How LA’s Mandatory Seismic Retrofit Program is Revolutionizing Roofing Integration Standards in 2024
Los Angeles property owners are facing unprecedented changes as the city’s mandatory seismic retrofit program enters full swing in 2024. The City of Los Angeles recently passed Ordinance 183893, which requires the retrofit of pre-1978 wood-frame soft-story buildings and non-ductile concrete buildings, fundamentally transforming how roofing companies approach structural integration projects across Southern California.
Understanding the Seismic Retrofit Requirements
The goal of the mandatory retrofit program, under Ordinance 183893 and Ordinance 184081, is to reduce structural deficiencies by the most economical and feasible method. For property owners, this means navigating strict compliance timelines that directly impact roofing work. Owners must submit a structural analysis of the building to the Department of Building and Safety within two years of receiving the Order prepared by an architect or structural engineer, followed by obtaining permits within 3.5 years and completing construction within 7 years.
The program specifically targets vulnerable structures that may be subjected to structural failure during and/or after an earthquake without proper strengthening. There are an estimated 13,500 soft story structures in Los Angeles alone that have been identified to be in need of a retrofit, creating substantial demand for specialized roofing services.
How Roofing Companies Are Adapting to Structural Integration
The seismic retrofit requirements have fundamentally changed how roofing contractors approach their work. As a roofing and general contracting company, we often perform all facets of roof diaphragm seismic retrofit work in-house. Our team of experts is brought in during the inspection and assessment process to help determine the relative strengths and weaknesses of an existing roofing system. From there, we are asked to implement whatever measures are necessary to bolster a building’s structural integrity.
Modern retrofit projects require roofing companies to integrate multiple structural elements. A seismic retrofit for this type of building typically involves adding roof-to-wall connections, continuity ties, and installing a new plywood overlay on the roof. In buildings, this process typically includes strengthening weak roof-to-wall joints, continuity ties, shear walls, and the roof diaphragm.
The Role of Professional Expertise
The complexity of these integrated systems means property owners need experienced contractors who understand both roofing and structural requirements. You need to hire a licensed professional engineer – civil or structural – to conduct a structural evaluation of your building, but the roofing contractor must also possess specialized knowledge to execute the integrated solutions properly.
Companies like Royal Roofing have adapted by expanding their expertise to handle these complex requirements. Specializing in roof repairs, maintenance, restoration, re-roofing, and more, we serve commercial, industrial, and multi-family properties with solutions that are built to last. By treating every client like family and consistently delivering superior quality and service, we strive to become your local roofing contractor for life. This roofing company los angeles approach reflects the industry’s shift toward long-term partnerships that can navigate evolving regulatory requirements.
Financial Considerations and Support
The retrofit program includes provisions to help property owners manage costs. City Council has limited the share of costs related to mandatory seismic retrofitting that can be passed from owners of rent-stabilized properties to their tenants to 50% of the total cost of the work required. Additionally, CounterpointeSRE offers 100% financing of your soft-story or other seismic retrofit with fixed interest rates for up to 30 years and no balloon payment.
Looking Ahead: Industry Evolution
The seismic retrofit program represents more than just compliance—it’s reshaping the entire roofing industry’s approach to structural integration. The process of strengthening a structure to make it more resistant to earthquakes, seismic retrofitting has gained momentum in recent years due to several policies and ordinances introduced at the state level to improve seismic safety. In addition to making buildings safer and less prone to damage, seismic retrofitting also provides the opportunity to revive an outdated building.
For consumers, this evolution means access to more comprehensive roofing solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term structural integrity. As a family-owned and operated business, we focus on building long-term relationships that span generations. After decades in business, our values haven’t changed. We still—and always will—believe in doing the job right and standing behind our work.
Choosing the Right Contractor
When selecting a roofing contractor for seismic retrofit work, property owners should prioritize companies with demonstrated experience in structural integration. Look for a contractor with a proven track record in seismic retrofitting and who understands the unique challenges of your building type. Extensive knowledge of your city’s permitting and inspection processes is also important to ensure the project stays on schedule.
The mandatory seismic retrofit program has created new opportunities for property owners to enhance their buildings’ safety and value while working with roofing professionals who understand the complexities of modern structural integration requirements. As 2024 progresses, this collaborative approach between regulatory compliance and roofing expertise will continue to define the industry’s evolution in Los Angeles and beyond.