San Jose Building Owners, Do You Need to Retrofit Your Building?
The City of San Jose has approved a mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Ordinance and Program, now scheduled to take effect April 1, 2027. If you own a pre-1990 wood-frame residential building with two or more stories, three or more dwelling units, and a vulnerable ground or target story, your property may be subject to City screening and retrofit requirements.
The Risk Is Real. The Deadline Is Mandatory.
San Jose sits in one of the most seismically active regions in the country. These numbers show why the city isn’t waiting.
Estimated soft-story buildings in San Jose
Housing units in potentially affected buildings
Probability of a magnitude 6.7+ earthquake in the San Francisco Bay Region before 2043
What Is a Soft Story Building?
A soft story occurs when the ground floor is significantly weaker than the floors above, typically due to tuck-under parking, large retail storefronts, or open storage.
During an earthquake, these ground floors can collapse or “pancake,” causing catastrophic damage. Retrofitting strengthens these levels with steel frames or shear walls, ensuring the building survives the movement.
San Jose Ordinance
Compliance Deadlines
The City screening phase is expected within 18 months of the April 1, 2027 effective date. Missing the screening deadline may result in the building being designated as subject to retrofit requirements and could lead to enforcement action. Start the process early to ensure a smooth compliance path. Current City-listed retrofit deadlines are below.
Oct 2028
Mandatory Screening
All subject buildings (Groups 1, 2, and 3) are expected to complete the City-required screening form by October 1, 2028.
Apr 2031
Group 1 Deadline
Deadline for buildings built before Jan 1, 1978 with 5 or more units to complete all retrofit work.
Apr 2032
Group 2 Deadline
Deadline for buildings built after Jan. 1, 1978 and before Jan. 1, 1990 with 5 or more units to complete retrofitting.
Apr 2033
Group 3 Deadline
Deadline for all other subject buildings built before Jan 1, 1990 with 3 or more dwelling units.
San Jose Soft Story FAQs
Find answers to common questions about Ordinance No. 31123, mandatory screening deadlines, and how to protect your San Jose property investment.
Is my building subject to the San Jose Ordinance?
Typically, pre-1990 wood-frame residential buildings in San Jose with three or more dwelling units, at least two stories, and a vulnerable ground or target story, such as tuck-under parking, retail space, or other large openings, may be subject to the ordinance.
When is the deadline for the screening form?
The first critical deadline is expected to be October 1, 2028. All subject buildings must have a licensed structural engineer submit a screening form to the City of San Jose to determine if a retrofit is required.
Do tenants have to relocate during a retrofit?
In most cases, no. Retrofit work is usually concentrated on the ground floor or in parking areas. Tenants can typically remain in their units while the structural frames or shear walls are being installed.
What if I think my building is exempt?
Owners who believe their building is exempt (e.g., due to previous retrofitting or construction type) must still have a licensed engineer submit a screening form to the City to establish the exemption.
How much does a seismic evaluation cost?
Miyamoto provides preliminary consultations at no cost. For formal city screening, we provide a competitive quote based on your building’s size and complexity. Contact us for a property-specific assessment.
What if I own a condo or am part of an HOA?
Condo buildings may be subject to the ordinance if they meet the City’s criteria. Owners and HOAs should coordinate early so screening and any retrofit work can be handled across the building.
Talk to a San Jose Soft Story Expert
Fill out the form and a licensed structural engineer will contact you to discuss your building’s requirements and compliance group at no cost.