As cities across California work to enhance building safety, especially in earthquake-prone areas, Downey might soon follow the footsteps of Los Angeles and Long Beach by adopting a soft-story retrofit ordinance. Currently, Downey has not introduced mandatory soft-story retrofits, but this may change as the state continues to push for safer structures. If you're a building owner or tenant in Downey, understanding the framework of existing ordinances in nearby cities will help you prepare for what could come.
Cities like Los Angeles and Long Beach have already taken significant steps to enforce mandatory soft-story retrofitting. Los Angeles launched its Soft-Story Retrofit Program in 2015, which requires property owners to reinforce vulnerable buildings, especially those with tuck under parking—a common feature in older apartments. Similarly, Long Beach introduced its Building Resiliency Program in 2022, focusing on seismic safety upgrades for soft-story buildings. These programs aim to reduce the risk of collapse during an earthquake, ultimately saving lives and minimizing property damage.
Downey may soon adopt a similar ordinance, given the increasing focus on seismic retrofitting across Southern California. Building owners should expect to inspect their properties and, if necessary, perform structural upgrades. Costs may vary depending on the building size and complexity, but understanding the seismic retrofit cost early on can help plan for future expenses.
Soft-story buildings, typically those with open ground floors used for parking or commercial space, are at a higher risk of collapse during earthquakes. The shaking from an earthquake can cause these buildings to buckle under the weight of the floors above. That's why cities like Los Angeles and Long Beach have made soft-story retrofits mandatory.
In addition to the local mandates, earthquake preparedness is a critical factor in making these upgrades. Experts have consistently warned that Southern California is overdue for a significant earthquake. This makes Los Angeles and other nearby areas a top priority. According to NBC Los Angeles, the potential for devastating quakes is ever-present, and proactive measures such as retrofitting can significantly reduce the impact on both buildings and residents.
For Downey, this means that a future ordinance could follow the same logic, requiring soft story retrofits to mitigate the risk of earthquake damage. Building owners should stay informed and consider starting the retrofitting process now to avoid higher costs or rushed deadlines later.
The soft story retrofit cost varies depending on several factors, including the building's size, structural integrity, and the extent of required upgrades. Cities like Los Angeles and Long Beach have seen a wide range in retrofit costs, with some smaller projects coming in under $50,000 and larger, more complex buildings exceeding $150,000. Understanding these potential costs early will help building owners in Downey budget appropriately once an ordinance is in place.
Additionally, while upfront costs may seem high, completing a seismic retrofit project can save thousands in potential damages if a large earthquake hits. Plus, early adopters of retrofitting may benefit from reduced costs compared to those who wait until a mandatory ordinance is in place.
Although there is no official word yet on when or if Downey will introduce a mandatory soft-story retrofit ordinance, the trend in Southern California suggests it’s only a matter of time. Understanding what neighboring cities like Los Angeles and Long Beach have done allows property owners in Downey to anticipate similar requirements. In particular, buildings with tuck under parking or open first floors are most at risk.
If you’re a property owner in Downey, now is the time to start considering your options. Engaging with experienced contractors who specialize in soft story earthquake retrofit, will help you navigate potential future regulations. While Downey’s ordinance is not yet in place, getting ahead of it could save time, money, and most importantly, lives.
Proactive retrofitting not only prepares your building for future earthquakes but can also enhance its value, improve tenant safety, and reduce liability risks. Keep an eye on city announcements, and consider starting a seismic evaluation of your building sooner rather than later.
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.
