Seismic retrofit regulations for existing buildings in LA County will be strengthened from 2023. The new regulations aim to increase the seismic safety of existing buildings by imposing various requirements.
Some of the specific requirements of the new regulations are:
- The mandatory retrofit program, under Ordinance 183893 and Ordinance 184081, for certain buildings: Soft-story buildings and non-ductile concrete buildings that were constructed before January 1, 1978 will be required to undergo mandatory seismic retrofitting.
- Timelines for retrofitting: Building owners will have a specific amount of time to complete the retrofitting process depending on the size of the building and the number of stories.
- Required permits and inspections: Building owners will need to obtain a permit from the local jurisdiction and have their retrofit work inspected by a licensed structural engineer.
- Compliance documentation: Building owners will need to provide documentation demonstrating compliance with the new regulations.
Under these regulations, building owners of existing buildings will need to have their buildings retrofitted to meet the new seismic safety standards. The retrofitting may include adding shear walls, braces, and other structural reinforcements to the building.
Building owners can consult with licensed structural engineers or retrofitting contractors to determine the specific retrofitting requirements for their buildings. They will also need to obtain permits from the local jurisdiction and have their retrofit work inspected to ensure that it meets the required standards.
LA County’s official website provides detailed information and guidelines, which can be helpful in complying with these regulations. Building owners can also contact the local jurisdiction for more information and assistance in complying with the new regulations.
If you are curious about inspection and regulation-related matters regarding your building ownership, you can follow this link to be directed to LADBS’ search page. By entering the address of your building, you can find out the relevant information.
Recent Comments