LADBS Compliance Timeline Soft-Story
LADBS Compliance Timeline Soft-Story: Per the DBS Soft Story Retrofit Program, the property owner must comply with the ordinance within the following time limit from the receipt of the Order to Comply: 2 years: Submit proof of previous retrofit, or plans to retrofit or demolish; 3.5 years: Obtain permit to start construction or demolition; 7 years: Complete construction.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
What are the soft-story compliance deadlines?
Per the DBS Soft Story Retrofit Program, the property owner must comply with the ordinance within the following time limit from the receipt of the Order to Comply:
| Deadline from receipt of Order to Comply | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 2 years | Submit proof of previous retrofit, or plans to retrofit or demolish |
| 3.5 years | Obtain permit to start construction or demolition |
| 7 years | Complete construction |
Source: DBS Soft Story Retrofit Program
What are the typical timeline phases?
Owners should start early to allow for engineer retention and retrofit design, permit application and LADBS plan check review, construction, and document review. §91.9310.2 lists engineer/architect statements on the approved plans (design-time). §91.9306.6 lists Department County Recorder recordation and a later terminating certificate after alterations or analysis per Ordinance 183893. These phases must fit within the deadlines above. The ordinance does not list a lender PML/SEL as what closes the Order.
What happens if the deadline is missed?
Missing the compliance deadline can result in enforcement actions by LADBS.
| Compliance status | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Completed before deadline | After alterations/analysis: Department may file certificate terminating recorded status (§91.9306.6) |
| In progress with permit | Demonstrate progress to LADBS |
Frequently asked questions
What is the LADBS compliance timeline for soft-story retrofit?
Per the DBS Soft Story Retrofit Program, the property owner must comply with the ordinance within the following time limit from the receipt of the Order to Comply: 2 years: Submit proof of previous retrofit, or plans to retrofit or demolish; 3.5 years: Obtain permit; 7 years: Complete construction. 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.
Can the compliance deadline be extended?
Extension criteria and procedures are established by ordinance and LADBS policy.
What are the typical timeline phases?
Owners should start early to allow for engineer retention and retrofit design, permit application and LADBS plan check review, construction, and document review. §91.9310.2 lists engineer/architect statements on the approved plans (design-time). §91.9306.6 lists Department County Recorder recordation and a later terminating certificate after alterations or analysis per Ordinance 183893. These phases must fit within the deadlines above. The ordinance does not list a lender PML/SEL as what closes the Order.
What happens if the deadline is missed?
Missing the compliance deadline can result in enforcement actions by LADBS.