Retrofitting in Los Angeles
Seismic retrofitting is a critical safety measure for property owners in Los Angeles, particularly for those with older buildings susceptible to earthquake damage. Crestico offers comprehensive guidance and resources to help clients navigate the city's mandatory retrofitting requirements and ensure compliance with local ordinances.
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What Does Retrofitting in Los Angeles Entail?
At Crestico, we believe retrofitting in Los Angeles is more than a regulatory requirement—it’s an important step in ensuring safety, conservation, and compliance for every property transaction. When a home is sold in Los Angeles, sellers must complete certain city-mandated upgrades before escrow can close. These measures include water conservation improvements, such as the installation of ultra-low-flow toilets and showerheads, along with safety features like tempered glass or safety film on sliding doors. In addition, properties must be equipped with properly installed smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and secured water heaters, while a seismic gas shut-off valve must be installed and inspected with the appropriate city permits.
To verify these upgrades, a Code Compliance Retrofit Inspection is conducted by licensed professionals, and once all items are addressed, a Certificate of Compliance is issued. This certificate is required during escrow to confirm that the property meets all retrofit standards. Although the city does not specify who must bear the cost of these upgrades, it is generally customary for sellers to cover them, even in the case of bank-owned or foreclosure sales.
Ultimately, these retrofit requirements are designed to protect both current and future occupants while ensuring a smoother and more reliable closing process. With Crestico’s guidance, property owners and buyers can move through each step of compliance with clarity and confidence, knowing that their transaction is secure and their property meets the highest safety and conservation standards.