LA Soft-Story Retrofit Completion
Last updated: August 27, 2026
What are the official close-out requirements?
Per Ordinance 183893, two official close-out items dismiss the Order:
| Close-out requirement | Ordinance section | Who provides it |
|---|---|---|
| County Recorder certificate | §91.9306.6 | Department files with County Recorder |
| Statement on the approved plans | §91.9310.2 | California civil or structural engineer or architect (§91.9305.1) |
What happens after completion?
After LADBS dismisses the Order, the building is no longer listed as noncompliant under Ordinance 183893. The owner retains completion records for future property transfers and lender inquiries.
Frequently asked questions
What marks LA soft-story retrofit completion?
Per Ordinance 183893, completion occurs when the Department files a County Recorder certificate (§91.9306.6) and the design professional (a California civil or structural engineer or architect per §91.9305.1) puts a statement on the approved plans (§91.9310.2).
Is the lender PML/SEL part of completion?
No. The PML (Probable Maximum Loss) or SEL (Scenario Expected Loss) is a Freddie Mac multifamily real estate appraisal for the lender's earthquake collateral risk assessment per ASTM E2026. Per Ordinance 183893, the Department files a County Recorder certificate (§91.9306.6) and the design professional puts a statement on the approved plans (§91.9310.2) to dismiss the Order, not lender underwriting documents.