What Is a Soft Story Building — And Why You Should Retrofit Now
- Isela
- Jul 21
- 2 min read
In California, earthquake safety isn’t just important—it’s essential. If you own or manage an older building, especially one with tuck-under parking or open ground floors, you may be dealing with what's known as a soft story structure.
What Is a Soft Story Building?
A soft story building is a multi-story structure with a ground floor that lacks sufficient structural support—typically because it's used for open spaces like parking, large windows, or retail fronts. These buildings were common in California before modern seismic codes were adopted.
Why Are Soft Story Buildings Dangerous?
During an earthquake, the weak or flexible ground floor of a soft story building can't absorb shock the way a properly supported structure can. This puts the entire building at risk of:
Severe structural damage
Partial or total collapse
Injury or loss of life
Expensive legal liability for property owners
Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco have already passed mandatory retrofit ordinances to address this issue—if your building hasn’t been retrofitted, time may be running out.
Retrofitting Is the Solution
A seismic retrofit strengthens the weak points of your building by installing steel frames, shear walls, or foundation anchors. This doesn't just protect your investment—it can save lives.
Why Work With Sinai Construction?
At Sinai Construction, we specialize in soft story retrofits that meet California’s latest seismic standards. Our experienced team will:
Assess your building's current condition
Design a cost-effective and code-compliant solution
Handle construction from permits to completion
We make the process smooth, safe, and efficient—because your building’s safety is our priority.
Protect your tenants, your investment, and your peace of mind. Call Sinai Construction today at 323.655.0960 for a consultation.
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