New Los Angeles Seismic Retrofit Ordinance

New Los Angeles Seismic Retrofit Ordinance

LA Seismic OrdinanceOn October 9, 2015, the Los Angeles City Council passed an ordinance to establish mandatory standards for earthquake hazard reduction.

Article1, Division 93 – Existing Buildings of wood-frame construction

Applies to buildings where a permit for construction was applied for before 1/1/78 and the ground floor portion of the structure contains parking or other similar open floor space that causes soft, weak or open-front wall lines, and there exists one or more stories above.

Compliance Requirements 

If a building is within the scope of this division and receives an order from the city, the owner must:

1.) Within 1 year provide a structural analysis demonstrating that the building meets or exceeds requirements as is OR will meet or exceed requirements after structural alteration OR plans for demolition

2.) Within 2 years, obtain all necessary permits for rehabilitation or demolition

3.) Within 7 years  complete construction or demolition under all necessary permits

 

Article 1, Division 95 – Non-Ductile Concrete Buildings

Applies to buildings where a permit for construction was applied for before 1/13/77.

Compliance Requirements

If a building is within the scope of this division and receives an order from the city, the owner must:

1.) Within 3 years, submit on the form provided by the Department a completed checklist for the Department to review and approve

2.) Within 10 years, if deemed ductile, submit an evaluation of the building documenting whether the building meets or exceeds requirements (click link below to see details of evaluation)

3.) Within 25 years, complete all necessary demolition or retrofit work on the building

To read the full ordinance, please click here.