SB721 Compliance: Key Dates, Inspections, and Repair Requirements for Apartment Owners

For California apartment owners, staying compliant with Senate Bill 721 (SB721) is essential, not just to avoid fines, but to protect residents and property value. The law outlines a structured process for inspecting and repairing exterior elevated elements (EEEs). To manage compliance successfully, owners must understand the key timelines, inspection procedures, and repair deadlines involved.

Important Compliance Deadlines Under SB721

• First Inspection: All applicable EEEs must undergo their initial inspection by January 1, 2025. However, buildings that had a qualifying inspection within three years before January 1, 2019, are exempt from this initial round until the 2025 deadline.
  
• Ongoing Inspections: After the first check, follow-up inspections are required every six years to maintain structural safety.
  

This “grandfathering” clause helps prevent repeat inspections for buildings that recently underwent thorough assessments. But by 2025, all properties fall into the same inspection cycle, creating a uniform standard for building safety. This approach shows how the law balances urgency with fairness to owners who’ve already taken safety steps.

What the SB 721 Inspection Involves

Inspections under SB721 are designed to be both detailed and standardized:

• Who Can Inspect: Only certain licensed experts can perform inspections. These include licensed architects, civil or structural engineers, or general contractors with at least five years’ experience working on multi-story wood-frame buildings and holding an “A,” “B,” or “C-5” license. Certified building officials may also qualify, depending on local approval.
  
• What’s Inspected: Inspectors evaluate EEEs and their waterproofing elements like sealants, flashings, membranes, and coatings. The goal is to spot signs of decay, corrosion, or water damage. At least 15% of a building’s EEEs must be randomly sampled for inspection.
  
• Inspection Tools: If a visual check isn’t enough, inspectors may use tools like moisture meters, infrared cameras, or even perform minor demolition to get a closer look.
  
• Reporting: Inspectors must submit a report to the owner within 45 days of completing the work. This report includes images, test results, and a detailed summary establishing a baseline for future inspections. If an immediate hazard is found, the report must be delivered within 15 days and also sent to the local building authority. Owners must keep reports for at least 12 years, or two full inspection cycles.

This robust reporting system goes far beyond a simple checklist. It creates a documented history of structural conditions, making future comparisons easy and helping owners defend against claims or lawsuits. It also supports long-term maintenance planning and accountability.

Repair Timelines Based on Inspection Results

The law sets clear timelines depending on the severity of issues found:

• Urgent Hazards: If an EEE poses an immediate danger, the inspector must notify the owner within 15 days. The affected area must be closed off immediately and reported to the local authority. Emergency repairs should begin right away.
  
• Non-Emergency Issues: For less critical damage, owners have 120 days to apply for a repair permit after receiving the report. Once approved, they have another 120 days to complete the work. Local agencies may grant extensions if needed. After repairs, a follow-up inspection and a new certification form are required.
  

This system ensures that the most serious threats are dealt with immediately while providing owners with a structured timeline to handle less urgent repairs. It reflects a practical and risk-based approach to public safety.

SB 721 Compliance Timeline Summary

Here’s a quick reference for all major SB 721 deadlines:

This table gives owners a clear view of what’s due and when. With multiple steps involved, having a visual timeline helps simplify compliance and reduces the risk of missing deadlines.

Conclusion: Plan Ahead for Safer, Smarter Building Management
Meeting SB721 requirements isn’t just a legal necessity, it’s a smart move for any apartment owner. Staying on top of inspections and repairs protects lives, reduces liability, and maintains your property’s value. By acting early and working with qualified professionals, you can make compliance a smooth and manageable part of your property management strategy.

Call 805‑312‑8508 or schedule online at www.drbalcony.com today. Don’t wait until you’re in the headlines — act now and stay compliant.