SB-721 requires that all porches, stairways, walkways, decks, and any other elevated entry
structures that are six feet above the ground and made from wood or wood-based
elements must be inspected by qualified professionals.
Initial inspections must be completed by January 2025, and subsequent inspections
should be completed every six years and should be done by a Certified
Professional, such as Licensed Structural Engineers, Balcony Repair Contractors,
or Architects to evaluate load-bearing components and associated waterproofing
elements. This will enable informed judgment of both current and expected
future performance while estimating projected service life.
SB-326 requires condo associations to have their exterior elements that are six feet above
the ground visually inspected by an experienced Licensed Structural Engineer
or Architect. All HOAs should have conducted their exterior element inspection,
the initial assessment, by January 1, 2025. Subsequent evaluations will
be required every nine years in conjunction with reserve study examinations.
For condo associations established after January 1, 2020, the first inspection
should take place within six years of the reception of the Certificate
of Occupancy. After that initial benchmark is met, follow-up inspections
will be scheduled at regular intervals according to prevailing regulations
(approximately once every nine years).
Additional information regarding balcony inspection law in California can
be obtained in our
blog article.
.png)
