As the threat of seismic activity continues to loom over California, cities like Manhattan Beach may soon follow the lead of Los Angeles and Long Beach in implementing soft-story retrofit ordinances. These changes aim to protect residents and ensure the safety of vulnerable structures, particularly those with tuck-under parking.
A soft-story structure is typically characterized by having a ground floor that is less rigid than the floors above, often incorporating open parking areas. This design can make these buildings particularly susceptible to damage during an earthquake. Recognizing this risk, cities across California are adopting measures to mandate retrofitting for such structures.
Los Angeles has taken significant steps with its Mandatory Soft-Story Retrofit Program, targeting thousands of buildings that fall under the soft-story category. Since the program's inception in 2015, property owners have been required to retrofit their buildings to adhere to updated seismic safety standards.
The process includes:
For detailed guidance on this program, check the Los Angeles Soft-Story Retrofit Program.
Similar to Los Angeles, Long Beach introduced its Building Resiliency Program in 2023, mandating retrofits for vulnerable buildings. Long Beach’s program emphasizes safety for its residents and aligns closely with the procedures established in Los Angeles.
For more information, visit the Long Beach Seismic Retrofit Program.
While Manhattan Beach has not yet adopted a formal soft-story retrofit ordinance, recent discussions have highlighted the need for safety upgrades in the city. Notably, the Manhattan Beach parking structure has been identified as needing crucial safety upgrades to meet seismic standards. This parking structure has raised concerns among city officials, who emphasized that failure to address these upgrades could pose risks to public safety.
As city leaders contemplate the safety of various structures, the need for a potential soft-story retrofit ordinance becomes increasingly evident. If enacted, property owners can anticipate a process similar to those in Los Angeles and Long Beach, involving:
As California remains at risk for earthquakes, ensuring that buildings can withstand seismic activity is vital. The retrofitting process not only enhances safety but also protects property values. Owners of soft-story structures should prepare for potential changes in city regulations and understand the earthquake retrofit costs associated with these upgrades.
If you own a soft-story building in Manhattan Beach or are interested in learning more about retrofitting options, contact SKS Construction today. With our help, you can ensure that your building is compliant with seismic retrofit standards. Together, we can build a safer, more resilient Manhattan Beach for everyone.
