Los Angeles, CA Earthquake Safety: Non-Ductile Concrete Retrofit (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Concrete buildings with permit applications before January 13, 1976
- Exemptions
- Detached single-family dwellings and duplexes
- Phase 1 deadline
- 3 years: submit completed checklist to Department
- Phase 2 deadline
- 10 years: submit full structural evaluation
- Final deadline
- 25 years: complete all demolition or retrofit
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor; order recorded with County Recorder
Summary
LA requires mandatory seismic evaluation and retrofit or demolition of concrete buildings constructed before January 13, 1976. Owners have up to 25 years from a Department order to complete the work.
SEC. 91.9502. SCOPE. The provisions of this division shall apply to any existing concrete building built pursuant to a permit application for a new building that was submitted before January 13, 1976, or, if no permit can be located, the structure is determined by the Department to have been built under building code standards enacted before January 13, 1976.
EXCEPTIONS: This division shall not apply to detached single-family dwellings or detached duplexes.
91.9504.2. Time Limits for Compliance. The owner of a building within the scope of this division shall comply with its requirements by completing the following actions within the time limits stated below:
1. Within three (3) years after service of the order...submit on the form provided by the Department a completed checklist for the Department to review and approve.
2. If the building is determined to be a non-ductile concrete building...within ten (10) years after service of the order, submit a detailed evaluation of the building documenting whether the building meets or exceeds the requirements set forth in LAMC Section 91.9508.
3. Within twenty-five (25) years after service of the order, complete all necessary demolition or retrofit work on the building.
Full Breakdown
LAMC Division 95 (§§ 91.9501–91.9511) targets concrete buildings with permit applications submitted before January 13, 1976, whose deficiencies in the lateral force resisting system can cause collapse under earthquake forces. Detached single-family dwellings and duplexes are exempt. The multi-phase compliance timeline begins with submitting a completed checklist within 3 years of the order, a full structural evaluation within 10 years, and completing all demolition or retrofit within 25 years. Non-compliance is a misdemeanor, and the order is recorded with the County Recorder.
Violations & Fines
Any person who violates or causes another to violate this division is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to prosecution or administrative enforcement under the LAMC. The order is recorded at the County Recorder's Office. Exception applies to buildings actively proceeding under approved timelines or extensions granted by the Department or Board.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my concrete building is subject to Division 95?
What is the first required action after receiving a Division 95 order?
Can I appeal the Department's determination?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California earthquake safety overview
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