The purpose of this program is to reduce the risk of injury or loss of life that may result from the effects of earthquakes on wood frame soft-story buildings. In the Northridge Earthquake, many wood frame soft- story buildings caused loss of life, injury, and property damage.
What is the scope of this program?
This program applies to all existing buildings with the following criteria:
When will I receive my order to comply?
Each property owner of these buildings will be sent an order to comply. These orders will be sent accordingly based on the following priority:
What do I need to do first?
The property owner must hire an engineer or architect licensed in the state of California to evaluate the strength of the building. The engineer or architect must then develop plans for the building’s seismic strengthening in compliance with this program.
How do I find an Engineer?
Please visit the State of California’s Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists for information regarding licensed engineers: http://bpelsg.ca.gov.
How do I find an Architect?
Please visit the California Architects Board for information regarding licensed architects: http://cab.ca.gov
How do I find a Contractor?
Please visit the Contractors State License Board for information regarding hiring a contractor and to verify if a contractor is licensed and insured: http://cslb.ca.gov.
What do I do next?
Submit proof of previous retrofit, plans to retrofit, or plans to demolish to the Department of Building and Safety. Plans and calculations will be checked for compliance with the retrofit ordinance.
What are the time limits to comply?
Within two (2) years after the service date of the Order to Comply, a structural analysis and plans to either retrofit or demolish, or proof of previous retrofit shall be submitted to the Department for review if the building meets the minimum requirements of this ordinance.
What do I do after a permit is issued?
Begin construction and request inspections online using our Online Services.
What should I submit to LADBS for plan check and obtain a permit?
The documents required for submittal are:
What is plan check?
Plan check is a process of which the plans are reviewed for compliance to current codes. For this program, the plans will be reviewed for compliance to the mandatory retrofit ordinance 183983 and 184081. Once plans have been reviewed and approved, permit can be issued.
What is inspection?
All construction work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by authorized inspectors. It is your responsibility to notify the inspector when the work is ready for inspection.
How do I schedule for inspection?
To request for inspection, please call (888) LA4Build or request for inspection online.
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