Earthquake Retrofit in San Jose
Code-ready seismic upgrades for your building.
Stop Paying for Penalties, Start Investing in Your Property.
Owning property in California means keeping up with strict earthquake safety regulations—and failing to do so can cost you more than just fines. Earthquake retrofitting in San Jose not only protects your building and the people inside, but it also shields you from expensive penalties and potential liability.
At Retrofit1, we specialize in making commercial and residential properties fully compliant while helping you:
- Keep your building fully compliant with current requirements
- Avoid thousands in potential penalties and repair costs
- Understand every step, from engineering plans to construction work
- Get a safer, up-to-code structure that’s financially protected
To find out what your property needs and what you could save, contact us now.
The Mandatory Retrofitting Law in San Jose: What You Should Know
The City of San Jose requires many multi-family property owners to complete seismic retrofitting to improve safety and prevent major earthquake damage. If you receive a city notice, you’ll need to follow strict deadlines to bring your building up to code.
The law mainly affects “soft-story” buildings, like apartments over carports or properties with wide ground-floor openings. Retrofitting strengthens these vulnerable structures, protecting both residents and your investment.
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How We Reinforce Homes and Buildings Before Disaster Strikes
Retrofit1 offers professional earthquake retrofitting services to protect buildings from seismic damage. Our retrofitting services address each property’s specific vulnerabilities, ensuring your building is reinforced to withstand the forces of nature.
Soft-Story Retrofitting Solutions
Soft-story buildings are among the most at risk during an earthquake, with open ground floors that can collapse under lateral forces. We retrofit these structures with steel frames, bracing, and shear walls to strengthen the weakest level.
Earthquake Bracing & Bolting
Without proper bracing and bolting, an earthquake can shift a building right off its foundation. We reinforce properties by fastening the structure to its base with seismic anchor bolts, steel connectors, and engineered bracing systems.
Foundation Repair
Over time, foundations can shift, crack, or deteriorate—especially in earthquake-prone areas. We repair and strengthen foundations with proven techniques that restore load-bearing capacity and prepare the structure for seismic retrofitting.
Tenant Habitability Planning (THP)
Tenant safety and comfort come first. Our Tenant Habitability Plans (THPs) are designed to keep disruptions minimal while ensuring a safe environment throughout construction.
“From the first inspection to the final repair, they were super responsive and professional.” – Natassia Y.
Proven Results. Safer Buildings. Happy Clients.
Is Your San Jose Building Earthquake-Ready?
San Jose sits between the Calaveras and San Andreas fault lines, making it one of California’s highest-risk seismic zones. If your multifamily building was built before 1990, it may require mandatory seismic upgrades under the 2026 San Jose Soft-Story Ordinance.
These are some of the warning signs your property may be at risk:
- Built before 1990 with tuck-under parking or open ground floors
- Visible foundation cracks or sloping floors
- Unbraced walls or weak lateral support
- Located in a seismic hazard zone
Don’t wait for the next big one. Start planning now to stay ahead of deadlines and avoid penalties and contact us.
Areas We Serve Across California
What Our Retrofitting Process Looks Like: 4 Easy Steps
At Retrofit1, we follow a structured process for earthquake retrofitting in San Jose, California. From the initial inspection to the final inspection, our team of skilled engineers and contractors works together to reinforce your property for maximum resilience.
Step 1: Initial Inspection and Assessment
Our engineers inspect your foundation, framing, and structure to identify weak points and determine if your building requires retrofitting under San Jose’s seismic ordinance taking effect in 2026.
Step 2: Custom Retrofitting Plan
We create a retrofit plan tailored to your building’s needs, recommending solutions like bolting, shear walls, or steel frames that meet safety codes without unnecessary construction costs.
Step 3: Installation and Implementation
Our licensed contractors install reinforcements like shear walls, bolts, and steel braces. A project manager oversees the work to ensure it’s completed on time with minimal disruption.
Step 4: Final Inspection
After construction, we perform a final inspection, verify structural upgrades, and assist with city documentation so your property meets code and is ready for future seismic events.
Why San Jose Property Owners Trust Retrofit1
We’ve completed 300+ retrofitting projects across California, including dozens right here in San Jose.
- Local Expertise: We understand the vulnerabilities of Bay Area structures and tailor each retrofit to San Jose’s unique risk zones.
- Full Code Compliance: We’re prepared for the San Jose seismic retrofit ordinance, effective April 1, 2026, and help clients meet all deadlines.
- THP Coordination: We handle the Tenant Habitability Plan (THP) and resident communications.
- Cost-Controlled Solutions: Our engineers frequently redesign overengineered plans to save owners thousands.
- On-Time Delivery: Licensed crews, proactive project managers, and no delays. We finish when we say we will.
In addition to San Jose, we provide earthquake retrofitting in San Francisco, Oakland, Alameda, Berkeley, Fremont, Hayward, Mountain View, and across California.
Common Questions
Thinking About a Retrofit? Here’s What to Know First
It’s how we strengthen your building’s structure—foundation, framing, and weak points—so it’s better equipped to handle a major earthquake. Retrofitting helps protect lives, reduce damage, and ensure code compliance.
Most projects take 2–6 weeks, depending on your building’s size and condition. We provide clear timelines up front and work efficiently to minimize disruption to you and your tenants.
Yes, retrofitted buildings are safer, more insurable, and often more attractive to buyers or tenants. It’s a smart investment that helps you meet local requirements while protecting your asset long term.
Group 1: 5+ units, built before 1978 – retrofit by April 1, 2031
Group 2: 5+ units, built 1978–1989 – retrofit by April 1, 2032
Group 3: 3–4 units, built before 1990 – retrofit by April 1, 2033
Start Your Retrofitting Plan in San Jose Today
Choosing Retrofit1 means working with a team that brings over 20 years of experience and a proven track record of more than 700 successful retrofitting projects across California. We reinforce your property using precise, tailored solutions such as shear walls, foundation bolting, and steel braces to ensure it meets the highest seismic safety standards.
Contact us at Retrofit1 today to schedule your initial inspection for earthquake retrofitting in San Jose, and protect your building from future earthquakes.
