SB 721 balcony inspection: what apartment owners need to know
SB 721 requires apartment buildings with three or more units to have their elevated balconies, decks, stairs and walkways inspected every 6 years. It covers elements more than six feet above the ground that rely on wood for support. The first deadline was January 1, 2026. The building owner is responsible. I inspect them myself, as a California licensed Professional Engineer.
The facts
| Applies to | Buildings with three or more multifamily dwelling units (apartments) |
| What is inspected | Balconies, decks, porches, stairways, walkways and entry structures more than six feet above the ground, supported in whole or in large part by wood |
| How often | Every 6 years |
| First deadline | January 1, 2026 (extended by AB 2579). Newer buildings: six years after the certificate of occupancy |
| Sample | At least 15 percent of each type of element |
| Who must act | The building owner |
| Who can inspect | Licensed architect, licensed civil or structural engineer, qualified licensed contractor, or certified building inspector |
What I look at
I check that each element is safe and doing its job: the load-bearing parts, the railings, and the waterproofing that protects the wood. Water is what ruins these structures, so I look closely where it gets in, at door thresholds, ledgers and joints.
What you get
- A report stamped by a California Professional Engineer.
- A plain answer: pass, or exactly what must be fixed to pass, and why.
- A call from me right away if I find something unsafe.
- A report ready for your records, your lender, your insurer or a buyer.
After the inspection
The report reaches you within 45 days. If something is an immediate danger, it goes to you and to the city within 15 days, and you must act right away, for example by keeping people off that balcony.
For other repairs, you apply for a permit within 120 days of getting the report. Once the permit is approved, you have 120 days to finish the work.
If you miss it
If the repairs are not done in time, the city can charge a civil penalty for every day the building stays out of compliance, and record a building safety lien on the property.
What clients say
Vincenzo from Deck Check exceeded our expectations for our SB721 inspections. His expertise in Civil Engineering was evident throughout the process. He provided a detailed report and clearly explained his findings. We were very satisfied with the entire experience
I'm both an East Bay Realtor and rental property owner. Working with Vincenzo was great- from start to finish! I needed to get a SB 721 Inspection for a property that had 4 exterior elements ("balconies"). We talked on the phone, I told him about the property and he gave me a price. I met him on the day of the inspection, along with his contractor. Vincenzo had him make very small and strategic test holes. (which were very clean to patch up; they were not big sloppy holes made with a hammer). Vincenzo then conducted the examination and inspection. One area required a 15' ladder, so we needed a 2nd follow up appointment. Upon completion of the both inspections, he had the report written up and we met over zoom to discuss it and he made sure I understood the findings. He was professional from start to finish. I would definitely use him again, and recommend him! Thanks Vincenzo!
SB 721 questions
Does SB 721 apply to my building?
It applies to buildings with three or more multifamily dwelling units, usually apartments, that have balconies, decks, stairs, walkways or landings more than six feet above the ground and supported in whole or in large part by wood. Condos and HOAs follow SB 326 instead. Not sure? Send me the address.
When is the SB 721 deadline?
The first inspection had to be done by January 1, 2026, after AB 2579 extended the original date. After that, every 6 years. Buildings with a newer certificate of occupancy have until six years after that certificate.
Who can do an SB 721 inspection?
A licensed architect, a licensed civil or structural engineer, certain licensed contractors with five years of experience in multistory wood construction, or a certified building inspector. I am a California licensed Professional Engineer and I do every inspection myself.
How many balconies must be inspected?
At least 15 percent of each type of elevated element. If what I find points to a bigger problem, I tell you so and why.
What happens after the inspection?
You get a report within 45 days. If something is an immediate danger, the report goes to you and the city within 15 days and you must act right away. For other repairs, you apply for a permit within 120 days, then have 120 days to finish once the permit is approved.
What if I do not comply?
If repairs are not done in time, the city can charge a daily civil penalty and record a building safety lien on the property.