SB 326 & SB 721 Balcony Compliance Inspections
California Balcony Compliance Support for HOAs, Owners, Managers, and Buyers
California’s SB 326 and SB 721 statutes require qualifying multifamily properties to have their exterior elevated elements checked for safety issues, deterioration, and water-related damage.
We conduct professional inspections of balconies and other exterior elevated elements so property managers, HOA boards, and building owners know exactly where they stand on compliance. We also work with buyers who need to verify a condo or multifamily property’s inspection status before their deal closes.
What SB 326 and SB 721 Require
SB 326 and SB 721 are California statutes designed to strengthen the safety of balconies, decks, walkways, stairways, and other elevated exterior structures on qualifying multifamily buildings.
These components sit directly in the path of rain, moisture, and shifting weather. Over time, water intrusion can break down waterproofing systems and lead to decay, corrosion, or a loss of strength in load-bearing parts that aren’t visible from the surface.
Who Falls Under the Requirement
Condominium Associations and HOAs
SB 326 typically covers condominium projects and common-interest developments with three or more attached multifamily units that have qualifying exterior elevated elements.
The association handles inspection responsibilities for any elements it is obligated to maintain or repair. HOA boards should keep past inspection reports, repair history, reserve studies, and related documentation on file for their balconies and other exterior elevated elements.
Apartment and Multifamily Building Owners
SB 721 typically covers apartment and multifamily buildings with three or more units that aren’t governed as common-interest developments under SB 326.
Here, the building owner carries the responsibility for arranging the inspection, keeping the reports, and completing whatever repairs are required.
Key Compliance Dates
SB 326 Timeline
The initial SB 326 inspection deadline was January 1, 2025. After that, inspections are required at least once every nine years, timed to align with the association’s reserve study inspection.
For newer qualifying buildings where the permit application was submitted on or after January 1, 2020, the first inspection is generally due no later than six years after the certificate of occupancy is issued.
SB 721 Timeline
Under the current statewide statute, the first SB 721 inspection is due by January 1, 2026, with follow-up inspections required every six years after that.
For newer qualifying buildings where the permit application was submitted on or after January 1, 2019, the first inspection is generally due no later than six years after the certificate of occupancy is issued.
Elements Covered by the Inspection
SB 326 and SB 721 apply to qualifying exterior elevated elements along with their load-bearing and waterproofing components.
Depending on the property and the applicable statute, this can include:
- Balconies
- Decks
- Porches
- Exterior stairways
- Exterior walkways
- Entry structures
- Landings
- Railings
- Supports
- Connections to the building
- Associated waterproofing systems
Reports for HOAs and Property Managers
Once the inspection wraps up, we prepare a written compliance report for the association, building owner, or their designated representative.
The report captures the condition of the sampled exterior elevated elements, giving you a record to use for planning, repairs, and future inspection cycles.
Depending on which statute applies, the report may cover:
- Inspection date
- Property information
- Types of exterior elevated elements
- Locations or sample inspected
- Identification of load-bearing components
- Identification of associated waterproofing systems
- Current physical condition
- Photographs
- Test results, when applicable
- Expected future performance
- Projected service life
- Recommendations for further investigation
- Repair or replacement recommendations
- Identification of immediate safety threats
- Access restrictions or emergency measures, if necessary
- Inspector’s signature or professional stamp
Buyer Due Diligence in Escrow
Required balcony inspections have become a significant due-diligence item for buyers looking at condos, apartment buildings, and other multifamily properties.
A missing, expired, or incomplete inspection can influence:
- The buyer’s understanding of the property
- Anticipated repair costs
- HOA reserves
- Future special assessments
- Insurance considerations
- Negotiations
- The timing of closing
Escrow coordination & direct reporting
We’re able to coordinate directly with the parties involved in a transaction to help obtain, prepare, and deliver the inspection documentation you need.
Depending on the project and the scope we’re authorized for, that coordination can involve:
- Communicating with the property manager
- Coordinating access with the HOA or building owner
- Reviewing available inspection records
- Scheduling the inspection around escrow deadlines
- Providing the completed report to authorized parties
- Responding to technical questions about the findings
- Documenting recommended repairs
- Providing additional documentation when available
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as an exterior elevated element?
An exterior elevated element is a qualifying exterior structure meant for human use, such as a balcony, deck, porch, stairway, walkway, or entry structure. The relevant statutes generally cover elements more than six feet above the ground that depend substantially on wood or wood-based materials for structural support.
How do SB 326 and SB 721 differ?
SB 326 generally covers condominium associations and qualifying common-interest developments, while SB 721 generally covers apartment and multifamily rental buildings with three or more units. The two statutes also differ in their sampling methods, reporting requirements, and inspection cycles.
Who's responsible for getting the inspection scheduled?
Under SB 326, that falls to the condominium or HOA association. Under SB 721, it’s the building owner’s responsibility. Property managers often coordinate the inspection on the responsible party’s behalf.
How frequently do these inspections need to happen?
SB 326 inspections are generally required every nine years, and SB 721 inspections every six years. Some local jurisdictions may impose stricter timelines.
What was the original SB 326 deadline?
The statewide deadline for the initial SB 326 inspection was January 1, 2025. If your association hasn’t completed it yet, it’s worth acting quickly and checking with your local jurisdiction for any additional requirements.
What is the current SB 721 deadline?
Under the current statewide statute, qualifying buildings need to complete their first SB 721 inspection by January 1, 2026. Local jurisdictions may add earlier or stricter requirements on top of that.
Is every single balcony required to be inspected?
Not always. SB 326 calls for a random, statistically significant sample, while SB 721 requires at least 15% of each type of qualifying exterior elevated element. More elements may be inspected when conditions call for a closer look.
What if an unsafe condition turns up during inspection?
Immediate safety hazards can trigger access restrictions, emergency repairs, shoring, and a required notification to the local enforcement agency. The responsible association or owner is obligated to take the necessary preventive steps.
What to Expect
1
Request a Proposal or Give Us a Call
Fill out the proposal request form or call us directly. Share the property address, building type, unit count, the number and types of exterior elevated elements, and any prior inspection reports you have.
2
We Coordinate and Carry Out the Inspection
We review the details you’ve provided, lock down the inspection scope, send over a proposal, and coordinate access with the HOA, property manager, building owner, or whoever is authorized to grant it.
3
You Receive Your Compliance Report
You’ll get a written report covering the elements we inspected, the conditions observed, our professional opinions, and any recommendations that apply.