Who needs to comply with SB 721 & SB326?
HOA’s, condominium and apartment building owners.
Urgent Reminder: Time to Comply with California’s Deck and Balcony Inspection Mandate – Book Your Inspection Now
Multi-family and HOAs that include decks and/or balconies are required to comply with this new requirement. As of January 1, 2019, California initiated SB 721, the vital deck and balcony inspection mandate. The first major deadline is quickly approaching.
Every applicable inspection must be conducted by January 1, 2025, with subsequent inspections required every six years thereafter for apartments and nine years for condominiums.
Condominium inspections must be signed off by an Engineer or Architect. We have this in-house. Some companies offering to perform deck and balcony inspections do not have this qualification. For Apartments, the reports must be signed off on by a licensed contractor or ICC-certified inspector. We have this qualification. Again, many do not.
Many companies doing deck/balcony are producing low-quality reports that may not be compliant with SB721/SB326, our reports will ensure they are in compliance, which is the main goal of anyone who would hire us for this service. If they are not in compliance, our report is clear on what needs to be done. If repairs are needed, we will do a follow-up reinspection and issue a report that gets them in compliance.
Our inspectors also hold an E3 Certification. This certification and our experience allow us to inspect a building complex. Our inspectors possess the necessary expertise and experience to assess Exterior Elevated Elements and determine the remaining useful life of these elements. Furthermore, our inspectors will effectively communicate the condition of the Elevated Element to the end user and provide recommendations for any necessary repairs.
The Real Estate Inspection Company: Your Deck & Balcony Inspection Experts in Southern California
The Real Estate Inspection Company excels in conducting comprehensive evaluations of decks and balconies throughout Southern California, in line with SB 721’s requirements. Our dedicated commercial inspection team ensures your property adheres to state regulations. To schedule your inspection, please contact us at (800) 232-5180 as soon as possible.
SB 721 & SB 326: Deck and Balcony Inspections
Introduction
In recent years, structural safety has become a significant concern, particularly in multi-family residential buildings. To address these concerns, California enacted SB 721 and SB 326, two mandates designed to ensure the safety and structural integrity of decks, balconies, and other elevated exterior elements. This blog post will explore these mandates, providing essential insights for property owners, managers, and inspectors.
Overview of SB 721 & SB 326
SB 721:
Target Audience: SB 721 applies to buildings with three or more multifamily units, including apartments and condominiums.
Scope: This mandate requires the inspection of decks, balconies, stairways, and other elevated exterior elements that are more than six feet above ground level and designed for human occupancy.
Inspection Frequency: Inspections must be completed by January 1, 2025, and every six years thereafter.
Inspector Qualifications: These inspections must be carried out by a licensed architect, civil or structural engineer, or a certified building inspector or contractor.
SB 326:
Target Audience: SB 326 specifically targets condominiums and other common interest developments (CIDs).
Scope: This mandate focuses on inspecting exterior elevated elements, such as decks, balconies, walkways, and stairways.
Inspection Frequency: The first round of inspections must be completed by January 1, 2025, with subsequent inspections every nine years.
Inspector Qualifications: Similar to SB 721, inspections under SB 326 must be conducted by a licensed professional, such as an architect, engineer, or certified inspector.
Supporting Data: These mandates were introduced following several incidents of structural failures, some of which resulted in fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for regular inspections. According to The Real Estate Inspection Company, over 90% of multi-family residential buildings in California fall under these regulations.
The Importance of Compliance
Compliance with SB 721 and SB 326 is not just a legal obligation—it is a crucial safety measure. Property owners who fail to adhere to these mandates face serious legal and financial consequences, including fines, penalties, and potential liability for accidents.
Key Points:
Legal Obligations: Property owners and managers must ensure that inspections are conducted within the mandated timelines to avoid penalties.
Safety First: Regular inspections can help identify hazards such as wood rot, rusting metal, or weakened structures before they lead to catastrophic failures.
Financial Implications: The cost of non-compliance can be substantial, including fines and repair expenses. However, proactive inspections and repairs can prevent more costly issues in the future.
Supporting Data: The Real Estate Inspection Company highlights that early compliance can save property owners up to 50% in potential repair costs by addressing issues before they escalate. Non-compliance with these mandates can result in fines of up to $500 per day until the inspection is completed.
What to Expect During an Inspection
Understanding the inspection process can help property owners and managers prepare effectively and ensure a smooth experience.
Key Points:
Visual Inspection: Inspectors will conduct a comprehensive visual assessment of exterior elevated elements, looking for signs of damage, decay, and structural integrity.
Destructive Testing: In some cases, inspectors may need to perform destructive testing, such as removing sections of decking or balcony flooring, to evaluate the condition of underlying materials.
Detailed Reporting: After the inspection, the inspector will provide a detailed report outlining their findings, including any areas that require repair or further evaluation.
Supporting Data: The Real Estate Inspection Company reports that approximately 25% of inspections require some level of destructive testing to accurately assess the condition of the structure. Inspections typically take several hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property.
Case Studies: Ensuring Safety Through Compliance
Case Study 1: Apartment Complex in San Diego
Background: A large apartment complex underwent its first SB 721 inspection.
Findings: The inspection revealed significant water damage and wood rot in several balconies, posing a severe safety risk.
Outcome: The property owner promptly addressed the issues, avoiding potential fines and ensuring the safety of residents.
Case Study 2: Condominium Development in Orange County
Background: A condominium development in Orange County was subject to SB 326.
Findings: The inspection identified rusting metal components in the balcony railings, which were at risk of failure.
Outcome: The homeowners’ association (HOA) replaced the railings, enhancing safety and preventing future liability issues.
Things to Consider
SB 721 and SB 326 represent critical legislative efforts to ensure the safety and integrity of elevated exterior elements in multi-family residential buildings across California. Compliance with these mandates is essential not only for legal reasons but also for the safety and well-being of residents. Property owners, managers, and inspectors must navigate these requirements effectively to maintain the safety and value of their properties.
References
The Real Estate Inspection Company.
For an in-depth understanding of the deck and balcony inspection requirements, or to schedule your inspection, please reach out to The Real Estate Inspection Company.
