SUMMARY OF SB 721 - MANDATING INSPECTION & REPAIR OF BALCONIES, DECKS AND STAIRS
California Senate Bill No. 721 for Inspection of Exterior Elevated Elements
In September 2018, Senate Bill No. 721 (SB 721) was approved by Governor Jerry Brown, mandating the inspection and repair of balconies, decks, and stairs that rely significantly on wood structural support (Exterior Elevated Elements) in multi-family residential buildings with three or more dwelling units. This legislation, known as the “deck and balcony inspection” bill, became effective on January 1, 2019. Below is a synopsis of key actions and dates relevant to California building owners under this bill.
SB 721 was enacted following the tragic balcony collapse in Berkeley, California, in June 2015, which resulted in six fatalities. The collapse was attributed to wood decay (rot) in the structural wood framing supporting the balcony.
Key Points:
Scope: The law applies to all multi-family residential buildings with three or more dwelling units in California that have Exterior Elevated Elements relying significantly on wood structural support.
Implementation: Building owners must ensure compliance with SB 721, which sets minimum inspection and repair standards. It is essential to check with local building departments, as they may have more stringent requirements.
Timeline: The bill went into effect on January 1, 2019, and inspections must be conducted within a specified timeframe to ensure safety.
Building owners should consult their local building departments to understand the specific requirements and deadlines in their area, as local regulations may exceed the minimum standards set by SB 721.
What do I do next?
Contact a professional who can discuss the potential scope of work for your property and perform the inspections.
Develop an inspection plan for your property that identifies all of the "Exterior Elevated Elements" and inspection scope for each element.
Your first inspection must be completed by January 1, 2025.
Subsequent inspections must be completed every six years.
For more information please reach out to Luca at (310) 593-9861.