The “Balcony Law,” also known as SB 721, makes commercial property owners financially responsible for inspections of their properties’ exterior elevated elements that include load-bearing components and waterproofing systems in all buildings containing three or more multifamily dwelling units. Moreover, the law doesn’t just make property owners responsible for inspections and any necessary repairs, but also provides strict deadlines which, if not met, come with the threat of civil penalties and heavy fines.
The new balcony law applies to owners of structures with 3 or more multi-family dwelling units – in other words, thousands of apartment building owners in California – and holds owners responsible for safety by requiring inspections of exterior elevated elements that include load-bearing components and waterproofing systems.
The “Balcony Law” applies to much more than balconies, focusing on structures that extend beyond the building wall and are mostly made of wood or have a wood-based framework. These may include:
Commercial property owners have until January 1, 2026 to have their wood-framed exterior elevated elements inspected by a qualified professional, and then reinspected at intervals not to exceed every 6 years.
If an inspector finds that repairs are necessary, s/he will notify the owner, who must then perform any necessary repairs. An owner’s failure to comply within 180 days will result in notice to the local enforcement agency. An owner’s failure to effectuate repairs within 30 days after such notification may result in a civil penalty of $100-$500 for every day that required repairs are left undone.
Who Can Perform These Required Inspections?
The inspection must be done by a qualified professional, such as a:
There are two types of repairs:
At Deck Inspectors, we want to make sure that our community is safe and served well by providing timely inspections through qualified professionals who not only hold proper licenses or certifications, but who are expert waterproofers with decades of experience. Getting timely inspections done doesn’t just save you money – it preserves the value of your property and strengthens relationships between and among residents, property managers, and owners. Our inspections may include any or all of the following:
If you are part of a homeowners association or own a multi-family dwelling like an apartment complex with at least 3 units in California, we encourage you to contact Deck Inspectors to get your exterior elevated elements such as decks, balconies and walkways inspected without delay. The state-mandated deadline for doing so is fast approaching! Book your inspection from qualified deck inspectors today!
Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles County, Riverside County, Orange County as well as San Diego County and all Southern California surrounding areas like: Los Angeles, Irvine, Long Beach, La Jolla, Glendale, Pasadena, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Dana Point, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Encinitas, Chula Vista, Vista, Mesa, San Diego, Oceanside, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon.
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