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What is Senate Bill 721?

Senate Bill 721 affects buildings with 3 or more multifamily dwelling units and mandates safety and inspection standards for a building’s exterior elevated elements (EEEs).

According to the bill, EEEs include stairways, porches, decks, walkways, and other elevated structures more than 6 feet above the ground.


Specifically, SB-721 focuses on wood-framed structures and requires inspections every six years.




Here’s a breakdown of some of the bill’s key points:


  • The first SB-721 inspection must be completed by January 1st, 2025.

  • A certified independent inspector must inspect a minimum of 15% of each type of elevated element (decks, porches, stairways, and walkways). The inspector gets to decide which elevated features to examine.

  • The property owner must correct any exterior elevated element that requires repair or replacement.

  • The more serious the structural issue, the sooner the building owner must complete repairs.

  • Local building departments can assess penalties up to $500 per day for non-compliant facilities.

  • Re-inspections must occur every six years.

  • If officials in the jurisdiction request the reports, the building inspector is legally required to make them available.

  • Property owners are responsible for continued and ongoing maintenance.


The requirements of SB-721 inspections are as follows:

  • All SB-721 safety inspections must be completed by safety inspectors who are qualified under the provisions of SB-721. These professionals include general contractors with “A,” “B,” or “C-5” license classifications and at least five years of experience, architects, engineers, and certified building inspectors.

  • If the inspection reveals problems with the EEE, the person who completes the repairs cannot be the same person who conducted the initial inspection.

  • The inspection reports must meet three specific requirements: they must outline the current condition of the EEE, specify the expected service life of the elevated element, and provide recommendations for additional inspections if the inspector deems them necessary.

  • Property inspectors must deliver their inspection reports within 45 days of the inspection date.


Apartment SB-721 Inspection Service

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute to Comply with California’s Balcony Bill!

If you own or manage an apartment building in California with 3 or more multi-family units, Senate Bill 721 applies to you and your facility. The deadline for compliance is approaching fast and failing to comply could result in expensive fines and fees.

Don’t wait to book your SB-721 inspection! Contact our team to schedule your inspection today.


What Needs to be Inspected Under SB-721?

While Senate Bill 721 “SB-721” is sometimes referred to as “the balcony law,” it applies to more than just balconies!

All structures elevated more than 6’ above the ground and made from wood, or wood-based elements must be inspected, including:

  • Porches

  • Stairways

  • Walkways

  • Decks

  • Elevated entry structures

All SB-721 inspections must be completed by qualified professionals such as licensed architects, licensed civil or structural engineers, contractors with a minimum of 5 years of experience, or certified building inspectors.


HOA/Condo SB-326 Inspection Service

Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your inspection!

Are you an HOA board member? Do you own a condominium in California? If so, SB-326 affects your building! Failing to comply with this deck and balcony law could result in fines, fees, and other disciplinary action.


Fortunately, compliance and peace of mind are just around the corner.

At Deck and Balcony Inspections, Inc., we provide SB-326 inspections for property owners and managers like you.


We serve all of California with professional SB 326 inspection services


What needs to be inspected?

California’s SB-326 law applies to all exterior elements that are elevated more than 6 feet above ground level that are designed for human activity.

As such, a SB-326 inspection must evaluate the following exterior elements:

  • Decks

  • Balconies

  • Stairs and landings

  • Elevated walkways

  • Entries

Buildings affected by SB-326 must complete their initial inspection by January 1st, 2025, with subsequent inspections every nine years. But don’t wait until the last minute – beat the rush by scheduling your inspection today.


After the inspection, the completed inspection report is submitted to the Homeowners Association board, the property management company, and (if warranted) the local code enforcement agency.


If the SB-326 inspection uncovers any issues that require repairs, the HOA Board of Directors is responsible for coordinating the completion of all repairs within the timelines specified under SB-326 law.


If repairs are not completed within the timelines specified, the local building departments have the authority to recover any costs associated with the enforcement of any violations that pertain to life and safety.

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