Retrofit

LOS ANGELES COUNTY MANDATORY RETROFIT ORDINANCE

PROTECT YOUR PEOPLE AND PROPERTY FROM EARTHQUAKES

Quake Strong’s earthquake retrofitting initiative is designed to significantly lower the chances of injury, death, and property damage caused by earthquakes, especially in wood-frame soft-story buildings. The destruction caused by the Northridge Earthquake highlighted the critical need for reinforcing these susceptible structures, prompting mandatory Los Angeles Soft Story Retrofit Ordinances 183893 & 184081

Our soft-story retrofit program offers a hassle-free pathway to enhance buildings’ resilience during seismic events, further protecting property owners’ investments and tenants. At Quake Strong, we are committed to strengthening both residential and commercial properties. Our wide range of services includes home stabilization, soft-story reinforcements, balcony inspections and repairs, foundation repair and leveling, non-ductile concrete, and ADU construction, all aimed at ensuring your property’s safety and stability.

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SEISMIC SAFETY, START TO FINISH

We’ve done hundreds of soft-story retrofits all across Los Angeles County. We manage the entire process, plans, permitting, paperwork, construction, everything!

Step 1

Free Evaluation and Proposal

Once you request a proposal, our experienced retrofit analyst will visit your property to conduct a detailed site inspection and measurement. Working with our drafting and engineering departments, we will design the most cost-effective, structurally optimized solution. This proposal includes a detailed quotation and project timeline provided to you at no cost.

Step 2

Tenant Habitability Plan (THP)

QuakeStrong will prepare and submit the required Tenant Habitability Plan (THP) and notify all tenants according to HCID-LA regulations. This plan outlines how the impact of seismic retrofitting on tenants will be mitigated. The THP must be approved at least 30 days before construction starts, and tenants have 15 days to appeal. If an appeal is filed, HCIDLA will hold a hearing to resolve the matter.

Step 3

Detailed Planning and Permits

Our skilled engineering team will create necessary architectural and structural reinforcement plans, complete with detailed drawings, specifications, and calculations to ensure city-compliance. We then submit these plans to the Department of Building and Safety for approval and secure the building permits needed to begin the project.

Step 4

Construction Phase

Our expert construction team arrives on-site, supplying all necessary materials, labor, and equipment for the project’s entire scope-of-work:

● On-site arrival to mark and prepare work areas for demolition and excavation.
● Removal of stucco in areas where columns, beams, and framing connectors are anchored.

● Cutting and removal of concrete at designated locations.
● Excavation of trenches for pad footing placements and grade beam installations.
● Disposal of demolished concrete slabs and excavated soil.
● Installation of temporary steel cover plates for safety and parking.
● Fabrication, transportation, erection, and connection of structural steel columns and members.
● Fabrication and installation of structural rebar frames for pad footings and grade beams.
● Installation of blocking, continuity drag, steel plates, and straps as per specifications.
● Pouring of concrete for pad footings and grade beams.
● Installation of lath wire screen over exposed ceiling areas and new steel beams.
● Application of stucco to newly retrofitted areas.
● Painting and color matching to blend with the existing building color scheme

Step 5

Inspections and Compliance Certification

Our team will coordinate with the Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) inspectors to ensure that all work complies with the Los Angeles Retrofit Ordinance. Construction is inspected and approved in phases, with no work proceeding to the next phase without prior approval.

Approved plans are maintained on-site, and we notify city officials when each phase is ready for review.

To lift the lien placed on your building by the city of LA, a certificate of occupancy must be recorded with the County Recorder’s office, demonstrating compliance with the Soft-Story Seismic Retrofit Program. QuakeStrong will handle all necessary filings to obtain your certificate and have your property’s lien removed.

Step 6

Cost Recovery

Over a ten-year period, tenants may potentially recover up to half of the total seismic retrofitting costs, subject to approval by HCID-LA. Upon request, will prepare and provide a substantiation of costs for inclusion with your application to the Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department for an additional fee.

Applications must be submitted within 12 months of completing the retrofitting construction. Additionally, the following documents must accompany the application:

● A copy of the Tenant Habitability Plan (THP)

● Documentation supporting costs (e.g., contracts, invoices, proof of payments)

● Rent roll detailing tenants’ move-in dates and current rents.

Upon submission, a Case Analyst from HCIDLA will review the application. Both landlords and tenants will be notified once the cost recovery application is filed. The Case Analyst will assess the documentation provided and determine the appropriate pass-through amount. Should either party wish to contest the decision, HCIDLA will provide a final determination form and an appeal form. Quake Strong manages the entire cost-recovery process comprehensively, including handling any necessary appeals and hearings.

THE ROI OF RETROFIT

Retrofitting a building for seismic safety brings substantial cost benefits to property owners. It lowers insurance premiums and minimizes repair costs by reducing earthquake-related risks. Improving safety and resilience increases property value, occupancy rates, and rental income. Compliance with retrofitting regulations ensures legal adherence, which prevents fines and legal liabilities. Additionally, property owners may qualify for government incentives and tax breaks, easing initial retrofitting expenses and ensuring long-term financial security.

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TURN RETROFIT INTO RENTAL INCOME WITH QUAKE STRONG’S EXPERT ADU SOLUTIONS!

At QuakeStrong, we specialize in transforming properties by integrating Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as a solution to retrofit buildings for enhanced functionality and increased rental income. ADUs provide a versatile option for property owners looking to maximize their investment potential. Whether converting underutilized spaces like garages or adding standalone units, our expert team manages the entire process seamlessly.