Berkeley Balcony Collapse in California
A Tragedy That Changed California’s Building Safety Laws
📅 Date & Time:
June 16, 2015, at 12:55 AM
📍 Location:
2020 Kittredge Street, Berkeley, California
In the early hours of June 16, 2015, tragedy struck in Berkeley, California, when a fourth-floor balcony collapsed during a birthday celebration. Six young people lost their lives, and seven others were seriously injured, marking this as one of the deadliest balcony collapses in U.S. history. This devastating event exposed critical flaws in construction practices, building maintenance, and safety regulations—ultimately leading to major legislative reforms in California’s balcony inspection laws.
Casualties & Injuries
6 individuals, including five Irish nationals and one U.S. resident.
7 survivors sustained serious injuries, such as fractures, internal trauma, and traumatic brain injuries.
Some survivors faced permanent disabilities and ongoing psychological trauma, including PTSD.
Eyewitness Accounts
“We heard a loud crack, and within seconds, the balcony collapsed. People were screaming, and there was nothing we could do.” — Eyewitness
Survivors described the event as chaotic and terrifying, with many haunted by the memory of watching their friends fall.
Investigating the Causes of the Collapse
The wooden support beams were severely compromised due to moisture intrusion, causing dry rot that weakened the structure.
Investigations revealed building code violations, including inadequate waterproofing and poor construction practices.
The balcony’s design had insufficient reinforcement, making it vulnerable under stress.
The Birth of SB721 & SB326
In the wake of this tragedy, California lawmakers passed two critical pieces of legislation aimed at preventing similar disasters:
SB721 (Balcony Inspection Law for Apartments):
- Requires regular inspections of balconies, decks, and exterior elevated elements (EEEs) in multi-family residential buildings.
- Inspections must occur every 6 years to identify potential safety hazards.
SB326 (Balcony Inspection Law for HOAs):
- Applies to condominiums and HOAs, mandating balcony inspections every 9 years.
- Focuses on load-bearing components exposed to weather, such as decks, balconies, and stairways.
The Berkeley balcony collapse was a devastating event that claimed lives and changed California’s building safety landscape forever. It serves as a grim reminder of the importance of regular inspections, strict adherence to safety codes, and proactive property management.
Don’t let history repeat itself.
Protect lives. Ensure compliance. Schedule your balcony inspection with DrBalcony today.
At DrBalcony, we’re committed to preventing the next balcony collapse. With over 3,000 successful inspections and a team of 30+ certified inspectors across California, we’re the state’s leading experts in balcony safety.