We will inspect your balconies in compliance with California SB 326 and SB 721 laws. Our inspection will determine whether your exterior elements are in safe condition.

Multifamily properties with three or more units need to comply with SB 721. In addition, Homeowners Association (HOA) residences must comply with SB 326 (also known as California’s “Balcony Law”). All buildings designed for human use need to comply with the law regardless of when they were built.
For more information on the current Balcony Law, consult the Davis-Stirling Act. You can find details on balcony maintenance and repairs here, and information on elevated wooden structure inspections here.

Inspections are important for public safety reasons. The new bill was created in 2018, after the tragic death of six people in a Berkeley apartment balcony collapse. The incident was caused by the structural decay of the balcony’s wood frame and could have been prevented with more frequent inspections.
According to SB 236 and SB 721, “The purpose of the inspection is to determine that exterior elevated elements and their associated waterproofing elements are in a generally safe condition, adequate working order, and free from any hazardous condition…”

All elevated exterior elements of the property need to be inspected. These include balconies, decks, railings, porches, walkways, exterior stairways, and exterior entry structures like supports and railings.

Waterproofing elements include flashings, coatings, membranes, and sealants that protect the load-bearing components of the abovementioned exterior elevated elements from exposure to water and weather conditions.

Load-bearing components are the balconies, decks, stairways, and other supporting elements that feature walking surfaces for human use (located 6 feet above the ground or higher).