Wood-Frame Retrofit: Los Angeles vs Topanga
How do wood-frame retrofit rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and Topanga, CA?
Los Angeles and Topanga have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
LAMC §91.9504 mandates seismic retrofit of soft-story wood-frame multifamily buildings with tuck-under parking, while §91.9505 sets standards for cripple-wall and shear-wall reinforcement of older wood-frame structures across Los Angeles.
View full Los Angeles rules →Topanga, CA
Los Angeles County
LA County Ordinance 2017-0061 added Title 26 Chapter 95 requiring seismic retrofit of soft-story wood-frame multi-unit buildings in unincorporated areas. Owners of pre-1978 buildings with five or more units over open parking must evaluate and retrofit on a phased schedule.
View full Topanga rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | Topanga |
|---|---|---|
| Soft-story section | LAMC §91.9504 | - |
| Construction deadline | 7 years from order | - |
| Buildings affected | Pre-1978 multifamily wood frame | - |
| Single-family grant | Up to $3,000 EBB | - |
| Cost pass-through | Up to $38 monthly RSO | - |
| Code section | - | Title 26 Chapter 95 |
| Adopted | - | Ordinance 2017-0061 |
| Buildings covered | - | Pre-1978 5+ unit soft-story |
| Retrofit deadline | - | Seven years from Order |
| Design standard | - | CEBC Chapter A4 or ASCE 41 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
Does my duplex need a soft-story retrofit?
Only if it has two or more stories with parking or open-front walls under living space, was permitted before 1978, and contains at least one rental unit. LADBS will have mailed an order.
What about my older single-family home?
Voluntary. Apply for the California Earthquake Brace + Bolt program for grants covering foundation bolting and cripple-wall bracing. LADBS issues a separate over-the-counter retrofit permit.
Topanga FAQ
Does the ordinance apply to single-family homes?
No. Title 26 Chapter 95 covers multi-unit buildings with five or more dwelling units. Single-family homes and duplexes are exempt, though voluntary Brace + Bolt retrofits qualify for state CRMP grants up to $3,000.
Can owners pass retrofit costs to tenants?
In RSO units under Title 8.52, owners may apply for a capital-improvement pass-through capped at half the cost amortized over ten years. Non-RSO units allow rent increases at lease renewal subject to AB-1482 caps.
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