LA PML Versus

City Structural Engineer vs Lender Engineer

City structural engineer vs lender engineer: the city design professional (civil or structural engineer or architect per §91.9305.1) designs the retrofit to meet Ordinance 183893 standards and prepares permit drawings. The lender engineer evaluates the building as collateral and prepares a PML/SEL appraisal per Freddie Mac Chapter 64 and ASTM E2026. Their scopes do not overlap.

Per Ordinance 183893 §91.9305.1, a California civil or structural engineer or architect prepares the structural analysis. A lender PML/SEL is a separate appraisal. §91.9306.6 lists County Recorder recordation at order service and a later certificate terminating the recorded status after demolition, not-in-scope finding, or structural alterations or analysis. §91.9310.2 lists engineer/architect statements on the approved plans (design-time text, not an Order-dismiss act). §91.9305.1 lists civil or structural engineer or architect.

Last updated: August 28, 2026

What does each engineer do?

The city design professional (civil or structural engineer or architect per §91.9305.1) designs the retrofit to meet Ordinance 183893 standards and prepares permit drawings. §91.9306.6 lists County Recorder recordation at order service and a later certificate terminating the recorded status after demolition, not-in-scope finding, or structural alterations or analysis. §91.9310.2 lists engineer/architect statements on the approved plans (design-time text, not an Order-dismiss act). §91.9305.1 lists civil or structural engineer or architect. The lender engineer evaluates the building as collateral and prepares a PML (Probable Maximum Loss) or SEL (Scenario Expected Loss) appraisal per Freddie Mac Chapter 64 and ASTM E2026 for underwriting. Their scopes do not overlap.

RoleResponsibilitiesClientDeliverable
City design professional (civil or structural engineer or architect)Design, permits per Ordinance 183893Building ownerStatement on approved plans (§91.9310.2)
Lender engineerEarthquake collateral risk assessment per ASTM E2026Lender or servicerPML/SEL appraisal (Freddie Mac)

Why are they separate engagements?

The city design professional (civil or structural engineer or architect per §91.9305.1) is retained by the building owner to satisfy LADBS ordinance requirements. The lender engineer is retained by the lender or servicer to satisfy Freddie Mac underwriting requirements. Different clients, different purposes, different standards. Per Ordinance 183893, §91.9306.6 lists County Recorder recordation at order service and a later certificate terminating the recorded status after demolition, not-in-scope finding, or structural alterations or analysis. §91.9310.2 lists engineer/architect statements on the approved plans (design-time text, not an Order-dismiss act). §91.9305.1 lists civil or structural engineer or architect. The PML/SEL appraisal does not replace ordinance compliance documentation.

CriterionCity design professionalLender engineer
Retained byBuilding ownerLender or servicer
PurposeOrdinance 183893 complianceEarthquake collateral risk assessment
RecipientLADBSLender
ScopeDesign, permits; plan statements §91.9310.2; Department recordation §91.9306.6PML/SEL appraisal per Freddie Mac Chapter 64 and ASTM E2026
License requiredCalifornia civil or structural engineer or architect (per §91.9305.1)California civil or structural engineer (SE or PE)
Satisfies Order?NoNo

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a city structural engineer and a lender engineer?

Ordinance 183893 §91.9305.1 states that a civil or structural engineer or architect prepares the structural analysis. A lender PML/SEL is a separate appraisal. §91.9306.6 lists County Recorder recordation at order service and a later certificate terminating the recorded status after demolition, not-in-scope finding, or structural alterations or analysis. §91.9310.2 lists engineer/architect statements on the approved plans (design-time text, not an Order-dismiss act). §91.9305.1 lists civil or structural engineer or architect.

Can one engineer serve both roles?

A California licensed civil or structural engineer or architect may be separately retained for both roles. However, the city design professional prepares ordinance compliance documentation for LADBS, while the lender engineer prepares collateral opinions for the lender. Per Ordinance 183893, §91.9306.6 lists County Recorder recordation at order service and a later certificate terminating the recorded status after demolition, not-in-scope finding, or structural alterations or analysis. §91.9310.2 lists engineer/architect statements on the approved plans (design-time text, not an Order-dismiss act). §91.9305.1 lists civil or structural engineer or architect. Each engagement has distinct scope and deliverables.

What does each engineer do?

The city design professional (civil or structural engineer or architect per §91.9305.1) designs the retrofit to meet Ordinance 183893 standards and prepares permit drawings. The lender engineer evaluates the building as collateral and prepares a PML (Probable Maximum Loss) or SEL (Scenario Expected Loss) appraisal per Freddie Mac Chapter 64 and ASTM E2026 for underwriting. Their scopes do not overlap.

Why are they separate engagements?

The city design professional (civil or structural engineer or architect per §91.9305.1) is retained by the building owner to satisfy LADBS ordinance requirements. The lender engineer is retained by the lender or servicer to satisfy Freddie Mac underwriting requirements. Different clients, different purposes, different standards. The PML/SEL appraisal does not replace ordinance compliance documentation.

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