Condo and Multi-Family Owners: Balcony Inspection Deadline Upcoming

Avoid a costly penalty of up to $500 per day! Make sure that your HOA or multi-unit building has been properly inspected by January 1, 2025. 

California passed two "Balcony Inspection Laws", which require an inspection of all exterior elevated elements, including balconies, decks, porches, stairways, walkways, and entry structures (including supports and railings) that extend beyond exterior walls of the building and include walking surfaces.

Balcony inspection requirements stem from two different laws. SB 721, passed in 2018, applies only to apartment buildings. SB 326, passed a year later, applies only to condo associations. These two laws are largely the same, although the time periods for inspections and who can complete those inspections are different.

The laws were prompted by the high-profile collapse of a balcony in Berkeley that led to several fatalities in 2015. The intent is to prevent similar accidents and ensure the health and safety of residents, so if the inspector finds that there is damage to the exterior elements listed above, repairs might be in order. In that case, you'll have 120 days to apply for permits, and another 120 days to complete the work. 

Thereafter, condo buildings will need to be inspected every 9 years, and multi-unit buildings every 6 years. 

Vertex Engineering has an excellent explainer on the process and requirements which you can find HERE. 

Bottom line: If you're a condo resident, make sure to check with your HOA board to ensure that your building has been inspected and is compliant. If you're a landlord with a 3+ unit building, call an inspector ASAP and get the wheels turning so that you're in compliance come Jan 1st.