Non-Ductile Concrete Retrofit: El Monte vs Los Angeles
How do non-ductile concrete retrofit rules compare between El Monte, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
El Monte has fewer restrictions than Los Angeles.
El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
LA County has no mandatory retrofit ordinance for non-ductile concrete buildings in unincorporated areas. LACoDPW maintains a voluntary inventory and offers ASCE 41-17 evaluation guidance, while LA City's mandatory program does not extend to county jurisdiction.
View full El Monte rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
LAMC §91.9509 (Ordinance 183893) requires identification and retrofit of pre-1976 non-ductile reinforced concrete buildings citywide, with a 25-year compliance deadline, structural evaluation by ASCE 41-17 standards, and LADBS-issued compliance certificates.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Monte | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| County mandate | None for unincorporated areas | - |
| Evaluation standard | ASCE 41-17 Tier 1-3 | ASCE 41-17 Tier 1 |
| Screening tool | FEMA P-154 rapid visual | - |
| Permit pathway | Title 26 voluntary upgrade | - |
| Comparison | LA City Ord. 183893 mandates | - |
| Code section | - | LAMC §91.9509 |
| Buildings affected | - | Pre-1977 non-ductile concrete |
| Compliance deadline | - | 25 years from order |
| Estimated count | - | About 1,400 buildings |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Monte FAQ
Why doesn't LA County require non-ductile concrete retrofits?
The Board of Supervisors has not adopted a mandate. Unincorporated areas have fewer affected buildings than LA City, and LACoDPW prioritized soft-story and URM programs first. Voluntary evaluations remain encouraged.
How do I tell if my building is non-ductile concrete?
Buildings of reinforced concrete frame construction permitted before 1976 are presumptively non-ductile. A licensed structural engineer should confirm using original drawings and FEMA P-154 screening before scoping any ASCE 41-17 evaluation.
Los Angeles FAQ
How do I know if my building qualifies?
LADBS mailed Orders to Comply starting in 2018. Owners can also check the Soft-Story and Non-Ductile Concrete program list on the LADBS website by APN or address.
Can landlords pass through retrofit costs?
Yes. LAMC §151.06.02 permits a Primary Renovation cost recovery surcharge of up to half the eligible retrofit expense, capped at $38 monthly per RSO unit, amortized over ten years.
Compare other topics
See how El Monte and Los Angeles compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool