SB721 Balcony Inspection/EEE for California Apartments – DrBalcony®
⚠️ Compliance Deadline

January 1, 2026 – First SB 721 Inspection Due

California SB 721 Balcony Inspection/EEE for Apartments

Mandatory inspections for all multi-family properties with 3+ units. Don’t risk fines, liability, or emergency repairs—get compliant now.

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⚖️ California Law

What is SB721 Balcony Inspection/EEE & Who Must Comply?

Understanding California’s mandatory balcony inspection requirements for multi-family properties

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Who Must Comply?

SB 721 (passed in 2018) requires regular safety inspections of exterior elevated elements (EEEs) for apartment buildings with 3 or more units. This includes balconies, decks, stairs, walkways, and railings that are 6+ feet off the ground. Learn about SB-326 exemptions →

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Critical Deadline

The first inspection deadline is January 1, 2026. Missing this deadline can result in fines, liability issues, and difficulty selling or refinancing your property.

SB 721 Requirements Overview

RequirementDetails
Building TypeMulti-family residential (3+ units)
Elements InspectedBalconies, decks, stairs, walkways, railings (6+ ft high)
First DeadlineJanuary 1, 2026
FrequencyEvery 6 years
Inspector RequiredLicensed architect, civil engineer, or structural engineer
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Find Out If You Qualify for an Exemption

Not all properties require a full SB-721 inspection. Take our 2-minute quiz to see if you’re exempt or need compliance documentation.

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What’s Included?

  • ✓ Site visit & visual inspection
  • ✓ Moisture & structural testing
  • ✓ Detailed photo documentation
  • ✓ Compliance-ready report
  • ✓ Free proposal within 24 hours

Why Choose DrBalcony®?

We don’t just inspect—we use our proprietary BalconyScope™ methodology to ensure nothing is missed.

Licensed Engineers

All inspections by CA-licensed structural engineers

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BalconyScope™ Process

Our patented inspection methodology

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AI Project Tracking

Real-time updates via our mobile app

24-Hour Proposals

Free estimates delivered next business day

Dr. Balcony inspection process

⚠️ DEADLINE APPROACHING – ACT NOW!

January 1, 2026 is just around the corner. Don’t risk fines, liability, or emergency repairs. Get your SB721 inspection scheduled today!

What We Inspect

Our BalconyScope™ methodology covers every critical component:

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Balconies & Decks

Structural integrity & load-bearing capacity

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Guardrails

Height, spacing, and fastener condition

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Waterproofing

Moisture testing & drainage systems

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Joists & Connectors

Hidden structural damage detection

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Stairs & Walkways

Tread condition & handrail stability

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Fasteners

Corrosion & anchor point integrity

What Property Owners Say

★★★★★

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

M. Ortiz

LA Owner

★★★★★

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

M. Chang

San Diego Broker

★★★★★

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

T. Brooks

Regional PM, Los Angeles

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I miss the January 1, 2026 deadline? +

Missing the deadline can result in fines from your local jurisdiction, potential liability issues if an accident occurs, and difficulty selling or refinancing your property. We recommend scheduling your inspection at least 60 days before the deadline to allow time for any necessary repairs.

How much does an SB721 inspection cost? +

Costs vary by building size and complexity, but typically range from $1,500-$5,000 for most properties. Use our cost calculator for an instant estimate. Remember: we beat any competitor quote by 20%!

Can DrBalcony also do the repairs if issues are found? +

To avoid conflicts of interest, we only conduct inspections. However, we can refer you to qualified, licensed contractors from our network who can handle any necessary repairs efficiently.

How long does the inspection process take? +

The on-site inspection typically takes 2-4 hours depending on the number of units and elements. You’ll receive your detailed, compliance-ready report within 3-5 business days.

Do I need an inspection if my building is all concrete or steel? +

While SB 721 focuses on wood-framed structures, you may still need documentation proving your exemption status. Take our 2-minute qualification quiz to find out for certain.

Don’t Wait Until the Deadline

Schedule your SB-721 inspection today and ensure your property is compliant, safe, and protected from liability.

DrBalcony team