Soft-Story Retrofit: Mountain View vs San Jose
How do soft-story retrofit rules compare between Mountain View, CA and San Jose, CA?
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
No data available yet for Mountain View.
San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose's mandatory soft-story retrofit ordinance (No. 31123) targets approximately 3,500 wood-frame buildings containing about 25,000 housing units. Originally effective April 1, 2025, City Council delayed the start to April 1, 2026. Buildings are divided into three groups: Group 1 (pre-1978, 5+ units) must complete retrofit by April 2031, Group 2 (1978-1990, 5+ units) by April 2032, and Group 3 (pre-1990, 3+ units) by April 2033.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinance | - | No. 31123 |
| Buildings Affected | - | ~3,500 (25,000 units) |
| Effective Date | - | April 1, 2026 (delayed) |
| Group 1 Deadline | - | April 2031 |
| Group 2 Deadline | - | April 2032 |
| Group 3 Deadline | - | April 2033 |
| FEMA Grant | - | $4.6 million |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
No FAQs available.
San Jose FAQ
Does San Jose require soft-story retrofits?
Yes. Ordinance 31123 requires retrofit of wood-frame buildings built before 1990 with 3+ units and 2+ stories. The program takes effect April 1, 2026 (delayed from 2025) with phased deadlines through 2033 depending on building age and size.
What are the compliance deadlines for San Jose soft-story retrofits?
Group 1 (pre-1978, 5+ units): April 2031. Group 2 (1978-1990, 5+ units): April 2032. Group 3 (pre-1990, 3+ units): April 2033. All groups must complete screening by October 2027.
Is there financial assistance for San Jose soft-story retrofits?
Yes. The city received a $4.6 million FEMA grant to assist property owners with retrofit costs. The program was designed with equity and cost control goals.
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