Mandatory SB 721 Inspections for California Apartments
We are your trusted partner in California SB 721 safety and compliance — with more than 4000 completed inspections… and counting.
What is SB 721 and Who Does It Apply To?
| 📜 Law (Date Passed) | 🏢 Building Type | 🔹 Height Specification | 🪣 Wood Framing |
|---|---|---|---|
| SB 721 (2018) | Multi-family residential buildings with 3+ units | Applies to exterior elevated elements (balconies, decks, stairs, catwalks) 6+ feet off the ground | Focuses on wood-framed structures; inspections may include small plugs, covering removal, or drilling to assess load-bearing parts and waterproofing |
Our Best Price Guarantee
Receive 20% off your inspection, if our quote is higher than a competitor’s!
With over 4000 inspections completed, we provide tailored solutions for homeowners, HOAs, and property managers. Partner with us to maintain top safety standards for your balconies.
SB 721 Inspection Requirements & Deadlines (You Need To Know)
What Do I Have To Get Inspected — And When?
Your SB 721 inspection should include balconies, decks, stairs, and walkways—plus any guardrails, joists, or waterproofing.
The law calls for visual inspections and non-invasive tools whenever possible. Your first inspection is due by January 1, 2026, and after that, re-inspections happen every 6 years.
What You Get
No Surprises. No Confusion. Just Detailed Reports.
Every SB 721 inspection report includes:
📸 Full photo documentation
⚠️ Severity ratings and notes
🛠️ Clear repair recommendations
📂 Filing-ready formatting for your board or city
Once your detailed report has been completed, you’ll need to file and store it for two inspection cycles (18 years).
Key Things to Remember:
📅 Initial SB721 inspection by January 1, 2026
🔄 Reinspection required every 6 years
🏗️ Applies to Exterior Elevated Elements (EEEs) 6+ ft off the ground
💧 Must include waterproofing, rot, and wear checks
📊 Statistically valid (15%) sample required
🚨 Dangerous findings must be reported immediately
We make your record-keeping easy! And you’ll have visual summaries ready for your Board/HOA presentations.
Cost & Pricing Transparency
So, What’s Included?
Pricing for SB 721 inspections can vary by building size and complexity, but we keep it transparent. Your price includes the site visit, moisture and visual testing, and a full written report. It doesn’t include filing fees or repairs.
To avoid a conflict of interest, we only conduct inspections and will refer you to capable contractors who can deliver excellent repairs.
Enjoy the DrBalcony Advantage:
✅ 20% Price Beat Guarantee — Show us a competitor’s quote and we’ll beat it by 20%, guaranteed!
Why Choose DrBalcony?
More Than 4,000 Inspections Across California
Unparallelled Experience That Delivers
Repairs, Permits, and Re-Inspections
What Happens If Something Fails The Inspection?
If your SB 721 inspection finds anything dangerous and is considered an emergency failure, you’ll need to address it within 15 days as your local jurisdiction will be notified.
Other repairs must follow a reasonable timeline based on local code. All repairs need proper permits, and the final result must pass a follow-up inspection before you’re officially compliant.
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.
Take the First Step
At DrBalcony, we’ll make sure your SB 721 inspection is done right, on time, and without surprises. Book your free assessment today and let’s keep your property, your residents, and your investment protected.
What Do Our Customers Say
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 SB721 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!
