Bell Gardens has yet to implement a mandatory soft-story retrofit ordinance, unlike its neighboring cities such as Los Angeles and Long Beach. However, as earthquake preparedness becomes a growing priority in California, it is likely that cities without such regulations will soon follow suit. Understanding what to expect when this ordinance arrives in Bell Gardens can help property owners prepare ahead of time, especially for buildings with tuck-under parking, a key characteristic of many soft-story structures.
Los Angeles was one of the first cities to implement a comprehensive soft-story retrofit program. The city’s ordinance, which went into effect in 2016, mandates that buildings with a soft-story condition—typically those with weak first floors, such as those with tuck-under parking—undergo retrofitting to reinforce their structural integrity. The program has significantly reduced the risk of structural collapse during an earthquake, as soft-story buildings are especially vulnerable during seismic events.
Similarly, Long Beach recently introduced its own seismic retrofit ordinance. The city has taken steps to ensure that property owners are prepared for potential earthquakes, requiring soft-story structures to be retrofitted to enhance their safety. This program, while still new, is seen as a major step toward making Long Beach more resilient.
Given the vulnerability of soft-story buildings in the event of an earthquake, it’s only a matter of time before cities like Bell Gardens enact similar ordinances. Earthquakes are an ever-present threat in California, as recent quakes have reminded us. These natural events pose serious risks to older buildings that are not retrofitted, especially those with tuck-under parking or other soft-story characteristics. You can read more about earthquake preparedness and why retrofitting is essential here.
Soft-story retrofitting helps reinforce the ground floor, typically by adding steel reinforcements and improving the structure’s overall ability to withstand seismic forces. The seismic retrofit cost can vary based on the size of the building and the complexity of the project, but the investment is vital for the safety of the occupants and can help avoid more costly repairs or structural failure in the future.
Once Bell Gardens adopts a soft-story retrofit ordinance, property owners will likely have a set period to evaluate their buildings and submit retrofit plans. This may require hiring licensed contractors to assess the structure’s weaknesses and design a retrofitting solution. While it’s important to find the right construction company, avoid rushing the process as quality retrofitting is crucial.
In Los Angeles, the earthquake retrofit cost for soft-story buildings depends largely on the size of the structure, the number of units, and the level of reinforcement required. It’s likely that seismic retrofitting in Bell Gardens will follow similar pricing models, which have proven cost-effective when compared to potential losses from earthquake damage.
Cities like Los Angeles have set an example, with many property owners complying with their Los Angeles seismic retrofit mandates. We can expect Bell Gardens to adopt a similar framework, with deadlines for compliance and potential fines for non-compliance. As Bell Gardens moves towards implementing these seismic safety measures, the city may also look into offering incentives, such as reduced earthquake retrofit costs through grants or rebates to encourage timely compliance.
Even though Bell Gardens hasn’t enacted an ordinance yet, building owners can start planning by consulting experts in earthquake retrofitting and soft-story retrofit cost estimates. Additionally, retrofitting your building sooner rather than later could save you money, as costs tend to increase once ordinances are enacted and demand rises. Taking a proactive approach also ensures the safety of your tenants and minimizes the risk of liability in the event of an earthquake.
Bell Gardens may not have a soft-story retrofit ordinance yet, but with increasing attention on earthquake safety across California, it’s likely just a matter of time. Property owners should start preparing by learning from neighboring cities like Los Angeles and Long Beach. Retrofitting soft-story buildings can not only protect lives but also preserve property and reduce long-term expenses. To learn more about the benefits of earthquake retrofitting and how to get started, visit the official pages of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
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.
