LA City Soft-Story and Seismic Retrofit Programs

About This Program

The City of Los Angeles requires seismic retrofitting for certain wood-frame soft-story and non-ductile concrete buildings. While the work is mandatory for affected property owners, the city facilitates low-interest financing through approved lenders. Single-family homeowners with cripple-wall or raised-foundation homes may qualify for voluntary retrofit programs and FEMA reimbursement.

Retrofit costs typically $3,000–$10,000 for single-family; financing available

Key Details

• Seismic retrofit required for soft-story and certain wood-frame buildings
• Low-interest financing available through city-approved lenders
• FEMA reimbursement possible after declared earthquake disaster
• Single-family raised-foundation retrofits typically cost $3,000–$10,000
• Contact LADBS at (213) 482-0000 for compliance status

How to Apply

Deadline: Compliance deadlines vary — many buildings already past deadline