As Southern California experiences frequent seismic activity, cities across the region are enacting soft-story retrofit ordinances to protect buildings from earthquake damage. While Hermosa Beach has not yet passed its own ordinance, property owners should prepare for the possibility, especially as neighboring cities like Los Angeles are already adopting regulations like soft-story retrofit mandates.
Soft-story buildings—those with open ground floors, such as tuck under parking structures—are more prone to collapse during earthquakes. The vulnerability of these structures became a critical safety issue after significant earthquakes in California, leading to a push for earthquake retrofitting across the state. In 2015, Los Angeles led the charge by requiring property owners to retrofit their soft-story buildings. Now, as seismic risks persist, cities like Hermosa Beach may be next in line.
Recent earthquakes, including a notable one near Malibu, serve as a reminder of the region’s ongoing seismic activity. According to NBC Los Angeles, the Malibu quake highlights the continued earthquake risks across Southern California, especially in coastal cities like Hermosa Beach. This ongoing seismic activity makes it crucial for property owners to consider seismic retrofitting their buildings, even before a formal ordinance is enacted.
Many cities in the South Bay are adopting ordinances in line with larger jurisdictions like Los Angeles and Long Beach. Property owners in Hermosa Beach should take note: as the city evaluates its earthquake preparedness, it may follow the lead of nearby municipalities. In Long Beach, for instance, building owners are required to retrofit soft-story buildings over a multi-year period, ensuring the structures are fortified against seismic events.
While Hermosa Beach hasn’t officially announced a soft-story retrofit program, it’s likely that such legislation is being considered. If passed, an ordinance would likely give property owners several years to complete necessary upgrades, similar to what we’ve seen in Los Angeles and other cities.
For property owners in Hermosa Beach, now is the time to act, even if no official ordinance has been passed. By conducting a structural assessment and working with licensed engineers, building owners can get ahead of potential regulations, saving time and money in the long run. The seismic retrofit cost can vary, but proactive measures can help avoid higher costs associated with emergency repairs later on.
Moreover, acting proactively ensures tenant safety and reduces the risk of severe damage when an earthquake strikes. Seismic retrofits typically include adding shear walls, steel frames, and improving foundation connections to reinforce the building’s structural integrity.
As seismic risks continue to rise across Southern California, it’s not a question of if but when Hermosa Beach and other cities will implement mandatory soft-story retrofits. Property owners should stay informed about potential ordinances and take proactive steps to safeguard their investments.
The recent Malibu earthquake and ongoing tremors across the region serve as a stark reminder of why these measures are necessary. While Hermosa Beach may not have a retrofit ordinance yet, preparing now can help avoid complications when the time comes.
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.
