Soft Story RetroFitting

WHAT IS SOFT STORY RETRO FITTING?

In past earthquakes, multi-story buildings that had tuck-under-parking designs often collapsed, because this building structure creates a weak and open front wall line. These buildings have a weak first floor due to their design, and this causes them to be at high risk for collapse. This weakened first floor come to be known as a “Soft Story.”

THE SOFT STORY RETROFIT PROGRAM MANDATES RETROFITTING FOR VULNERABLE BUILDINGS
Without proper strengthening, buildings with a soft story design are left vulnerable, and are prone to collapse and failure not only during earthquakes, but also during aftershocks. The Soft Story Retrofit program, which was launched under Ordinance 183893 and Ordinance 184081, was created to reduce the structural deficiencies that create this soft story problem, without the need to completely rebuild these structures.

Soft story retrofitting in California refers to retrofitting these buildings to make them structurally sound and able to withstand earthquake trauma. Under the soft story retrofitting program, building owners must fix the construction of their buildings in order to comply with the new ordinances within a maximum of 7 years.

WHAT BUILDINGS ARE VULNERABLE?
While a number of building designs are vulnerable to the soft story problem, several designs have been found to be the most at risk. These are:

Wood-frame buildings with two or more stories.
Buildings that have ground floor parking or open floor space.
Buildings built to codes published before January 1, 1978

If your building is in one of these categories, you are at serious risk. It’s imperative that you consider soft story retrofitting to protect your investment.

CONTACT PACIFIC PRESTIGE FOR YOUR SOFT STORY RETROFIT NEEDS
If you have a building that is vulnerable and needs soft story retrofitting, or if you have received orders to comply with the Soft story retrofitting program, Pacific Prestige is here to help. We are Southern California’s experts at retrofit solutions, combining structural expertise and experience with a knowledge of the unique needs of business owners and real estate investors in our areas. We utilize effective methods that provide minimal disruption to your daily activities, so you can enjoy a functional space that is protected from failure in an earthquake. These methods include:

  • Plywoood or concrete shear walls
  • Cantilevered steel columns
  • Foundation, roof and wall anchors
  • Foundations and grade beams
  • Base isolation
  • Other structural improvements

Our Services

Pacific Prestige offers full services to the owners to implement seismic retofitting on their buildings in one stop. We will guide you through the full process and help you retrofit your building with minimal cost, time, and disturbance to the tenants. Our services include:

  • Structural Engineering & Design
  • Permit Acquisition
  • Construction / Retrofitting
  • All city due diligence

With over 25 years of experience in foundation repair, structural work and concrete construction, we bring our knowledge to your project to ensure your building is in compliance with the ordinance and as safe as possible in a future earthquake.

We comply with all soft story retrofit laws/codes : http://www.ladbs.org/services/core-services/plan-check-permit/plan-check-permit-special-assistance/mandatory-retrofit-programs/soft-story-retrofit-program

CONTACT INFO:

President/Contractor

Sam Zavosh

Phone: 877-777-1986

Fax: 877-777-9262

samz@pacificprestigepartners.com

11620 Wilshire Blvd, 9th Floor

Los Angeles CA 90025

Director of construction
_______________________________

Director of construction

Geovanny Mendoza

Phone: 877-777-1986

geovanny@pacificprestigepartners.com

11620 Wilshire Blvd, 9th Floor

Los Angeles CA 90025