Ensuring property owners comply with California SB 721 California Balcony Inspection Bill

Fixology can ensure properties are compliant with this critical law.

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SB 721 California Balcony Inspection Bill Compliance

The California Balcony Inspection Bill (Senate Bill 721) was signed into law in September 2016, following the fatal balcony collapse in Berkeley, California in June 2015. The purpose of the bill is to ensure the safety and stability of balconies, decks, and other external/elevated structural elements in California multifamily residential units. Taking effect on January 1, 2019, the law requires owners of multifamily apartment buildings with three or more units to complete their first inspection by January 1, 2025 and to undergo inspections every six years. Should any hazardous conditions exist that pose a threat to life and safety, the law requires the inspector report to the local building official. Building owners have anywhere from 15 to 120 days to address any necessary repairs depending on the condition of the item inspected.

To fix a violation of California Senate Bill 721, building owners must take the following steps:

Hire a licensed structural engineer or architect to perform a thorough inspection of the balcony or deck in question.
Based on the inspection report, make necessary repairs and upgrades to bring the balcony or deck into compliance with state safety standards.
Provide a copy of the inspection report and any associated repair documents to the local building department for review.
Notify tenants of the results of the inspection and any repairs that have been made.
Schedule and perform regular inspections every six years, as required by the California Balcony Inspection Bill.

Building owners who fail to comply with the provisions of the bill may face penalties, including fines, legal action, and potential liability in the case of a balcony or deck collapse. It is important to address violations of the California Balcony Inspection Bill in a timely manner to ensure the safety of tenants and the public.

Fixology can help in the following ways to ensure you remain compliant with this very important bill:

Fix any signs of water damage that have caused dry rot or weakened the structure
Fix the rust, corrosion, and degradation of waterproofing materials on metal edges, walls, and transition flashings of the deck.
Fix any cracks or issues in the deck's traffic coating that threaten the waterproofing and overall performance of the coating system.
Fix and improve the stability and overall condition of stair and deck railings.
Repair and remediate wood framing such as joists, beams and posts to ensure structural integrity.
Fix and reinforce wood elements such as joists, beams, and posts to guarantee structural stability.