The clock is ticking. California's SB-721 (Health & Safety Code Sec. 17973) requires owners of many multifamily properties to have their Exterior Elevated Elements (EEEs) inspected by January 1, 2026. This crucial deadline is approaching rapidly, and understanding the requirements is the first step to ensuring your property is compliant and safe.
Passed into law following tragic balcony collapses, SB-721 aims to prevent similar incidents by mandating periodic inspections of load-bearing EEEs. This isn't just another regulation; it's about protecting residents and the longevity of your valuable assets.
Does SB-721 Apply to Your Property?
While often associated with standard apartment buildings, SB-721's reach is broader. If you own or manage a multifamily residential building with three or more dwelling units, this law likely applies to you. This includes:
- Apartment buildings
- Affordable housing projects
- Senior care facilities
- Higher education and military residential housing
If your property falls into one of these categories and features wood-framed balconies, decks, stairs, or walkways that are more than six feet above ground level, you need to prepare for an EEE inspection.
Understanding Exterior Elevated Elements (EEEs) and Hidden Risks
EEEs are structural elements designed for human use that extend beyond the exterior walls of a building. They include balconies, decks, stairways, walkways, and their supports and railings. The primary concern addressed by SB-721, and similar laws, is the potential for concealed deterioration in the load-bearing wood or wood-based components of these structures.
Often, outward appearances can be deceiving. Water intrusion, a common issue, can lead to rot and damage within concealed framing, without any visible signs on the exterior. This hidden damage can compromise the structural integrity of the EEE, creating a significant safety risk.
What Does an SB-721 Inspection Entail?
SB-721 requires an inspection of the load-bearing components and associated waterproofing elements of EEEs. A key aspect of the inspection is the assessment of these elements using methods that allow for evaluation of their performance by direct visual examination or comparable means. Since the structural framing is often concealed by materials like stucco or siding, a purely visual inspection of the exterior is not sufficient. Qualified inspectors must use methods like borescopes or other minimally invasive techniques to visually inspect the concealed wood framing.
The law mandates that a sample of at least 15 percent of each type of exterior elevated element be inspected. While the law doesn't explicitly define "type," it's prudent to categorize elements based on factors like their construction, location, and exposure.
The inspection must be performed by a qualified professional, which under SB-721 includes licensed architects, civil or structural engineers, certain licensed contractors with 5 years of experience, or certified building inspectors.
The January 1, 2026 Deadline: Why You Should Act Now
The extended deadline of January 1, 2026, might seem distant, but given the significant number of properties that need to comply across California and the potential for increased demand for qualified inspectors as the deadline nears, waiting is not advisable.
Delaying your inspection can lead to:
- Difficulty in scheduling inspections
- Potentially higher inspection costs due to increased demand
- Insufficient time to complete necessary repairs if issues are found (there are strict timelines for permits and repair completion after an inspection identifies problems)
- Risk of penalties for non-compliance
More importantly, delaying inspections means leaving potential hidden dangers unaddressed, risking the safety of your occupants.
Get Ready for SB-721 with Experienced Professionals
Ensuring compliance with SB-721 requires a thorough understanding of the law and expertise in evaluating EEEs. Our team has extensive experience in construction forensics and EEE inspections, having evaluated building performance at thousands of units. We understand how to perform the necessary inspections, identify potential issues, and provide the documentation you need for compliance.
Don't wait until the last minute. Ensure your multifamily property is ready for the SB-721 deadline and that your EEEs are safe.
Contact The Balcony Assurance Group today to schedule your SB-721 inspection.