LA PML Versus

LADBS Order to Comply Engineering

An LADBS Order to Comply under Ordinance 183893 is not closed by a lender PML/SEL. §91.9305.1 prints that a California civil or structural engineer or architect prepares the structural analysis. The printed close-out items are the County Recorder certificate (§91.9306.6) and the statement on approved plans (§91.9310.2).

Last updated: August 27, 2026

What does the engineer of record do?

The engineer of record designs the soft-story retrofit to meet Ordinance 183893 requirements and prepares construction documents for the LADBS permit. Per the ordinance, the design professional puts a statement on the approved plans (§91.9310.2) and the Department files a County Recorder certificate (§91.9306.6) to dismiss the Order.

TaskResponsibilityRequired for Order dismissal?
Retrofit designCalifornia licensed professionalNo
Permit drawingsCalifornia licensed professional stampNo
County Recorder certificate (§91.9306.6)DepartmentYes
Statement on approved plans (§91.9310.2)Design professional (California civil or structural engineer or architect per §91.9305.1)Yes

Frequently asked questions

What engineering is required for an LADBS Order to Comply?

Per Ordinance 183893 §91.9305.1, a California licensed civil or structural engineer or architect prepares the structural analysis. The official close-out items are the County Recorder certificate (§91.9306.6) and the statement on approved plans (§91.9310.2) to dismiss the Order.

Must the engineer be licensed in California?

Yes. Per Ordinance 183893 §91.9305.1, a California licensed civil or structural engineer or architect prepares the structural analysis. Out-of-state licenses do not satisfy ordinance requirements.