For many property owners in Oakland, 2025 might feel far off — but the reality is, February is just around the corner. And for those with buildings on the city’s mandatory soft story retrofit list, that deadline comes with real consequences.
The clock isn’t just ticking. It’s echoing.
“For property owners in Oakland who are required to do a mandatory soft story retrofit, the deadline that’s approaching is February 2025,” says Connor Daly, founder of Connor Daly Construction.
And while that date may seem bureaucratic, the implications of missing it are deeply personal — both financially and emotionally.
Not Meeting the Deadline Isn’t Just a Violation — It’s a Gamble
There’s no way to predict when a major earthquake might strike the Bay Area. But if it hits after the deadline, and your retrofit isn’t complete, the potential damage extends far beyond property lines.
“The biggest risk is there’s a major earthquake,” Daly explains. “The building has not been reinforced and suffers catastrophic damage to both the building, the tenants and their belongings inside of it”.
This isn’t theoretical. For older soft story buildings, the failure to retrofit could lead not just to costly repairs — but complete loss of the structure and long-term loss of rental income. For owners with mortgages or long-term investment plans, this kind of interruption can derail financial stability.
The City of Oakland May Enforce — But Nature Doesn’t Wait for Enforcement
Even if you’re betting on leniency from the city, that’s not the only risk factor. Enforcement actions could range from fines to red-tagging, but Daly reminds owners that the ultimate risk is far less predictable.
“The city of Oakland has not yet announced what sorts of enforcement they are doing,” he notes. “They might possibly start with giving everyone a warning followed by a violation, followed by a fine, with the potential of going all the way to a red tag”.
In other words, relying on grace periods or policy changes may be a gamble many can’t afford to take.
The Emotional Toll of Waiting Too Long
There’s a silent burden that comes with delay. Uncertainty. Sleepless nights. The weight of knowing something needs to be done — but not knowing where to start, who to trust, or how much it will cost. That emotional stress isn’t talked about enough in the retrofit conversation.
“Not meeting this deadline opens you up to various risks,” Daly says. “The biggest one being a major earthquake that causes damage to your building, its inhabitants, your structure, and your ability to create rent and generate money going forward”.
That’s not just about business. That’s about life. About legacy. About responsibility.
Questions Property Owners Should Be Asking Themselves
If you’re reading this and you own a building in Oakland, the following questions might help clarify your next steps:
- Has my building been identified on the city’s mandatory soft story retrofit list?
- How long will it take to complete permitting, design, and construction — and will I make the February deadline?
- If a major earthquake hit tomorrow, could my building withstand it?
- Do I know what penalties — or liabilities — I’m exposed to if I do nothing?
- Who can walk me through this without pressure, but with clarity?
If you’re not sure how to answer these yet, Connor Daly Construction is here to guide you through each step with professionalism and experience.
Contact us today to discuss your building, the February 2025 deadline, and how we can help protect your property and your peace of mind. [License #546425]
Why Building Owners Trust Connor Daly Construction with High-Stakes Deadlines
When deadlines are rigid, when the stakes are high, and when the path forward feels uncertain — Connor Daly Construction steps in with confidence, experience, and calm execution.
Our founder has completed hundreds of retrofits across the Bay Area. We handle permitting, inspections, construction, and unforeseen issues in-house — so nothing derails your progress.
“What’s most likely to happen is we’ll see warnings and violations given out… and hopefully then that’ll be enough of an impetus to get the rest of the remaining property owners to complete their retrofits,” says Daly.
Don’t wait for a warning. Let’s complete your retrofit the right way — the first time — before the deadline hits.
