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LA County’s Seismic Retrofitting Needs: 13,500 Apartments
Research by JLL reveals a large number of Los Angeles County apartments built before 1978, with garages and carports on the ground-level, are at risk of collapse during an earthquake. Often referred to as “soft-story” buildings, and consisting of two or more floors based on wood frame construction, these apartments proliferated throughout the basin from the 1950’s through the late 1970’s.
JLL’s Henry Gjestrum notes, the high cost of retrofitting might lead to a significant uptick in sales volume from owners who do not want to undertake costly upgrades. Conversely, this will create an opportunity for value-add investors, who are willing to bring these assets into compliance. 
Los Angeles’ list includes 13,500 “soft-story” buildings that are seismically vulnerable and would need to be reinforced. They are primarily concentrated in the San Fernando Valley, Mid-Wilshire/Hollywood area and Westside.
Owners have two years to submit proof that an asset does not need retrofitting, or provide plans for retrofitting or demolition. Owners have seven years to complete repairs, although JLL notes some of these buildings are already hitting the deadline for getting a plan to the city.
