The Basics of Soft-Story Retrofit Program Information: What You Need to Know
Soft-story structures, commonly found in multi-story buildings such as apartments, are vulnerable to damage during earthquakes due to their design. The ground floor of a soft-story building lacks the necessary support to resist the forces generated by an earthquake, putting the structure and its occupants at risk. To mitigate this risk, many cities have established soft-story retrofit programs that require property owners to make structural improvements to their buildings.
What is a Soft-Story Retrofit Program?
A soft-story retrofit program is a building code requirement that mandates structural changes to soft-story buildings to improve their earthquake resistance. Typically, the programs require retrofitting the ground floor of the building with steel bracing or concrete to increase the building’s strength and rigidity. The programs may differ in their details, but the overall goal is to improve the safety of occupants during and after an earthquake.
Why are Soft-Story Retrofit Programs Necessary?
Soft-story structures are prevalent worldwide, especially in areas prone to earthquakes. In the United States, many cities have mandatory retrofit programs, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Berkeley. The mandatory programs were established to protect the safety of occupants and the buildings in seismic areas, where earthquakes can occur frequently and without warning.
In many cases, soft-story buildings that are not retrofitted pose a significant threat to the public and property. The damage caused by earthquakes can be costly, not only for property owners but also for government agencies and insurance companies. Thus, retrofitting programs aimed at improving building safety have been established as a cost-effective solution to potential earthquake-related damage.
Who is Responsible for Retrofitting?
Property owners are responsible for retrofitting their buildings. The owners can either hire a contractor to do the work or do it themselves. However, it is recommended to hire a licensed contractor with experience in retrofitting soft-story buildings to ensure compliance with building codes for structural improvements.
In some cases, the cost of retrofitting a soft-story building can be substantial. However, many cities have established programs to help offset the costs through financial assistance or tax incentives. Property owners can contact their local building department to learn about the available programs in their area.
What are the Consequences of Non-Compliance?
Failing to comply with soft-story retrofit programs can result in significant financial penalties for property owners. The penalties can vary between cities and can range from fines to legal action. Additionally, non-compliant buildings may be subject to limitations on use, sale, or occupancy until retrofitting is completed.
Conclusion
In seismic areas, soft-story retrofit programs are necessary to ensure the safety of occupants and property. Property owners are responsible for complying with these programs, which may require significant structural improvements. While the cost of retrofitting can be substantial, financial assistance and tax incentives are available to help offset the costs. Non-compliance may result in penalties and limitations on use, sale, or occupancy of the building.
