Seismic Retrofit Program Torrance

https://www.torranceca.gov/Government/Departments-Offices/Departments-Offices/Community-Development/Building-and-Safety/Seismic-Retrofit-Program

On March 14, 2023, the Torrance City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 3916, establishing a mandatory seismic retrofit program for certain vulnerable buildings. The ordinance defines which buildings are subject to the program and establishes requirements and timelines for evaluation and seismic strengthening. The ordinance describes the scope and applicability as well as the required timeline. View the City Ordinance(PDF, 5MB).

According to the City of Torrance Building and Safety Division, a citywide survey identified a total of 985 soft-story buildings in Torrance. These buildings may have soft, weak, or open-front conditions, commonly created by tuck-under parking, large garage openings, or other configurations that reduce the lateral strength of the first story.

What Torrance Property Owners Should Know

The City of Torrance is currently preparing to notify affected property owners. If your building is identified as part of the program, you will receive a notice outlining the requirements and applicable compliance timeline.

It is also important to understand that having a Torrance mailing address does not necessarily mean your property falls within the City of Torrance's building jurisdiction. Some properties with Torrance addresses are actually located within the City of Los Angeles and fall under LADBS jurisdiction. Those properties were subject to Los Angeles' separate mandatory soft-story retrofit program, and applicable compliance deadlines have already passed.

Don't Wait for Your Notice

If you own an apartment building in Torrance that may have a soft-story condition, being proactive can give you a significant advantage.

Evaluating your property before receiving a notice gives you time to understand the condition of your building, determine whether a retrofit may be required, explore engineering and design options, establish a realistic construction budget, and financially plan for the work.

Once notices are issued and compliance timelines begin, property owners will be making these same decisions under a deadline. Educating yourself and planning ahead gives you more time to make the best financial and structural decisions for your property.

Miko Development can help property owners understand the Torrance seismic retrofit requirements, evaluate potential soft-story conditions, coordinate engineering, and develop a practical construction approach and budget before the City's notification process begins.