Soft-story retrofit · building owners
Los Angeles and several neighboring cities require owners of wood-frame buildings with tuck-under parking to complete a seismic retrofit by set deadlines. We're a licensed general contractor handling these projects end to end — engineering coordination, permits, construction with tenants in place, and city sign-off.
FEMA-Trained · Earthquake Soft-Story program contractor
A soft story is a ground floor with big openings — usually parking bays — and not enough wall to hold the building steady sideways. In strong shaking, that level can collapse under the floors above. The fix is engineered strengthening: steel frames or new walls at the open bays, tied into the foundation.
We review your compliance order and your building, then work with the structural engineer on a design that meets your city's rules — without over-building past what's required.
We carry the plans through the building department, handle their corrections, and keep you posted on the deadline clock the whole way.
The work concentrates at the parking level. We stage it so units stay occupied, then close out with city inspection and your compliance paperwork.
Engineering and permitting usually take longer than the construction itself. Total timelines run months, not weeks — so the biggest risk to your deadline is waiting to start. If you've received an order to comply, the assessment conversation should happen now.
Almost never. The structural work happens at the parking level. Parking is disrupted in phases; the units stay occupied.
Programs and cost-recovery rules vary by city and change over time — LA has had rent-adjustment provisions for required retrofits. We'll point you to the current details for your building's city; confirm specifics with the housing department or your attorney.
It depends on the building — real numbers require the engineering. What we commit to: a fixed construction quote off the approved plans, itemized, before work begins.
Bring us your compliance order — we'll walk the building, explain your options in plain terms, and map the timeline to your deadline. Send your info below or call (323) 521-9009.
