If you own or manage a multi-family building in San Jose, there’s a new deadline on your radar: April 1, 2026. That’s when the Soft-Story Retrofit Ordinance officially takes effect — a program designed to prevent devastating building collapses in the next big earthquake.
Whether you’re a landlord or investor, this post will break down the essentials: deadlines, building types, and what you need to do now to stay ahead.
What Is a Soft-Story Building — and Why Retrofit It?
A soft-story building typically has a ground floor with large openings (for parking or storage) and not enough lateral support. These structures are especially dangerous in earthquakes — as proven in the 1989 Loma Prieta and 1994 Northridge quakes, which caused deadly collapses and millions in lawsuits.
San Jose is taking proactive steps to avoid history repeating itself of city-wide risks.
Receive a market valuation for your San Jose Multifamily property today!
Ordinance Basics: Who’s Affected and When
Buildings Covered by the Ordinance
Your building is likely affected if it meets these criteria:
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Wood-frame construction
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Built before 1990
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Three or more residential units
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May have a crawl space with no seismic retrofitting
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May have large ground-level openings (like parking garages)
Building Groups
To tailor compliance, buildings are sorted into three groups:
| Group | Deadline | Construction Year | # of Units |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Group 1 |
April 1, 2031 |
Before Jan 1, 1978 | 5+ units |
| Group 2 | April 1, 2032 | 1978 – 1989 | 5+ units |
| Group 3 | April 1, 2033 | Before Jan 1, 1990 | 3+ units |
Key Dates and Compliance Deadlines (Updated 2025)
| Action | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Ordinance goes into effect | April 1, 2026 |
| Screening must be completed | Oct 1, 2027 |
City’s Goals:
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Public safety first – Prevent collapses and injuries.
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Equity and inclusion – Consider owner and tenant impacts.
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Cost control – Balance retrofit costs with earthquake risk.
Your Next Steps as a Building Owner
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Confirm your building’s status using the city's inventory list.
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Categorize your building (Group 1, 2, or 3).
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Start planning for the screening phase now — don’t wait for 2026.
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Budget for design, permits, and construction.
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Talk to a seismic retrofit contractor who has experience in San Jose.
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Stay connected through city updates and outreach meetings.
Sources: City of San Jose and CAANET.org
