LA's mandatory soft-story retrofit program under Ordinance 183893 (2015) requires approximately 13,500 wood-frame buildings with soft, weak, or open-front walls to be seismically strengthened. Priority 1 buildings (3+ stories with ground-floor commercial) had an April 2024 deadline. Priority 2 buildings (remaining soft-story) face an April 2026 deadline. Enforced by LADBS with escalating daily fines for non-compliance.
Ordinance 183893, the Earthquake Hazard Reduction in Existing Wood-Frame Buildings with Soft, Weak, or Open-Front Walls, was enacted in 2015 and applies to wood-frame buildings permitted or built before January 1, 1978, with ground-floor parking or similar open space and four or more dwelling units. The program covers approximately 13,500 buildings citywide. Buildings are classified into two priority tiers: Priority 1 includes buildings with three or more stories and ground-floor commercial occupancy, while Priority 2 covers all remaining qualifying structures, typically two- or three-story residential buildings with tuck-under garages. From the date an Order to Comply is issued, owners have 2 years to submit plans, 3.5 years to obtain a permit, and 7 years to complete construction. LADBS administers the program and enforces compliance. Retrofit work must meet ASCE 41 performance standards. The city has stated enforcement will be aggressive after deadlines pass.
Daily fines accumulating after deadline passes, potentially reaching tens of thousands of dollars. LADBS may issue Orders to Vacate for non-compliant buildings posing immediate danger. Criminal misdemeanor charges possible for willful non-compliance under LAMC.
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