As part of Partner’s structural engineering practice, we offer services to help property owners comply with mandatory Retrofit ordinances. More specific than a general Seismic Risk Assessment, evaluation for a Soft-Story Retrofit addresses a level of a building that is significantly weaker than the others. Our engineers have years of experience in structural engineering and design for seismic hazards, including soft story retrofits. Partner also understands how soft story retrofitting fits in with broader standards such Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and HUD, as well as ASTM Seismic Standards E2026 and E2557.
Partner is expert in designing retrofit options; we combine our understanding of our client’s business with our structural engineering experience to arrive at a retrofit solution. Some of the common methods employed to retrofit soft-stories include the installation of:
The term “soft-story” refers to one level of a building that is significantly more flexible or weak in lateral load resistance than the stories above it and the floors or the foundation below it (70% or greater reduction from one floor to the next according to the modern, International Building Code (IBC) definition). This condition can occur in any of the conventional construction types and is typically associated with large openings in the walls or an exceptionally tall story height in comparison to the adjacent stories. These soft stories can present a very serious risk in the event of an earthquake, both in human safety and financial liability.
The common sources of seismic vulnerabilities include:
Soft-story retrofits are important because they enhance the safety of buildings and protect occupants during earthquakes. By strengthening weak points in the structure, retrofits can prevent catastrophic damage and loss of life.
Some local governments offer financial assistance, grants, or incentives to encourage property owners to retrofit their soft-story buildings. These programs aim to offset retrofit costs and promote seismic resilience in vulnerable communities.
It depends on several factors:
Location: Different cities and regions have varying regulations. Check with your local building department or city website for details.
Building type: Typically, only residential buildings with 5 or more units and specific design features are subject to retrofit requirements.
Construction year: Buildings constructed before a specific year, often 1991, are generally considered for retrofitting.
Retrofit ordinances can be complicated and city-specific, Partner has expertise navigating them and guiding clients through the myriad finance options.
The San Francisco Mandatory Soft-Story Retrofit Ordinance, born out of the San Francisco Community Action Plan for Seismic Safety (CAPSS), targets wood frame buildings built before 1978 with 3 or more stories and 5 or more residential units with significant ground floor openings. These buildings may be subject to the ordinance and required to be retrofitted to meet or exceed the following design standards: FEMA P-807, ASC 31/41, or IEBC Appendix A4. The financing options range from government-backed bonds and city-backed loans to retrofit cost transfer.
The City of Los Angeles passed a mandatory retrofit ordinance. The LA ordinance will require the structural strengthening of two of the city’s most vulnerable building types: wood-framed soft-story buildings built before 1978 and non-ductile concrete buildings built before 1977. Financing and funding options are being explored.
Berkeley, Fremont, San Jose, Oakland, San Leandro, Campbell, Burbank, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Portland, Seattle, and other communities have implemented or are drafting mandatory and voluntary seismic retrofit programs and ordinances. The list of cities considering or enacting retrofit ordinances is likely to continue growing and Partner is committed to keeping up to date with their requirements.
