SOFT STORY RETROFITTING COMPANY IN LOS ANGELES, CA

Tellus designs, coordinates engineering, and implements
mandatory seismic retrofit requirements to get your multi-story build compliant.

WHAT IS SOFT STORY RETROFITTING?

Multi-story buildings with “soft stories” (open or weak front walls) can and have collapsed due to seismic activity and earthquakes in Los Angeles. To prevent future damage, as of November 22, 2015, there are mandatory City of LA retrofit requirements to correct these ground floor unreinforced openings and structural flaws. See Soft Story Retrofit Program specifics here from the City of LA Department of Building and Safety. Note: these ordinances do not apply to residential structures with three units or fewer.

Under this new mandatory retrofit law, danger-prone structures are to be upgraded within a limited time period. This period varies based on the type of construction, from six years for wood apartments to 24 years for concrete. Los Angeles is leading the way, as other regional cities are now signing into place similar laws. Tellus is an experienced structural and retrofit contractor partnered with Los Angeles structural engineering firms with the ability to perform these earthquake retrofit projects from design through construction completion.

Inquire about our soft story retrofitting services:

HOW EARTHQUAKE RETROFITTING CAN HELP YOU

Earthquakes are a given in Southern California, and soft story retrofits can actually lower insurance premiums. Not only is time of the essence to prevent catastrophe, but property owners are also at risk of being held liable for damages. Soft story retrofits can open the door to tax reduction, financial aid, and even tenant contribution to the upgrade, as well.

Tellus is an expert at earthquake retrofits and is aligned with the latest building codes and ordinances. As always, we will find the most careful and economical solutions to save you time and money down the line. At Tellus, we design and install the appropriate and necessary framing support to comply with the City of LA retrofit requirements, obtaining proper permitting along the way.

WHERE TELLUS APPLIES SOFT STORY RETROFITTING

WOOD FRAMING: Buildings with at least two stories of wood framing
OLDER BUILDINGS: Buildings constructed before January 1, 1978.
OPEN GROUND FLOOR: Buildings with open ground floors, such as ground-floor parking.

Our Mission

Our mission is to improve the design-build experience. We recognize and promote the talent of our labor force, creating meaningful bonds and surpassing deep-seated client expectations. From major renovations to custom ground-up construction, we are making this a relationship business—one project at a time.

Meet Tellus

What Sets Us Apart

We never forget that we work for our clients first; not our Trades, not our Vendors, or Designers.

We believe that it is our duty to deliver not only a superior Product and Service, but to also act as our client’s advocate and always operate with their best interests in mind.