Licensed Structural Engineers Serving Los Angeles, California
AAA Engineering Design provides professional structural engineering services throughout Los Angeles. From hillside homes in the Hollywood Hills to commercial buildings downtown, our licensed Professional Engineers deliver comprehensive structural designs meeting LA building standards.
Why Choose AAA Engineering Design in Los Angeles
Our licensed Professional Engineers bring deep local knowledge and proven expertise to every Los Angeles project.
Extensive experience with LA Department of Building & Safety (LADBS)
Completed 200+ structural projects throughout Los Angeles
Soft-story retrofit expertise for LA mandatory compliance
Hillside and challenging site engineering specialization
Expert knowledge of LA seismic requirements
Multi-family and commercial building experience
Our Los Angeles Local Expertise
Building Department Experience
Deep experience with Los Angeles Department of Building & Safety (LADBS). We understand their rigorous plan review process, express plan check procedures, and correction response protocols.
Projects Completed
200+ projects in Los Angeles including soft-story retrofits, hillside homes, ADUs, commercial buildings, and residential additions across all LA neighborhoods.
Soil & Foundation Knowledge
Expertise in LA's diverse geological conditions including hillside stability, liquefaction zones, fault proximity, and varying soil types across the vast city.
Code Expertise
Expert knowledge of California Building Code plus LA local amendments including mandatory soft-story ordinance, hillside grading requirements, and enhanced seismic provisions.
Common Los Angeles Projects
We provide structural engineering for a wide range of projects throughout Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Building Department Information
Important information for your Los Angeles project
Address
201 N. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone
(213) 482-6800Typical Permit Timeline
4-8 weeks for plan review (Express Plan Check available)
Website
Visit WebsiteOnline permit portal available for convenient application submission and tracking
Los Angeles Neighborhoods We Serve
Local Soil Conditions
Los Angeles has extremely varied soil and geological conditions. Hillside areas require slope stability analysis and specialized foundations. Flatland areas may have liquefaction zones or expansive soils. Proximity to fault lines requires careful seismic design. We work with geotechnical engineers and design appropriate foundation systems for each unique LA site.
Frequently Asked Questions About Structural Engineering in Los Angeles
Common questions from Los Angeles homeowners and property owners
What is LA's mandatory soft-story retrofit requirement?
Los Angeles has a mandatory soft-story retrofit ordinance requiring wood-frame buildings with soft, weak, or open front walls (typically parking or retail below apartments) to be seismically retrofitted. Property owners receive notification letters with compliance deadlines. We specialize in soft-story retrofit design and help property owners comply efficiently and cost-effectively.
How much does structural engineering cost in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles structural engineering typically ranges from $3,000-$6,000 for residential additions, $4,000-$8,000 for ADUs, $8,000-$25,000 for soft-story retrofits (depending on building size), and $8,000-$20,000+ for hillside homes. Commercial projects vary widely. We provide free consultations and detailed quotes.
How long does LADBS permit review take?
Standard LADBS plan review takes 4-8 weeks. Express Plan Check is available for expedited review (typically 2-3 weeks). Our familiarity with LADBS requirements and reviewers helps minimize corrections and speed approvals. We design to LADBS standards from the start.
Do you specialize in LA hillside homes?
Yes, hillside engineering is one of our specialties. LA hillside properties require slope stability analysis, specialized foundations (often caissons or grade beams), extensive retaining walls, and compliance with LA hillside ordinances. We have extensive experience with Hollywood Hills, Silver Lake, and other hillside communities.
Can you help with ADU projects in Los Angeles?
Absolutely. LA has embraced ADU development, and we design ADUs throughout the city. We handle standard ADUs, garage conversions, and challenging hillside ADUs. We understand LA ADU requirements and provide permit-ready structural plans that navigate LADBS efficiently.
What about earthquake retrofitting for older LA buildings?
Many older LA buildings benefit from seismic retrofitting. Beyond mandatory soft-story compliance, we assess and design retrofits for unreinforced masonry buildings, older wood-frame structures, and buildings with inadequate lateral systems. Retrofitting protects your investment and may reduce earthquake insurance premiums.
Do you work on commercial projects in LA?
Yes, we handle commercial structural engineering throughout LA including office buildings, retail spaces, restaurants, mixed-use developments, and tenant improvements. We have experience with all construction types and occupancy classifications, and coordinate effectively with LA's commercial permit processes.
Can you work with my architect and contractor in LA?
Absolutely. We regularly collaborate with LA architects, contractors, and other design professionals. Good coordination is essential for successful LA projects given the complexity of LADBS requirements. We communicate clearly and attend coordination meetings as needed.
“AAA Engineering Design handled our soft-story retrofit for our 12-unit apartment building in Koreatown. They designed an efficient retrofit that met LADBS requirements and minimized tenant disruption. The permit process went smoothly thanks to their expertise with LA building codes.”
Service Areas Near Los Angeles
We also proudly serve these nearby communities
Ready to Start Your Project?
Get a free consultation and detailed quote for your engineering project. Our licensed Professional Engineers are ready to help bring your vision to life.
Contact Information
Phone
(949) 981-4448Office
8031 Main Street
Stanton, CA 90680
Business Hours
Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
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