SB-721 Balcony Inspections

[Jason Mak]

Hi there - did anyone hear about this new law and requirement for all balconies to be inspected by January 2025.  I heard that the deadline for inspection may get pushed back until 2026.  anyone hear about this?

[Greg M.]

It's not new, it's a 2019 law. It also covers elevated walkways. This and SB326 (condos/townhouses version) seems to have popped up on everyone's radar recently as the deadline is approaching. 

I've had two inspections. Expect to pay $5K-$10K per inspection depending on the building size. The actual inspection is a joke. They put levels on the pad and check to see if there are any noticeable water entry points. Based on the time they spent, I'd guess they're making $2K/hour.

One building had a single balcony fail inspection. The company red tagged it. According to the city inspector, while it didn't pass inspection, it didn't deserve a red tag. Even worse, the city had no idea how to comply with the law. Their requirement for permits differed from what the law requires. They also said we were the first to get permits for an SB326 project. And if a balcony fails inspection, good luck in getting a company to repair it. They're all booked with large complexes repairing balconies.

They also yellow tagged our railings as being too short. They were grandfathered in. The law says we have 1-3 years to fix the issue since they were yellow tagged. The city says we are grandfathered in. Which takes priority? No one can tell me. 

I suggest you choose your inspection company carefully. Lots were sending non-engineers to the property and an engineer was signing off on the report. Not sure if that actually complies with the law. 

[Jason Mak]

thanks @Greg M.

that sounds like a nightmare but how am I not surprised.  Sounds like California politics and bureacracy at its finest. I'll be sure to find a good company.