SB 721 Explained: Key Dates, Inspection Rules & Deadlines for CA Property Owners
Balcony and exterior-walkway failures make headlines—and cost fortunes. That’s why California enacted SB 721, a law that mandates regular inspections and repairs for Exterior Elevated Elements (EEEs) in multi-story rental buildings. Below is a practical, owner-friendly guide to every important date, requirement, and action item.
Compliance Clock: Know Your Deadlines
|
Milestone |
Due Date |
What It Means |
|
Law in Effect |
Jan 1, 2019 |
SB 721 officially active |
|
Initial Inspection |
Jan 1, 2025 |
All EEEs must be inspected (exemption: buildings inspected ≤3 yrs before 1/1/19) |
|
Ongoing Inspections |
Every 6 years |
Sets a permanent safety cycle |
|
Immediate-Hazard Notice |
15 days after discovery |
Inspector must alert owner + city |
|
Permit for Non-Urgent Repairs |
120 days after report |
Clock starts when report delivered |
|
Finish Non-Urgent Repairs |
120 days after permit |
Extensions possible |
|
Record Retention |
12 years |
Keep two full inspection cycles on file |
Who Can Inspect and What They Check
- Qualified Professionals Only:
- Licensed architect, civil/structural engineer, or
- General contractor (A, B, or C-5) with ≥5 years’ multi-story wood-frame experience, or
- Certified building official approved by the local agency.
- Scope of Inspection:
- Structural framing, connectors, waterproofing membranes, flashings, coatings.
Sample Size: Minimum 15 % of EEEs, chosen at random.
- Structural framing, connectors, waterproofing membranes, flashings, coatings.
- Tools & Methods:
- Visual review plus moisture meters, infrared cameras, or selective demolition when necessary.
- Reporting:
- The owner receives a detailed, photo-rich report within 45 days (or 15 days for hazards).
- Reports must be stored for 12 years and shown to the city if requested.
Repair Rules: Urgent vs. Non-Urgent
|
Issue Severity |
Action Required |
Timeframe |
|
Immediate Hazard |
Barricade unsafe area, begin emergency repairs, notify city |
ASAP (report in 15 days) |
|
Non-Emergency Defects |
Apply for permit |
≤ 120 days after report |
|
Complete repairs |
≤ 120 days after permit |
|
|
Schedule follow-up inspection & file certification |
Upon completion |
Local agencies can grant reasonable extensions, but only if owners show documented progress.
Why Early Action Pays
- Avoid $500-per-Day Fines
- Stay Insurable & Refinance-Ready—carriers and lenders now demand proof of SB 721 compliance.
- Reduce Liability—documented inspections form a legal shield if accidents occur.
- Budget Smarter—catch small issues before they become six-figure structural repairs.
How DrBalcony Can Help
- Inspection-Only Service: No repairs = no conflict of interest.
- AI-Enhanced Reporting: Detects hidden rot and moisture others miss.
- Fast Statewide Scheduling & 20 % Price-Beat Guarantee.
- Digital, City-Ready Reports accepted by officials and insurers.
Ready to Tick Every Box?
- Book your SB 721 Inspection → DrBalcony.com
- Call 805-312-8508 for a no-obligation quote.
Stay ahead of the 2025 deadline, protect residents, and safeguard your property’s value all in one streamlined process.
Accessibility