LA's mandatory seismic retrofit programs require structural upgrades to certain older buildings. The Soft-Story Program (pre-1978 wood-frame) and Non-Ductile Concrete Program have compliance deadlines.
LA City's mandatory retrofit ordinance identified approximately 13,500 soft-story buildings and set compliance timelines typically running 7 years from notice. Noncompliance can trigger enforcement actions; completed retrofits receive Certificates of Compliance.
For LA multifamily sellers with pre-1978 wood-frame buildings, retrofit status is a first-page diligence item. Completed = clean. In-progress = reasonable if documented. Unaddressed = meaningful sale-price concession. Check compliance status early.
From the Sterman LA Multifamily Glossary — defined the way a broker with $1.41 billion across 254 closed transactions actually uses these terms.
Michael Sterman, Senior Managing Director Investments, Marcus & Millichap.
Thinking about selling? Get a no-obligation evaluation from a broker with $1.41 billion across 254 closed LA multifamily transactions.
Request Free Evaluation →