Building Department's Response to EQ Damage to Steel Frame Buildings

The city of Los Angeles's experience in obtaining information on damaged steel frame buildings; the key role the design community played in formulating an inspection program and repair guidelines; and the difficulty the Department of Building and Safety encountered in obtaining approval of emergency code provisions and in implementing an inspection ordinance are described. The limited resources of city agencies mandate they maintain a working relationship with the local design community to help gather information and support code changes.