In an ongoing effort to improve building safety across California, the state has implemented two important laws — Senate Bills SB 721 and SB 326 — focused on inspecting and maintaining balconies and elevated exterior structures in multi-family and condominium properties.
While these laws have been on the books for a few years, recent legislation has extended key deadlines, giving property owners more time to comply.
If you own or manage a qualifying property, now is the time to understand these requirements and schedule your inspection before demand spikes closer to the deadline.
What Are SB 721 and SB 326?
SB 721 applies to multi-family residential buildings with three or more units. SB 326, on the other hand, targets condominium associations and HOAs. Both laws were passed in response to high-profile balcony failures in California, most notably the tragic 2015 balcony collapse in Berkeley. Their shared goal is to prevent similar incidents by requiring regular inspections of Exterior Elevated Elements (EEEs)—such as balconies, decks, walkways, and stair landings more than six feet off the ground.
New Deadline: January 1, 2026
Originally set for January 2025, the compliance deadline has been extended to January 1, 2026, thanks to the passing of AB 1579. This extension gives property owners more time to schedule inspections and perform any needed repairs, but the timeline is still tight — especially considering the limited number of qualified inspectors across the state.
If your building has not been inspected since January 1, 2019, you will need to complete your first inspection before the 2026 deadline. After that, inspections must be repeated every six years for SB 721 and every nine years for SB 326.
What the Inspection Involves
Inspections must be conducted by a qualified professional — either a licensed architect, engineer, general contractor with specific credentials (A, B, or C-5 license), or a certified building inspector. Inspectors evaluate 15% of the property’s elevated elements, though some cities may require a broader review.
The goal is to identify signs of water intrusion, rot, corrosion, structural instability, or railing failures. If unsafe conditions are found, building owners are required to take swift action to correct them.
For immediate safety threats, inspectors must notify both the building owner and the local enforcement agency within 15 days. Repairs must follow quickly. For non-emergency deficiencies, permits should be pulled within 120 days, and work must be completed within another 120 days unless an extension is granted.
Why It Matters
These laws aren’t just about compliance — they’re about protecting people. Over time, exposure to the elements can weaken building materials, particularly on balconies or walkways made of wood or steel. A hidden failure could result in serious injury, death, or costly liability.
Beyond safety, there are financial risks. Non-compliant buildings may face fines of $100 to $500 per day, and in some cases, liens may be placed on the property by enforcement agencies. Failing to inspect and repair EEEs could also jeopardize your insurance coverage or complicate future real estate transactions.
How Alliance Environmental Can Help
Alliance Environmental Group is here to support property owners and managers every step of the way. We partner with certified inspectors to complete SB 721 and SB 326-compliant inspections and provide expert remediation services if structural issues are identified.
Whether it’s structural repairs, hazardous material removal (like lead or asbestos), or ensuring safe indoor air quality after remediation, we handle the full scope of work to get your property safe, compliant, and ready for re-certification.
With more than 25 years of experience and over 200,000 projects completed, our team understands the unique challenges of working in occupied properties and can execute fast, minimally disruptive solutions — all while staying on top of California’s evolving regulations.
What Should You Do Now?
- Confirm whether your building qualifies under SB 721 or SB 326.
- Check if your EEE inspection has been completed since January 1, 2019.
- If not, schedule your inspection now — before the 2026 deadline gets closer and contractor availability tightens.
We’re here to help. Contact Alliance Environmental to request a site assessment or inspection consultation. We’ll ensure your property is safe, compliant, and prepared for whatever comes next.
Stay Ahead of the Deadline. Protect Your Property.
Reach out to us today at (877) 454-7422 or fill out the form on our Balcony Inspection Services page to get started.
