SB326 Condo Balcony Law: Does Your HOA Need to Comply?

California’s SB-326 law applies to condominium HOAs but not always. Learn if your HOA qualifies for exemption before scheduling costly inspections. No obligation. Same-day review. Documentation provided.

Inspection Exempted?

2-Minute Compliance Assessment

SB721 / SB326 Compliance Check

California State Law Compliance

1Property Details
2EEE Details
3Contact Information
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SB326 in 15 seconds

California requires condo HOAs to periodically inspect Exterior Elevated Elements (EEEs), balconies, decks, walkways, stairs to keep residents safe and boards compliant. The standard inspection cycle is every 9 years after the first inspection.

But: Some communities may be out of scope or exempt based on building design, unit configuration, or warranty status. We verify your status and provide board-ready documentation.

  • What’s covered: wood-supported EEEs 6+ ft above grade
  • Who decides: a facts-and-records review against SB-326 + local rules
  • What you get: a written Compliance/Exemption Letter for your records (lenders/insurers/transactions)

Who Might Be Exempt (or Out of Scope)

Some HOAs may qualify for exemption or be not applicable under SB326, including:

  • Communities without EEEs (e.g., townhomes with no raised decks/walkways)
  • Buildings with fewer than 3 attached units in a structure
  • Newer construction still under qualifying developer warranty
  • Special cases where EEEs were already inspected under another statute/scope (case-by-case review)

We’ll confirm eligibility from your governing documents, site details, and local interpretations. If SB326 does apply, we’ll map the least-cost, fastest path to compliance.

Why Exemption Matters

Inspections often cost $30k+ per community and require access coordination, invasive sampling, and reporting. If your HOA is exempt or out of scope, you can:

  • Save budget for true priorities
  • Avoid member disputes over unnecessary work
  • Remain compliant without over-servicing

Deliverables you’ll receive:

  • Written Exemption/Not-Applicable Determination (if eligible)
  • Compliance roadmap if SB-326 applies (timelines, sampling, budget flags)
  • A short memo for lenders/insurers and future transactions

Stop guessing. Start deciding.

Get clarity before you spend. If you’re exempt, we’ll document it. If you’re not, we’ll show the simplest, most cost-efficient path to comply.

Book Your Free Assessment

What Do Our Customers Say

M. Ortiz, LA Owner

2025-07-26

We thought we needed a full inspection. DrBalcony confirmed we were exempt and saved us tens of thousands.

M. Chang, San Diego Broker

2025-06-14

Buyer’s lender was asking for SB721. DrBalcony documented that our condo is covered by SB326, not SB721, and the deal closed on time.

R. Alvarez, Owner, Pasadena

2025-08-27

We thought our duplex needed a full SB721 inspection. DrBalcony confirmed we were exempt and sent a letter our insurer accepted. Saved us thousands.”

T. Brooks, Regional PM, Los Angeles

2025-04-11

Portfolio review was huge. Out of 11 properties, 5 were exempt. We redirected budget to roofs instead of inspections we didn’t need.

S. Romero, PM, Long Beach

2025-03-06

They didn’t try to sell us anything. Just verified we were outside SB721, explained local nuances, and gave us documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast is the review?

Most determinations are same business day after submission.

Is the review really free?

Yes. The exemption/compliance screen and call are free.

If we’re not exempt, will you try to sell us inspections?

We’ll provide options and a clear scope if needed, no pressure, no repair upsell.

Is this legal advice?

No. Our determination is based on SB326 and your facts; always consult association counsel for legal advice.