SB 721 · SB 326 · Balcony & EEE Compliance
The balcony inspection deadlines have passed. Get compliant, on the record.
California now requires periodic structural inspection of wood-framed balconies, decks, stairways, and walkways on apartment buildings (SB 721) and condominiums (SB 326). We perform the licensed inspection and deliver the stamped report — across San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles counties.
Two statutes, one obligation
Which law applies to your building
SB 721 — Apartments
- Applies to
- Buildings with 3 or more multifamily dwelling units.
- Deadline
- First inspection was due January 1, 2026 (deadline extended once by AB 2579 — it has now passed).
- Cycle
- Re-inspection every 6 years.
- Inspector
- Licensed architect or engineer, or an A, B, or C-5 licensed contractor with qualifying experience.
- Sample
- At least 15% of each type of exterior elevated element must be inspected.
SB 326 — Condos & HOAs
- Applies to
- Condominium projects governed by a homeowners association.
- Deadline
- First inspection was due January 1, 2025 — the deadline has passed.
- Cycle
- Re-inspection every 9 years, incorporated into the association's reserve study.
- Inspector
- Report prepared and stamped by a licensed structural engineer or architect.
- Sample
- A statistically significant random sample of the association's exterior elevated elements.
The deliverable
A licensed inspection and a stamped report
On-site inspection
Every in-scope wood-framed balcony, deck, stairway, and walkway assessed for structural condition, waterproofing performance, and code compliance — at the sampling rate the applicable statute requires.
Stamped report
Element-by-element findings, severity classification, and repair recommendations with statutory timelines — the document your building department, board, lender, or insurer expects on file.
Aerial documentation
Aerial photogrammetry of the building envelope is included as documentation — a dated, measurable visual record of every elevation, captured with our survey partner's equipment.
Inspections are led by a licensed engineer under the firm's Class A + B CSLB license — the qualification paths the statutes recognize. VERIFY LICENSE #1044379 ON CSLB →
Exposure estimate
Estimate your civil-penalty exposure
SB 721 allows local code enforcement to assess civil penalties of $100–$500 per day, per building, against owners who have not obtained the required inspection. Enter your situation to see the statutory range. Nothing you enter here is submitted or stored.
Penalties accrue per building. Managing a single property? Enter 1.
Auto-computed from the SB 721 deadline; edit if your circumstances differ.
Estimated statutory exposure
- Daily
- $100 – $500 / day
- Accrued since deadline (0 days)
- $0 – $0
- Annualized
- $36,500 – $182,500 / year
These figures assume no compliant inspection is on file. A completed inspection with a stamped report is the first step to closing this exposure.
Estimate only, based on statutory penalty ranges. Actual assessment is at the discretion of local code enforcement. Not legal advice.
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Book an inspection
Tell us about the property and we'll come back within one business day with scope, schedule, and a fixed quote.
Questions owners and boards ask
SB 721 / SB 326 FAQ
What is SB 721?+
SB 721 is a California law (Health & Safety Code §17973) requiring owners of apartment buildings with three or more units to have their wood-framed exterior elevated elements — balconies, decks, exterior stairways, walkways, and their railings — inspected by a qualified licensed professional. The first-inspection deadline was January 1, 2026, and inspections repeat every 6 years.
What is SB 326?+
SB 326 (Civil Code §5551) is the parallel requirement for condominium associations. HOAs must have a statistically significant sample of their exterior elevated elements inspected, with a stamped report from a licensed structural engineer or architect. The first deadline was January 1, 2025, and inspections repeat every 9 years.
The deadline has passed. What happens if my building hasn't been inspected?+
Under SB 721, local code enforcement may assess civil penalties in the range of $100 to $500 per day until the owner complies, and can ultimately record a safety lien against the property. Non-compliance can also complicate insurance, financing, and liability if an element fails. The practical answer is the same in every case: get the inspection scheduled and a stamped report on file.
What counts as an exterior elevated element (EEE)?+
Load-bearing components extending beyond the exterior walls of the building with a walking surface more than six feet above ground, supported substantially by wood or wood-based products — balconies, decks, porches, exterior stairways, and elevated walkways, along with their railings and waterproofing systems.
Who is allowed to perform these inspections?+
SB 721 authorizes licensed architects, licensed civil or structural engineers, and contractors holding an A, B, or C-5 license with qualifying experience. SB 326 requires the report to be prepared by a licensed structural engineer or architect. Bel Air Construction Group's inspections are led by a licensed engineer under the firm's Class A + B CSLB license (#1044379) — verifiable on the CSLB website.
What do we receive at the end of the inspection?+
A stamped report identifying each element inspected, its condition, whether it poses an immediate threat, and what repairs (if any) are required with recommended timeframes — the document your local building department, board, or lender expects to see. Aerial photogrammetry documentation of the building envelope is included as supporting evidence.
What happens if the inspection finds damage?+
Findings are classified by severity. Emergency conditions must be addressed immediately and reported to local enforcement; non-emergency repairs carry statutory timelines for permitting and completion. The report gives you the documented basis to plan and budget that work.
Which areas do you serve?+
San Diego County, Orange County, and Los Angeles County.
Related: what a balcony inspection costs · SB 326 for HOAs · structural damage assessments