LEET
Soft Story Retrofit Oakland - Trusted Construction Experts
Discover unparalleled design and minimal disruptions
with Oakland’s leading soft story retrofit specialists.

SEISMIC RETROFIT AND STRUCTURAL INVESTIGATION SERVICES
SEISMIC RETROFITTING EXPERTS
In response to Oakland’s Soft Story Seismic Ordinance #13516, enacted in January 2019, buildings that may suffer increased risk during an earthquake are now required to undergo specific retrofits. This ordinance targets soft-story buildings—structures with five or more residential units, constructed before 1991, featuring at least two stories over a ground level that has large openings, often referred to as a “Target Story.”
LEET Construction Corporation specializes in seismic retrofitting, particularly for buildings classified under the Soft Story Seismic Ordinance. With our deep expertise, we offer comprehensive services designed to comply with Oakland’s stringent retrofit mandates within the mandated six-year period.
Our services include:
- Detailed Structural Assessments: Aligning with Oakland’s soft story building retrofitting regulations.
- Development of Technical Plans and Permit Acquisition: Ensuring all designs meet the specific criteria for earthquake retrofitting in Oakland.
- Efficient Construction Management: From the initial inspection to the completion of your seismic retrofit, ensuring your property meets all safety standards efficiently and cost-effectively.
Property owners impacted by these regulations can trust LEET Construction to enhance their building’s resilience against earthquakes with our proven expertise and commitment to safety. Contact us today to fortify your property under the Soft Story Seismic Ordinance.
Comprehensive On-Site Structural Assessments at LEET Construction
Comprehensive On-Site Structural Assessments at LEET Construction
At LEET Construction, we specialize in thorough on-site structural assessments to meticulously evaluate the integrity of crucial building components, including walls, columns, beams, ceilings, and floors. Our evaluations are essential for planning effective soft story seismic retrofits in Oakland, ensuring that every aspect of your building meets the stringent safety standards required by local earthquake retrofitting ordinances.

At LEET Construction Corporation, an established design-build firm in Oakland, we are dedicated to providing premier soft story retrofit services for condos and apartment buildings. Our extensive portfolio successfully completed soft story retrofits in Oakland, San Francisco, Berkeley, and Alameda, all certified and endorsed by city officials. These projects underscore our commitment to adhering to local seismic ordinances and enhancing building safety.
Soft-story buildings, often featuring open front walls and tuck-under parking, are predominantly wooden structures prone to seismic damage. LEET Construction offers comprehensive retrofitting services designed to bolster earthquake resistance while preserving parking functionality and the building's aesthetic integrity. Our approach involves meticulous evaluation, detailed planning, and precise execution.
Our cost-effective seismic retrofit solutions not only improve safety but also help remove properties from the city's list of hazardous buildings. We provide specialized engineering designs tailored for soft story seismic retrofits, along with full-service design and build solutions. Furthermore, we are equipped to execute retrofit projects based on designs from other firms, ensuring versatility and adaptability to diverse client needs.
If your property falls under the Mandatory Soft Story Program or requires expert retrofitting services, turn to LEET Construction. Our team of seasoned engineers and construction experts is committed to delivering excellence and competitive pricing. We ensure every project meets rigorous safety standards and client expectations.

WHAT IS A SEISMIC RETROFIT?
A seismic retrofit enhances a building’s resilience against seismic activities such as earthquakes, tremors, and vibrations. This process involves evaluating and reinforcing a building’s structural components to adhere to local seismic standards and guidelines. The complexity and cost of seismic retrofits vary with the building’s age and type, and the specific seismic threats in the region. The primary goal is to bolster structural integrity, thereby minimizing the risk of damage or collapse during seismic events. Retrofit measures might include the installation of reinforced foundations, enhanced walls and roofs, and updated electrical and mechanical systems.
IS SEISMIC RETROFITTING REQUIRED IN OAKLAND?
In Oakland, seismic retrofitting is particularly crucial for older buildings, especially those constructed before modern seismic codes were established. The city has identified soft-story buildings—multi-unit structures with a weak first floor—as particularly vulnerable during earthquakes. Retrofitting these buildings is essential to prevent potential collapse, safeguarding both human lives and property.
OAKLAND’S SEISMIC RETROFIT ORDINANCE FOR SOFT-STORY BUILDINGS
While Oakland’s specific ordinances may vary slightly from those in Los Angeles, the general approach is similar. The city mandates seismic upgrades for older buildings to meet current safety standards. Property owners are encouraged to consult with licensed engineers to assess their buildings’ structural integrity and to develop an appropriate retrofit plan. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to ensure the safety of all occupants and to avoid penalties.
Soft Story Retrofit Process
Receive Notice on the Oakland Soft Story Ordinance

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