What is California Senate Bill 721 (SB-721)?

The California Senate passed Bill 721 (SB-721), which is also known as the Balcony and Deck Inspection Law in 2018. This law went into effect on January 1, 2019.

The first round of inspections for properties built before January 1, 2019, must be completed by January 1, 2025. Following the initial inspection, subsequent inspections must occur every six years.

What is Senate Bill SB-721?

SB-721 is a law that requires inspection for buildings with 3 or more multifamily dwelling units with exterior elevated elements and associated waterproofing elements–balconies, decks, and exterior elevated elements (EEEs).

California SB-721 Requirements

• Inspections

• Record Keeping

• Corrective Action

• Inspection Frequency

SB-721 Inspections
The inspection shall be performed by a licensed architect; licensed civil or structural engineer; a building contractor holding any or all of the “A,” “B,” or “C-5” license classifications issued by the Contractors’ State License Board, with a minimum of five years’ experience.

SB-721 Record Keeping
The building owner will be required to retain copies of all inspection reports in their permanent records for not less than two inspection cycles. It is required these inspection reports are disclosed and delivered to a buyer or any subsequent sale of the building.

SB-721 Corrective Action
It is required the owner of the building repair or replace any exterior elevated elements by a licensed contractor. Note, the licensed contractor performing any repairs or replacements cannot be performed by a licensed contractor serving as the inspector.

“The owner of the building requiring corrective work to an exterior elevated element that, in the opinion of the inspector, does not pose an immediate threat to the safety of the occupants, shall apply for a permit within 120 days of receipt of the inspection report. Once the permit is approved, the owner of the building shall have 120 days to make the repairs unless an extension of time is granted by the local enforcement agency.”

SB-721 Inspection Frequency
For properties built before 2019, the first round of inspections need to be completed by January 1, 2025. Subsequent inspections will need to be performed every 6 years. 

Protection for Residents and Property Values

SB-721 was passed in response to concerns and structural failures in the past. It was designed to protect both residents and property values.

We highly recommend reading the SB-721 Building standards: decks and balconies: inspection on the California Legislative Information website.