Which Balcony Law Applies to My Property?
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California’s sunshine and stunning vistas beckon residents outdoors, making balconies and decks cherished features of countless properties. However, the allure of elevated outdoor spaces comes with the responsibility of ensuring their safety and structural integrity. That’s where California’s balcony inspection laws, Senate Bill 326 (SB 326) and Senate Bill 721 (SB 721), come into play.
But with two distinct laws in place, it can be confusing for property owners and managers to determine which regulations apply to their specific buildings. In this blog post, we’ll break down the key distinctions between SB 326 and SB 721, offering clarity on which law governs your property’s balcony inspections.
What’s the Fundamental Difference Between SB 326 and SB 721?
At their core, both SB 326 and SB 721 aim to enhance the safety of balconies and other exterior elevated elements (EEEs) by mandating regular inspections and repairs. However, they differ in their scope and target specific types of properties.
SB 326: This law primarily applies to condominiums and communities governed by homeowners’ associations (HOAs) with three or more attached units.
SB 721: This law primarily targets apartments and multi-family dwellings with three or more units.
Which Balcony Law Applies to My Property?
Determining whether SB 326 or SB 721 applies to your property hinges on a few crucial factors:
Ownership Structure: If your property is a condominium or part of an HOA, SB 326 likely governs your balcony inspections. If it’s an apartment building or another type of multi-family dwelling not governed by an HOA, SB 721 is likely applicable.
Number of Units: Both laws apply to buildings with three or more units. If your property has fewer than three units, it may be exempt from these inspection requirements.
Construction Material: While SB 326 encompasses EEEs regardless of construction material, SB 721 has a specific focus on wood or wood-based structures. However, even non-wood balconies under SB 721 may require inspections, albeit at a less frequent interval.
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Ensure the safety of your balcony and living space with DrBalcony - We're a Tech Engineering firm that specializes in California SB326 & SB721 balcony inspections. Over 300+ completed projects in California.
Request A Free EstimateClick To CallAdditional Considerations
Local Ordinances: It’s important to be aware that local jurisdictions may have their own specific regulations or ordinances regarding balcony inspections. Always check with your local building department to ensure full compliance.
Mixed-Use Buildings: For properties with both residential and commercial units, the specific application of SB 326 or SB 721 may vary depending on the configuration and ownership structure.
DrBalcony: Your Trusted Partner for Balcony Compliance
Navigating the complexities of California’s balcony inspection laws can be overwhelming. That’s where DrBalcony comes in. Our team of experts can assess your property, determine the applicable regulations, and conduct thorough inspections to ensure your balconies and EEEs are safe and compliant.
Don’t leave compliance to chance. Contact DrBalcony today for a free consultation and let’s ensure your property meets the highest safety standards.
Contact DrBalcony for a professional inspection!
Ensure the safety of your balcony and living space with DrBalcony - We're a Tech Engineering firm that specializes in California SB326 & SB721 balcony inspections. Over 300+ completed projects in California.
Request A Free EstimateClick To CallFAQ Section: Top Questions & Answers
My property is well-maintained. Do I really need SB-326/SB-721 inspections?
YES! Even with excellent maintenance, hidden issues can develop due to construction errors, material flaws, or severe weather exposure. Inspections are about ensuring those don’t turn into major problems.
Our balconies were inspected a few years ago – isn't that enough?
Unfortunately, no. California laws mandate inspections on a set schedule, often every 6 years. Deterioration can happen quickly, making regular assessments essential.
Can I use my regular handyman for the balcony inspection?
It’s not recommended. Unless they hold specific licenses (architect, structural engineer, etc.) their inspection won’t be considered valid for SB-326/SB-721 compliance.
What if the inspection uncovers major issues?
First, don’t panic! Early detection often means less extensive (and expensive) repairs are needed. Work with your inspector to prioritize fixes, and explore if they offer repair services for a streamlined solution.
I'm worried about the cost of inspections. Are there any resources to help?
Start by getting detailed quotes from multiple companies. Factor in that proactive inspections help you avoid even bigger costs down the line due to neglected problems. Some property management associations offer guidance on budgeting for balcony compliance.
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I started off by doing 1 inspection with them back in June because I knew it needed work done. Now, they’ve completed 2 of my properties and have 2 more inspections coming up this month. All great so far! They’re great at keeping me updated
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I would like to share the fact that this company has been extremely honest and helpful with this challenging project. Balcony and walk way repairs are very expensive, so you want the very best professionals next to you
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Greg was very helpful in explaining the entire process. They walked me through everything and helped me keep both of my properties in compliance!