Unreinforced Masonry: El Monte vs Los Angeles
How do unreinforced masonry rules compare between El Monte, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
El Monte has fewer restrictions than Los Angeles.
El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
Under California's 1986 URM Law (Gov. Code Sections 8875-8875.10), every local government in Seismic Zone 4 — which includes El Monte — was required to inventory unreinforced masonry buildings and adopt a mitigation program. El Monte completed its URM inventory but does not have an active mandatory retrofit ordinance.
View full El Monte rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
LA's Division 88 ordinance (1981) was one of the first mandatory URM retrofit programs in the U.S., targeting approximately 8,000 unreinforced masonry bearing wall buildings constructed before October 6, 1933. Owners were required to retrofit, vacate, or demolish. By the mid-1990s roughly 95% of covered buildings had been brought into compliance. Remaining non-compliant buildings face Orders to Vacate or demolition.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Monte | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Statute | CA Gov. Code §§ 8875-8875.10 | - |
| El Monte Program Type | Inventory + voluntary mitigation | - |
| Seismic Zone | Zone 4 (highest) | - |
| Retrofit Standard | CEBC Appendix A1 | - |
| Code | - | Division 88, LA Building Code |
| Enacted | - | 1981 |
| Buildings Covered | - | ~8,000 pre-1933 URM |
| Compliance Rate | - | ~95% by mid-1990s |
| Pre-1933 Cutoff | - | October 6, 1933 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Monte FAQ
Does El Monte require URM retrofit?
No. The city completed its 1986 URM Law inventory but adopted a voluntary mitigation approach. Owners are notified but not compelled to retrofit by a deadline.
How do I know if my building is unreinforced masonry?
Buildings of brick or block construction built before 1933 without reinforcing steel are typical URMs. Contact the El Monte Building Division for the URM list status of a specific property.
Los Angeles FAQ
What is a Division 88 building in Los Angeles?
A Division 88 building is an unreinforced masonry bearing wall building constructed before October 6, 1933. About 8,000 such buildings were identified under LA's 1981 retrofit ordinance. Owners had to retrofit, vacate, or demolish.
Are there still non-compliant URM buildings in LA?
A small percentage remain. LADBS continues enforcement against non-compliant URM buildings, which may face Orders to Vacate or demolition proceedings. About 95% had been brought into compliance by the mid-1990s.
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