Albany 3E Requirements at a Glance
Albany’s Exterior Elevated Elements Inspections page explains how California SB 721 and SB 326 apply to qualifying balconies, decks, porches, stairways, walkways, entry structures, supports, and railings. The city uses the term 3E for exterior elevated elements and requires either a 3E Inspection Certification or 3E Exemption Declaration depending on whether the building is subject to the program.
| Requirement | Albany 3E Inspection Summary |
|---|---|
| Local program/page | City of Albany Exterior Elevated Elements Inspections |
| City department | City of Albany Community Development Department / Building |
| Local ordinance number | No separate Albany 3E ordinance number verified; the city page explains state SB 721 and SB 326 requirements |
| Local terminology | Exterior Elevated Elements, or 3E |
| State law basis | SB 721 for multifamily residential buildings; SB 326 for condominiums |
| SB 721 applies to | Multifamily residential buildings with three or more dwelling units and qualifying exterior elevated elements |
| SB 326 applies to | Condominium buildings with qualifying 3Es in common areas |
| Covered elements | Balconies, decks, porches, stairways, walkways, entry structures, supports, and railings |
| Height threshold | Walking surface more than six feet above ground level |
| Material scope | Elements that rely in whole or substantial part on wood or wood-based products for structural support or stability |
| Occupancy / use | Elements designed for human occupancy or use |
| Multifamily rental deadline | January 1, 2026 |
| Multifamily rental cycle | Every six years |
| Condominium deadline | January 1, 2025 |
| Condominium cycle | Every nine years for common areas of condominium buildings |
| Required submission | 3E Inspection Certification if subject to the program; 3E Exemption Declaration if not subject to the program |
| Inspection report retention | Building owners should keep the inspection report for no less than two inspection cycles, or 12 years |
| Inspection submittal | Submit the inspection to the City within 15 days of completion, preferably by email to 3EProgram@albanyca.gov |
| City contact | 3EProgram@albanyca.gov / 510-528-5760 |
What Is Albany’s Exterior Elevated Elements Inspection Program?
Albany’s Exterior Elevated Elements Inspections page explains the city’s local guidance for California SB 721 and SB 326 inspection requirements. The city uses the term “3E” for exterior elevated elements.
SB 721 applies to multifamily residential buildings with three or more dwelling units where qualifying balconies, decks, stairs, or related exterior elevated elements rely in whole or substantial part on wood structural support. SB 326 is the similar state law for condominiums.
For Albany property owners, the practical question is not whether there is a unique local ordinance number. The more important question is whether the building has three or more dwelling units, whether the property has qualifying 3Es, whether an inspection certification or exemption declaration is required, and whether any damage requires repair, permit coordination, or immediate safety action.
Do Albany 3E Requirements Apply to Your Building?
Albany 3E requirements may apply if your building has three or more dwelling units and qualifying exterior elevated elements with walking surfaces more than six feet above ground level.
Covered Property Types
Covered Exterior Elevated Elements
Inspection Certification or Exemption Declaration?
If the building is subject to Albany’s 3E program, the qualified professional must submit the required 3E Inspection Certification. If the building is not subject to the program, the owner must submit the 3E Exemption Declaration. If the building has exterior elevated walking surfaces but the structural support material is uncertain, Albany may require a qualified professional to submit a verification letter with the Exemption Declaration.
What Counts as a 3E in Albany?
For Albany 3E compliance, exterior elevated elements generally include structures that:
Key Criteria:
Common Examples:
Albany states that if a building has exterior balconies, decks, porches, stairways, walkways, entry structures, or other exterior elements with walking surfaces, and any walking surface is more than six feet above ground level, the building owner should verify whether those elements rely substantially on wood or wood-based structural support.
Albany 3E Requirements vs. SB 721 vs. SB 326
Albany property owners may hear several related terms: Exterior Elevated Elements, 3E, SB 721, SB 326, deck and balcony inspection bill, 3E Inspection Certification, 3E Exemption Declaration, verification letter, repair permit, and inspection report. These terms are connected, but they do not all mean the same thing.
Albany 3E Program
Albany’s Exterior Elevated Elements Inspections page explains the city’s local guidance for 3E inspection requirements, including how owners determine whether the building is subject to the program, when to submit a 3E Inspection Certification, and when to submit a 3E Exemption Declaration.
SB 721
SB 721 applies to multifamily residential buildings with three or more dwelling units and qualifying exterior elevated elements that rely in whole or substantial part on wood structural support. Albany lists the first inspection deadline for multi-family rental buildings as January 1, 2026, with subsequent inspections every six years.
SB 326
SB 326 is the similar state law for condominiums. Albany lists the first inspection deadline for condominium buildings as January 1, 2025, with subsequent inspections every nine years for common areas of condominium buildings.
How They Work Together in Albany
SB 721 and SB 326 establish the statewide inspection requirements for multifamily rental buildings and condominium buildings. Albany’s 3E program explains how local building owners determine whether qualifying exterior elevated elements are present, submit the required 3E Inspection Certification or Exemption Declaration, and address repair or safety issues identified during inspection.
Albany 3E Inspection Deadlines and Cycles
Inspection timing depends on whether the property is a multi-family rental building under SB 721 or a condominium building under SB 326.
Multi-Family Rental Buildings
Albany states that the first inspection for multi-family rental buildings must be completed by January 1, 2026. Subsequent inspections must be completed every six years.
Condominium Buildings
Albany states that the first inspection for condominium buildings must be completed by January 1, 2025. Subsequent inspections must be completed every nine years for common areas of condominium buildings.
Report Retention and Submittal
Albany states that building owners should keep the inspection report for no less than two inspection cycles, or 12 years. The inspection must be submitted to the City within 15 days of completion, with email submittal to 3EProgram@albanyca.gov preferred.
Who Can Perform an Albany 3E Inspection?
Albany states that the professional performing the inspection must be hired by the building owner.
Professionals who can perform Albany 3E inspections include licensed architects, licensed civil or structural engineers, individuals certified as building inspectors or building officials from a recognized state, national, or international association who do not work for the City of Albany, and building contractors with type A, B, or C-5 license classifications, at least five years of experience while holding that license, and experience with multistory wood frame buildings.
The inspector provides a written report to the building owner. If exterior elevated elements are hidden behind finishes, some removal and replacement of finishes may be required to complete the inspection.
What Does an Albany 3E Inspection Look For?
An Albany 3E inspection is intended to evaluate the current condition of exterior elevated elements and associated waterproofing elements, expectations of future performance, projected service life, and recommendations for any further inspection necessary.
The purpose is to identify safety risks, document current conditions, evaluate future performance, and clarify whether further inspection, removal of finishes, repairs, permits, or immediate safety action may be required.
What Happens After the Albany 3E Inspection?
After the inspection, the inspector provides a written report of the evaluation to the building owner. The report addresses the current condition of the exterior elevated elements and associated waterproofing elements, expectations of future performance, projected service life, and recommendations for any further inspection necessary.
Albany states that building owners should keep the inspection report for no less than two inspection cycles, or 12 years, and that inspection reports must be disclosed to the buyer during a sales transaction. The inspection must be submitted to the City within 15 days of completion, preferably by email to 3EProgram@albanyca.gov.
If damage is identified, the inspector must determine whether the damage presents an immediate safety risk. Immediate safety risks must be mitigated right away and may require emergency repairs, shoring, or preventing occupant access. Non-emergency damage must be repaired, with the building owner applying for a permit within 120 days of receiving the inspection report and completing repairs within 120 days after permit approval.
Review the inspection findings
Identify affected exterior elevated elements
Determine whether immediate safety risks or non-emergency repairs are present
Provide the written report to the building owner
Submit the inspection to Albany within 15 days of completion
Retain the report for at least two inspection cycles
Apply for permits within the required timeline if repair work is needed
Complete repairs and prepare for the next inspection cycle
Albany 3E Inspection Process with DrBalcony
1
Property Review
We review your Albany property type, unit count, ownership structure, and exterior elevated elements.
2
On-Site Inspection
A qualified professional inspects balconies, decks, porches, stairways, walkways, entry structures, supports, railings, and associated waterproofing elements.
3
Report Documentation
We document 3E conditions, associated waterproofing elements, future performance, projected service life, and recommendations for further inspection or repairs.
4
Certification or Exemption Guidance
We help clarify whether the property needs a 3E Inspection Certification, 3E Exemption Declaration, verification letter, repair permit, or follow-up documentation.
5
Compliance Support
We help Albany owners and HOAs understand what to submit, what to retain, and how to move forward under SB 721 or SB 326.
Why Albany Property Owners Choose DrBalcony
Albany 3E compliance can be confusing because it connects statewide SB 721 and SB 326 requirements, city inspection certification and exemption forms, qualified professional rules, inspection report retention, sales disclosure, repair permits, emergency safety mitigation, and future inspection cycles.
DrBalcony helps property owners and HOAs get clarity, document exterior elevated element conditions, and move forward with confidence if inspection, certification, exemption, reporting, repairs, permits, or compliance planning are needed.
- Apartment building owners
- Multifamily rental property owners
- Condominium associations
- HOA boards
- Property managers
- Real estate investors
- Mixed-use building owners
- Owners with balconies, decks, porches, stairways, walkways, entry structures, supports, or railings
- Owners who need help understanding Albany 3E requirements
Albany 3E Inspection FAQs
No separate Albany 3E ordinance number has been verified. Albany has an official Exterior Elevated Elements Inspections page explaining local guidance for state SB 721 and SB 326 requirements.
Albany uses 3E to mean exterior elevated elements. These may include balconies, decks, porches, stairways, walkways, entry structures, supports, and railings that meet the city’s program criteria.
Albany states that buildings with three or more dwelling units are subject to the 3E program if they have qualifying exterior elevated elements with walking surfaces more than six feet above ground level that rely substantially on wood or wood-based products for structural support or stability.
Albany defines exterior elevated elements as balconies, decks, porches, stairways, walkways, and entry structures that extend beyond exterior walls, have a walking surface more than six feet above ground level, are designed for human occupancy or use, and rely in whole or substantial part on wood or wood-based products for structural support or stability.
Albany states that the first inspection for multi-family rental buildings must be completed by January 1, 2026. Subsequent inspections must be completed every six years.
Albany states that the first inspection for condominium buildings must be completed by January 1, 2025. Subsequent inspections must be completed every nine years for common areas of condominium buildings.
If the building is not subject to the 3E program, Albany requires the owner to submit the 3E Exemption Declaration. If the structural support material is uncertain, a qualified professional may need to provide a verification letter with the exemption declaration.
Albany lists licensed architects, licensed civil or structural engineers, certified building inspectors or building officials who do not work for the City of Albany, and qualified A, B, or C-5 contractors with at least five years of experience and multistory wood frame experience.
Albany states that building owners should keep the inspection report for no less than two inspection cycles, or 12 years. Inspection reports must also be disclosed to the buyer during a sales transaction.
Albany states that the inspection must be submitted to the City within 15 days of completion. The preferred submittal method is email to 3EProgram@albanyca.gov.
If damage presents an immediate safety risk, it must be mitigated right away and may require emergency repairs, shoring, or preventing occupant access. Non-emergency repairs require a permit application within 120 days of receiving the inspection report and repair completion within 120 days after permit approval.
Yes. DrBalcony can help review your property type, inspect qualifying exterior elevated elements, document conditions, and clarify whether certification, exemption, repairs, permits, or follow-up action may be needed.
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