MANDATORY REPAIRS &

The purpose of SB 721 is to prevent incidents like the collapse of a balcony at an apartment complex in Berkeley, California in 2015, which resulted in the deaths of six people and multiple injuries. By requiring regular inspections and maintenance of elevated exterior elements, the law aims to ensure the safety of residents and visitors of multifamily dwelling units in California.

It’s important to note that SB 721 applies only to certain types of buildings and does not apply to all elevated exterior elements. Building owners should consult with a qualified professional to determine whether their building is subject to the requirements of the law.

• completed by January 1st, 2025
• A certified independent inspector must inspect a minimum of 15% of each type of elevated element (decks, porches, stairways, and walkways). The inspector gets to decide which elevated features to examine.
• The property owner must correct any exterior elevated element that requires repair or replacement.
• The more serious the structural issue, the sooner the building owner must complete repairs.
• Local building departments can assess penalties up to $500 per day for non-compliant facilities.
• Re-inspections must occur every six years.
• If officials in the jurisdiction request the reports, the building inspector is legally required to make them available.
• Property owners are responsible for continued and ongoing maintenance.

The requirements of SB-721 inspections are as follows:

• All SB-721 safety inspections must be completed by safety inspectors who are qualified under the provisions of SB-721. These professionals include general contractors with “A,” “B,” or “C-5” license classifications and at least five years of experience, architects, engineers, and certified building inspectors.
• If the inspection reveals problems with the EEE, the person who completes the repairs cannot be the same person who conducted the initial inspection.
• The inspection reports must meet three specific requirements: they must outline the current condition of the EEE, specify the expected service life of the elevated element, and provide recommendations for additional inspections if the inspector deems them necessary.
• Property inspectors must deliver their inspection reports within 45 days of the inspection date.

What About Repairs?
SB 721 requires notification to the building official (city or county building department) of any condition deemed an immediate or nearly immediate life safety issue. The owner then has a certain period to obtain a building permit and make the necessary repairs.

However, the majority of inspections would likely result in the identification of minor problems (or no problems at all) that the owner can address as a matter of routine maintenance and upkeep. This aspect of the inspection will be a benefit to owners to assist them with budgeting and planning and bringing awareness to minor items before they become larger issues.

Find A Qualified Inspector Now

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