for ensuring safety during seismic events. While the upfront costs can be daunting, retrofitting strengthens buildings against potential earthquake damage, which in turn can save lives, prevent property destruction, and avoid costly future repairs.

The Importance of the Retrofit Ordinance

Hawthorne sits in a high-risk seismic zone, with many buildings constructed before modern earthquake safety standards were established. Soft-story buildings, characterized by weak ground-floor support systems, are especially susceptible to collapse during earthquakes. The soft-story retrofit ordinance is a direct response to these vulnerabilities, aiming to enhance the safety of residents and minimize structural damage.

Not only will this ordinance improve the overall safety of the city, but it will also raise property values by bringing buildings up to code, making them more resilient to natural disasters. For property owners, this means a higher level of security for their investments and their tenants’ well-being.

The Role of SKS Construction in Hawthorne’s Retrofitting Efforts

At SKS Construction, we are dedicated to helping Hawthorne property owners navigate the complexities of soft-story retrofitting. With years of experience in seismic retrofitting, we understand the unique challenges presented by soft-story buildings and the specific requirements of local ordinances.

1. Detailed Inspections: Our team conducts thorough assessments to determine a building’s retrofitting needs. This includes identifying vulnerable areas and providing detailed reports outlining the steps needed to comply with the ordinance.
2. Customized Retrofit Solutions: Every building is different, and SKS Construction develops tailored retrofitting plans designed to meet the structural needs of each building while ensuring compliance with Hawthorne’s retrofit ordinance. This personalized approach ensures maximum effectiveness and efficiency during the retrofitting process.
3. Streamlined Process: From obtaining the necessary permits to handling construction, SKS Construction manages every aspect of the retrofitting process. This allows property owners to focus on their everyday responsibilities while we ensure that retrofitting projects are completed on time and with minimal disruption.
4. Long-Term Value: In addition to complying with city regulations, retrofitting offers long-term benefits, including enhanced building safety, improved property values, and reduced risk of costly earthquake damage.

Preparing for the Future: Take Action Now

As Hawthorne prepares to roll out its soft-story retrofit ordinance, property owners are encouraged to act swiftly. Planning ahead ensures compliance and significantly increases the safety of your building, providing peace of mind for tenants and minimizing financial risks.

If you own a soft-story building in Hawthorne, now is the time to start planning. SKS Construction is here to assist you with inspections, customized retrofit solutions, and the management of the entire process. Contact us today for more information and schedule a consultation to prepare your building for the upcoming requirements.

Together, we can enhance the safety and resilience of Hawthorne’s building landscape, ensuring a safer future for the entire community.