Earthquake Retrofitting in Oakland
Soft-Story You Can Rely On When It Matters Most
Oakland Sits on California's Most Dangerous Fault Line
The Hayward Fault runs directly beneath Oakland and through the East Bay. Over 2.4 million people live on or near this 74-mile fault, which experts call one of the most dangerous in America.
The numbers are sobering. Scientists estimate a 33% chance of a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake by 2043. The USGS HayWired scenario projects such an event could cause 800 deaths and over $100 billion in damage.
Buildings with open ground floors are especially vulnerable. That’s why Oakland passed some of the strictest earthquake retrofitting requirements in the state to protect lives and prevent building collapse. And that’s also why you need to stay compliant and contact us today.
Is Your Building Required to Retrofit?
Oakland’s Ordinance 13516 requires seismic upgrades for buildings most at risk of collapse during earthquakes.
Your building must be retrofitted if it has:
- Wood-frame construction with a soft story (open ground floor like parking or garage)
- Five or more residential units
- Built before January 1, 1991
Get a Quote
Need more help?
(844) 72-BUILD
(866) 985-6936
Building Tiers and Deadlines
- Tier 1 buildings (20+ units or buildings that missed the 2009 screening): Highest priority, earliest deadlines
- Tier 2 buildings (5-19 units or mixed-use with commercial space): Medium priority
- Tier 3 buildings (residential soft-story, 5-19 units): Extended timeline for compliance
All mandatory retrofit deadlines have now passed. If your building falls under this ordinance and isn’t compliant, you’re facing fines and penalties from the city
The good news: it’s not too late. We help non-compliant property owners complete retrofits quickly and get back into compliance. The city works with owners who take action now rather than continuing to delay.
Financial Help Is Available for Oakland Property Owners
Retrofitting costs less than you think, especially with available grants and incentives.
Oakland's $250 Flat Fee Permit Program
Oakland’s $250 Flat Fee Permit Program
New homeowners who retrofit single-family homes or duplexes pay only $250 for permits instead of standard fees that can run into thousands. The work must meet current seismic standards using Plan Set A (prescriptive retrofit) or an engineered design.
State Grant Programs
Earthquake Brace & Bolt (EBB): Qualifying homeowners with household income under $87,360 can receive up to $3,000 toward code-compliant retrofitting.
Earthquake Soft-Story Grant (ESS): Eligible homeowners can get up to $13,000 for homes with living space above a garage.
See How We’ve Helped Oakland Properties Stay Standing Strong
“The crew knew their stuff, and it showed in the quality of their work." – Natassia Y.
How We Protect Buildings: Our Services
We specialize in seismic retrofitting for both mandatory soft-story buildings and voluntary residential upgrades throughout Oakland and the East Bay.
Need more help?
(844) 72-BUILD
(866) 985-6936
Soft-Story Retrofitting
Buildings with open ground floors lack lateral support and are prone to collapse. We install steel moment frames, shear walls, and structural reinforcements that meet Oakland's ordinance requirements. Our designs keep your building standing while allowing continued use of parking and commercial space.
Foundation Strengthening
A stable foundation is essential for earthquake resistance. We repair cracks, reinforce weak foundation points, and upgrade footings to handle seismic stress. This includes proper anchorage between your foundation and the building frame above.
Earthquake Brace & Bolt
Older homes often lack proper connections between the foundation and structure. We install steel anchor bolts and plywood bracing to prevent your building from sliding off its foundation during ground shaking. This work qualifies for Oakland's $250 permit program and Plan Set A standards.
Tenant Habitability Planning
Our detailed Tenant Habitability Plans ensure retrofitting causes minimal disruption to residents. We coordinate with property management to keep tenants safely in place while meeting Oakland's habitability requirements and compliance standards.
We also offer soft-story earthquake retrofitting in Los Angeles, Burbank, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Orange County, and West Hollywood, among other locations.
What to Expect: Our 4-Step Process
Step 1: Property Evaluation
We perform a thorough structural assessment to identify vulnerabilities and determine exactly what your building needs. This evaluation confirms whether you qualify for Plan Set A or require an engineered design.
Step 2: Customized Retrofit Design
Our licensed engineers create a retrofit plan tailored to your building’s specific conditions and full compliance with Oakland’s seismic ordinance. We handle all permit applications and city coordination.
Step 3: Professional Installation
Our experienced crews install reinforcements including steel frames, shear walls, foundation anchors, and bracing systems. Most projects take 2 to 6 weeks, and tenants can usually remain in place during construction.
Step 4: Final Inspection & Compliance
We coordinate final city inspections and submit all required compliance documentation. Your property is fully protected and legally compliant when we’re done.
"The crew knew their stuff, and it showed in the quality of their work."
Why Oakland Property Owners Trust Us
1,000+ retrofit projects completed. Zero compliance failures.
We Know Oakland's Requirements Inside Out
Years of experience with Ordinance 13516, building tiers, and permit processes. We’ve guided dozens of property owners through inspections and met every February 2025 deadline without delays.
Licensed Engineers, Not Subcontractors
Our structural engineers design every retrofit plan. Your building gets a custom solution from our experienced crews, not random subcontractors.
Tenants Stay in Place
Detailed habitability plans keep residents comfortable during construction. Hundreds of occupied buildings completed with minimal disruption and full compliance.
Areas We Serve Across California
Common Questions
Answers About Costs, Permits, Timelines, and Tenants
Single-family homes typically range from $5,000 to $15,000 for standard work. Soft-story multifamily buildings range from $50,000 to $500,000 depending on size and complexity.
Costs depend on your building's condition, structural requirements, and whether you qualify for Plan Set A or need an engineered design. We provide detailed estimates after your free evaluation, and available grants can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Most projects take 2 to 6 weeks from start to finish. Single-family homes often complete faster, while larger buildings may take longer depending on scope.
Timeline factors include building size, permit processing, weather, and inspection scheduling. We provide realistic timelines during your evaluation and keep you updated throughout.
Costs vary depending on the condition and size of the property. We provide clear, detailed estimates after inspection.
Usually not. Our Tenant Habitability Plans keep residents in place during most retrofits. Work happens at ground level and building exteriors, minimizing disruption to living spaces.
Some projects with extensive foundation work may require temporary relocation for safety. We identify these situations upfront and help coordinate accommodations if needed.
Plan Set A is a pre-approved retrofit plan for simple homes. You qualify if your building is:
- 1-2 family residential
- Two stories or less
- Wood-frame with cripple walls under 4 feet
- Has continuous perimeter foundation
This work qualifies for Oakland's $250 permit program. Buildings that don't meet these criteria need an engineered design (also eligible for the $250 fee).
Yes. Oakland offers a $250 flat fee permit program for qualifying retrofits. The state's Earthquake Brace & Bolt program provides up to $3,000 for eligible homeowners, and the Soft-Story grant offers up to $13,000.
Yes. Retrofitted properties are more attractive to buyers and tenants because they offer enhanced safety and compliance. Buildings meeting current seismic standards command higher market values and often qualify for lower insurance premiums.
Non-retrofitted buildings face declining value as compliance deadlines pass and earthquake risk remains unaddressed.
Don’t Wait to Secure Your Property Against Earthquakes
Delaying retrofitting puts both your property and tenants at serious risk. Earthquakes are unpredictable, but your preparedness doesn’t have to be.
Contact Retrofit1 today to schedule your free property evaluation and take the first step toward full compliance and seismic protection.
