A) Wood-Frame Building with Soft, Weak or Open-front Walls.

Referred to as “soft-story,” the building is a structure which has a weaker first floor and is unable to carry the weight of the stories above during an earthquake. The first floor generally would have large openings in the perimeter walls such as garages, tuck under parking (this type of parking beneath the 2nd floor) or even large windows.

B) Non-ductile Concrete Structure

Concrete can’t bend. It’s known by engineers as “non-ductile.” Instead of bending like a paperclip, concrete columns can snap like a piece of chalk. Concrete buildings with a roof and/or floor supported by a concrete wall or concrete column, constructed before January 13, 1977 puts older concrete buildings at risk during a major earthquake.

Compliance Time-Frame

–Within 3 Years — Must have submitted documentation to the City to begin the inspection process.
–Within 10 Years — To establish whether an acceptable retrofit has already been conducted or that a retrofit is required.
–Within 25 Years (total) — The City must approve all completed retrofit work.