When it started: The Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Ordinance in Oakland went into effect January 22, 2019 (Ordinance No. 13516).

Who it applies to: Wood-frame residential buildings generally built before 1991, with 5 or more dwelling units, and a weak or open ground floor.

Screening requirement: Owners submit a professional screening form to determine if their building must retrofit. 

Retrofit requirement:  Buildings that qualify must obtain permits and complete seismic upgrades by assigned tier deadlines.

Enforcement: Failure to comply may result in code enforcement actions, penalties, and additional compliance measures by the City.

SAN JOSE 

SOFT STORY RETROFIT

When it started: The Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Ordinance in San Jose was approved by the City Council in September 2024 and is set to go into effect on April 1, 2026.

Who it applies to: Wood-frame residential buildings built before 1990 with three or more dwelling units and a weak or “soft” ground-story condition.

Screening requirement: Owners submit a professional screening form to determine if their building must retrofit.

Retrofit requirement: Buildings that qualify must obtain permits and complete seismic upgrades by assigned tier deadlines.

Enforcement: Failure to comply may result in code enforcement actions, penalties, and additional compliance measures by the City.

When it started: The Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Ordinance in San Francisco was signed April 18, 2013 and became effective June 17, 2013.

Who it applies to: Wood-frame buildings built before 1978, with 5+ residential units, 2+ stories, and a weak or “soft” ground floor.

Screening requirement: Owners submit a professional screening form to determine if their building must retrofit.

Retrofit requirement: Buildings that qualify must obtain permits and complete seismic upgrades by assigned tier deadlines.

Enforcement: Failure to comply may result in code enforcement actions, penalties, and additional compliance measures by the City.

​SAN FRANCISCO

SOFT STORY RETROFIT

OAKLAND 

​SOFT STORY RETROFIT

MILL VALLEY 

SOFT STORY RETROFIT

When it started: The Mandatory Seismic Retrofit Ordinance (No. 1343) was adopted on June 26, 2023 and became effective December 15, 2023.

Who it applies to: The program applies to wood-frame residential buildings with three or more rental units, built before 1978, that have a wood-frame target story (soft story) condition.

Screening requirement: Owners submit a professional screening form to determine if their building must retrofit.​

Retrofit requirement: Buildings that qualify must obtain permits and complete seismic upgrades by assigned tier deadlines.

Enforcement: Failure to comply may result in code enforcement actions, penalties, and additional compliance measures by the City.