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SB 721 Inspections for California Apartments
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Why SB 721 Matters for Apartments
SB721 inspections help property owners comply with California Senate Bill 721, which mandates inspections of exterior elevated elements like balconies, decks, and walkways in multifamily residential buildings with three or more units to ensure safety.
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SB 721 Inspection Process
Under SB721, a licensed professional will conduct an on-site evaluation to inspect all Exterior Elevated Elements (EEEs) in multi-family residential buildings. This process may include installing small plastic plugs, removing exterior coverings, or drilling as needed to thoroughly assess load-bearing components and waterproofing systems.
A comprehensive report will be delivered within 60 days of contract approval, detailing the findings, conditions of the elements, and recommendations for repairs or replacements, along with supporting photographs. If any immediate safety hazards are identified, such as compromised load-bearing or waterproofing issues, these must be reported to the local building code enforcement agency within 15 days of the report submission, ensuring timely action to protect residents and meet compliance requirements.
Free Resources for SB721 Inspections
Download our comprehensive SB721 Inspection Checklist to ensure all essential elements are inspected. This checklist will guide your inspector through the necessary steps to evaluate the safety and integrity of your building’s exterior elevated elements.
Our SB721 Inspection Report Template helps you document findings in a clear, structured format, making it easier to comply with the legal requirements and present findings to authorities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Senate Bill No. 721, also known as SB721, was passed in California to address safety concerns regarding exterior elevated elements in buildings with three or more multifamily dwelling units. The bill, approved on September 17, 2018, introduces requirements for inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety of balconies and decks.
This law significantly impacts how city inspectors conduct balcony inspections. Its primary purpose is to simplify the process for homeowners, landlords, and tenants to verify the safety of their balconies through regular inspections.
The motivation behind this legislation stems from a tragic incident at UC Berkeley, where a balcony collapse resulted in the unfortunate loss of six students’ lives.
As a property owner, SB721 directly impacts your responsibilities and how you manage your building. Here’s what it means for you:
Legal Compliance:
- You are required to inspect all exterior elevated elements that are designed to support a live load (such as balconies and decks).
- Inspections must be completed every six years, with the first deadline typically dependent on your property’s location and previous inspection dates.
Financial Responsibility:
- If issues are identified, you’ll be responsible for repair costs, which could range from minor fixes to major structural overhauls.
- Ignoring inspections or repairs could lead to hefty fines, lawsuits, and even tenant displacement in severe cases.
Liability Protection:
- Ensuring your balconies and other elevated structures are safe protects you from legal liability if an accident occurs.
- A certified inspection report shows tenants and potential buyers that you’re proactive about property safety.
Long-Term Savings:
- Regular inspections catch small problems early, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs in the future.
- Complying with SB 721 helps maintain and even enhance your property value.
The primary goal of SB-721 is to ensure the safe installation and upkeep of balconies, decks, and similar elevated structures, thereby minimizing the risk of structural failure and potential injuries.
The inspection should be carried out by a qualified professional, such as an architect, civil or structural engineer. They will use approved visual and non-destructive testing methods during the inspection process.
The inspection involves a comprehensive visual examination of all components, testing the railing system, and checking for signs of corrosion. If any damage or corrosion is detected, it should be documented, and necessary repairs should be suggested.
Following the inspection, the results must be reported to the local jurisdiction, along with any proposed repairs or improvements. Depending on the severity of the issues found, owners will have between 15 to 120 days to address any recommended repairs, whether they are emergency or non-emergency.
It’s important to note that the contractors who perform the inspection cannot also carry out the repairs for the same building. Within 120 days of receiving the inspection report, building owners are required to apply for non-emergency repair permits. Once these permits are granted, the owner has another 120 days to complete the repairs.
Inspections are mandatory for any external building element that is six feet or higher from the ground. This includes walkways, balconies, decks, landings, stairways, and railings. Buildings that require this inspection are those containing three or more units and are at least two stories high.
Yes, you should absolutely be concerned about the safety of your balcony—especially if your property hasn’t undergone a recent balcony inspection. Here’s why:
Hidden Risks:
Balconies and decks may look fine on the surface, but underlying structural issues like wood rot, water damage, or rusted fasteners can compromise their integrity.Environmental Factors:
California’s climate, with its mix of sun, rain, and humidity, can cause gradual wear and tear on balcony materials, particularly wood and metal.Compliance with SB 721:
If your property falls under SB721, a balcony inspection isn’t optional—it’s required by law. Skipping inspections could lead to fines or worse, potential safety hazards for tenants.Preventing Accidents:
Regular inspections can catch problems before they escalate, ensuring your balconies are safe for tenants and guests. This proactive approach not only reduces liability but also demonstrates that you take property management seriously.Cost Savings:
Addressing small issues now (e.g., sealing cracks, replacing damaged wood) is much more affordable than dealing with a major structural failure down the line.
If you have concerns about the condition of your balcony, scheduling an inspection with a qualified professional, such as DrBalcony, is the best course of action. This will provide peace of mind by confirming that your balcony is safe!
