At Edri Construction, based here in San Francisco, we know that earthquake preparation is not just a suggestion—it is a legal requirement. The city’s Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Program aims to secure vulnerable housing stock against future tremors. As local experts in seismic retrofitting in San Francisco, we help you navigate these complex ordinances.
San Francisco’s Mandatory Seismic Retrofit Ordinances: What Homeowners Must Comply With
Understanding the Soft Story Ordinance Scope
The Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Program specifically targets wood-frame buildings permitted before January 1, 1978. If your property has three or more stories, or two stories over a basement, and contains five or more dwelling units, you likely fall under this mandate. These structures are vulnerable because ground-floor openings create structural weakness during seismic activity.
The Compliance Tiers and Deadlines
San Francisco categorizes buildings into four distinct compliance tiers based on occupancy and risk. While original completion deadlines for Tiers I through IV have technically passed, the Department of Building Inspection still actively enforces these requirements. Non-compliant owners face significant penalties, making it critical to address outstanding violations immediately to ensure building safety.
The Retrofitting Process Explained
Compliance begins with a mandatory screening form submitted to the city, followed by a professional engineering evaluation. Once plans are approved and permits issued, we execute the necessary structural upgrades to reinforce the soft story. This typically involves installing steel moment frames or plywood shear walls to properly resist lateral earthquake forces.
Financing and Tenant Considerations
We understand that retrofitting is a significant investment, but the city offers the Public Financing Option (PACE) to assist owners. Additionally, specific provisions allow for capital improvement passthroughs to tenants. Investing in soft-story seismic retrofitting in the Bay Area not only ensures legal compliance but also drastically protects your asset and tenant lives.
Ensuring your property meets these safety standards is about protecting lives and preserving your investment. Edri Construction is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the compliance process with precision and care. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation or to verify your building's retrofit status.