Southern California’s Soft-Story Buildings: The Urgent Need for Earthquake Retrofits

Southern California is facing increased seismic activity in 2023. Some cities near recent earthquakes, like Alhambra, Monterey Park, and South Pasadena, have no plans to enforce retrofitting for soft-story apartment buildings. These structures, built decades ago, often have weak first floors supported by slender poles. They are vulnerable to collapsing during earthquakes.

In Malibu, officials recently identified 37 potential soft-story buildings but haven’t committed to retrofitting them. Soft-story apartments are common in California. Safety experts warn that these buildings can pose serious risks during seismic events.

Cities with retrofit ordinances show success. In San Francisco, 94% of buildings covered by a 2013 law have been strengthened. Beverly Hills passed a mandatory program in 2018, with only 18% of affected buildings yet to be retrofitted. Los Angeles has retrofitted over 9,000 of its soft-story buildings since 2015, though its data may be unreliable.

The dangers of soft-story buildings are well-documented. In the 1994 Northridge earthquake, ground floors collapsed, resulting in 16 deaths. Structural fixes can include steel frame installations and reinforcements for existing walls. Some property owners oppose mandatory retrofits due to costs, which can range from $80,000 to $160,000.

Despite concerns, many residents in L.A. support retrofit laws. A 2023 poll indicated over 80% approval for Los Angeles’ retrofit law. Experts emphasize the necessity of these measures to prevent fatalities and housing displacement in earthquakes.

Cities like South Pasadena, Alhambra, and Monterey Park are currently not making plans for retrofitting soft-story buildings. Officials cite resource constraints. However, neighboring cities are closely monitoring each other to determine if similar measures are needed.

What are some effective retrofitting methods for soft-story buildings to enhance seismic safety?

Title: Seismic Safety Under Scrutiny: An Interview with Dr. Emily Chen, Earthquake Engineering Specialist

Introduction:

As Southern California experiences a surge in seismic activity in 2023, concerns over building safety—especially regarding soft-story apartment structures—are rising. In an exclusive interview, we spoke with Dr. Emily Chen, a renowned expert in earthquake engineering, to discuss the implications of increased seismicity and the importance of retrofitting vulnerable buildings in cities like Alhambra, Monterey Park, South Pasadena, and Malibu.

NewsDirectory3: Dr. Chen, thank you for joining us. Can you explain what makes soft-story buildings particularly vulnerable during an earthquake?

Dr. Chen: Certainly. Soft-story buildings typically have a first floor that is significantly weaker compared to the upper levels, often because they are constructed with large openings for garages or other uses. When an earthquake occurs, the ability of these structures to withstand lateral forces is compromised, making them susceptible to partial or total collapse, particularly when support relies on slender poles.

NewsDirectory3: With cities like Alhambra and Monterey Park currently lacking plans for retrofitting these buildings, what risks do you see moving forward?

Dr. Chen: The absence of retrofitting measures is concerning, especially given the recent uptick in seismic activity. Without adequate reinforcement, more residents are at risk during earthquakes. The potential loss of life and property can be significant, and the economic impact on communities can last for years. Proactive measures such as retrofitting can save lives and reduce long-term costs associated with disaster recovery.

NewsDirectory3: Recent findings in Malibu indicate the identification of 37 soft-story buildings, yet no commitment to retrofitting has been made. What would you recommend for local officials?

Dr. Chen: Local officials should prioritize the safety of their residents by developing a comprehensive plan for retrofitting identified soft-story buildings. They need to engage with engineers, architects, and public safety officials to evaluate the risks and create a timeline for retrofits. Public awareness campaigns to educate residents about these risks could also play a vital role in advocating for immediate action.

NewsDirectory3: Looking at other cities like San Francisco and Beverly Hills, what lessons can be learned from their retrofit ordinances?

Dr. Chen: Certainly, the success in San Francisco shows that when cities implement clear, mandatory retrofit programs, compliance is achievable and beneficial. The 94% compliance rate is an excellent example for others to follow. However, Beverly Hills’ slower pace emphasizes the need for strong enforcement and community incentives. Cities must ensure that there are resources and motivations in place to push homeowners and developers to retrofit sooner rather than later.

NewsDirectory3: How can residents in these at-risk areas protect themselves while waiting for local governments to take action?

Dr. Chen: Residents should educate themselves about the structural integrity of their buildings. They can request assessments from local engineers or structural specialists to determine risks. Additionally, forming community groups focused on seismic safety can help amplify their voices to local officials. In the meantime, having an emergency preparedness plan within households can also help individuals feel more in control during potential seismic events.

Conclusion:

As Southern California braces for potential seismic challenges ahead, experts like Dr. Emily Chen highlight the critical need for retrofitting vulnerable buildings. With cities hesitant to act, it is imperative for residents to advocate for their safety and prepare adequately for the unknown. The lessons learned from proactive cities should serve as a model for effective responses across the region.

Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Chen. We appreciate your insights on this important issue.

Dr. Chen: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope that this conversation encourages necessary action towards seismic safety in our communities.

More than a half-dozen cities in Southern California require retrofitting, including Los Angeles, Torrance, Pasadena, and Santa Monica. Some cities outside Southern California, like San José, have introduced new retrofit laws due to past discussions and recent funding opportunities.

The Burbank City Council recently voted on a mandatory retrofit law, aiming to protect lives. Long Beach is also taking steps to assess its soft-story building inventory and encourage voluntary retrofitting.

Many cities still lack retrofit mandates. Smaller cities like Albany have made recent progress, passing laws to retrofit vulnerable apartment buildings. Cities are grappling with balancing the urgency of safety with financial concerns over retrofitting costs.

As seismic activity continues to escalate, discussions surrounding the retrofitting of soft-story apartments remain critical for the safety of residents in the region.