SB-721 & SB-326 Balcony Inspections

California-mandated inspections of balconies, decks, walkways, and stairs for multifamily buildings.

Schedule Balcony Inspection

Why These Inspections Are Required

California law requires regular inspection of exterior elevated elements — balconies, decks, walkways, and stairs — on multifamily buildings.

Two laws apply depending on your property type: SB-721 for apartments and SB-326 for condominiums and HOAs.

The Goal: Prevent Catastrophe

Both laws were enacted after the 2015 Berkeley balcony collapse that killed six people. The goal is to identify structural deterioration — particularly water intrusion and dry rot — before it becomes dangerous.

Two Laws, Different Requirements

Understand which law governs your property and the critical deadlines you must meet.

Requirement	SB-721 (Apartments)	SB-326 (Condos/HOAs)
Applies to:	Apartment buildings with 3 or more units	Condominiums and HOA-managed properties
First Deadline:	January 1, 2026	January 1, 2025 (already passed)
Reinspection Interval:	Every 6 years	Every 9 years
Responsibility:	Property owner	HOA (for common area elements)
Special Requirement:	—	Findings must be incorporated into reserve study
Penalties for Non-Compliance:	Up to $500/day	—

What We Inspect: Exterior Elevated Elements (EEEs)

Both laws cover “exterior elevated elements” (EEEs) that are more than 6 feet above ground and rely on wood or wood-based materials for structural support:

Visual Inspection

Comprehensive visual assessment of all exterior elevated elements, looking for signs of water damage, dry rot, structural deterioration, and safety hazards.

Structural Connection Review

Assessment of how elevated elements connect to the building structure, where failures most commonly occur.

Waterproofing Assessment

Evaluation of waterproofing systems, flashing, drainage, and potential water intrusion points.

Photo Documentation

High-resolution photos documenting conditions and any areas of concern.

Compliance Report

Detailed written report documenting findings, condition assessment, and repair recommendations if needed.

Repair Recommendations

If issues are identified, clear guidance on what repairs are needed and relative urgency.

Key Elements Covered:

Balconies and decks
Exterior walkways and corridors
Exterior stairways
Railings and guards
Associated waterproofing and structural components

Compliance Report & Repair Guidance

Our deliverables are designed to ensure you meet state requirements and have a clear action plan for any issues found.

For Property Managers

Managing multiple properties? We offer portfolio programs with streamlined scheduling and reporting. Contact us to discuss volume arrangements.
For HOA Boards

SB-326 requires that inspection findings be incorporated into your reserve study. We provide reports formatted to support this requirement, and can attend board meetings to discuss findings if needed.

What If Repairs Are Needed?

If we identify conditions requiring repair, you’ll receive a clear report outlining:

What needs to be addressed
Relative priority and timeline
Whether immediate action is required for safety
Guidance on next steps

We can provide follow-up inspection after repairs are complete to document compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which law applies to my building — SB-721 or SB-326?

SB-721 applies to apartment buildings (rental properties with 3+ units). SB-326 applies to condominiums and HOA-managed properties. If you’re not sure, contact us and we can help you determine which applies.

My building is all concrete or steel. Do I still need an inspection?

The laws focus on wood-framed exterior elevated elements. If your building has no wood-based EEEs, you may be exempt — but you may need documentation proving exemption status. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.

What areas do you cover?

We provide SB-721 and SB-326 inspections throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, and surrounding areas in Southern California.

How long does an inspection take?

It depends on building size and number of elevated elements. A typical small apartment building takes 1-2 hours. Larger properties take longer. We can provide a time estimate when you schedule.

What does it cost?

Pricing varies based on building size and complexity. Contact us for a quote. We offer competitive rates and volume discounts for property managers with multiple buildings.

Don’t Wait for the Deadline

Schedule your SB-721 or SB-326 inspection now and stay ahead of compliance requirements.