SB-721 Inspections
What is SB-721?
SB-721 is a California law that requires regular inspections and maintenance of exterior elevated elements (EEEs) in multi-family buildings. These EEEs include balconies, decks, stairways, and porches. The goal is to ensure the safety of residents and prevent tragic accidents.
Which Buildings are Affected?Most multi-family buildings with three or more units in California are affected by SB-721. This includes apartment complexes, triplexes, and fourplexes. However, condominiums and some other types of housing are exempt.
What is an Exterior Elevated Element?Exterior elevated elements are parts of a building that are designed for human use, extend beyond the building's walls, and have a walking surface that is six feet or more above the ground. This includes balconies, decks, stairways, and porches. SB-721 requires inspection of exterior elevated elements and other associated waterproofing elements, including flashings, membranes, sealants, and similar structures.
Inspection Requirements 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. Frequency: Inspections are required every six years with the first inspection being completed by January 1st, 2025.Qualified Inspectors: Inspections must be performed by licensed professionals like general contractors, architects, engineers, or certified building inspectors. ACME Building Consultants is a licensed general contractor.Scope: Inspectors must examine 15% of each type of EEE to identify potential problems. ACME inspects a higher percentage.Repairs: Any necessary repairs must be completed within a specific timeframe. The more serious the structural issue, the sooner the building owner must complete repairs. If the inspection reveals problems with the EEE, the person who completes the repairs cannot be the same person who conducted the initial inspection.
Penalties for Non-ComplianceBuilding owners who fail to comply with SB-721 may face fines and other penalties. Local building departments can assess penalties up to $500 per day for non-compliant facilities.
Inspection Process After providing an estimate we will schedule your inspection at a time that is convenient for you. We’ll inspect the required percentage of EEEs and provide a report about all the conditions of the EEEs, as specified by the law. Our report will also outline the expected service life and performance of your EEEs and a breakdown of the required non-emergency repairs. Repair Requirements Under SB 721, inspectors must submit inspection reports within a specific timeframe. For routine inspections, the report is due within 45 days to the home owner. However, if the inspection reveals urgent safety issues, the report must be submitted within 15 days.
Once a building owner receives the inspection report, they have 120 days to apply for repair permits for non-emergency repairs. After obtaining the permits, they have another 120 days to complete the necessary repairs.
If the building owner fails to comply with these repair deadlines within 180 days, the building inspector will notify local law enforcement agencies. Failure to complete repairs within 30 days could result in civil penalties. Keeping Inspection Records Property owners and managers must retain inspection reports for at least twelve years. These reports should be made available to buyers if the building is sold. If the building is sold before the initial inspection, this must be disclosed to the buyer.
Additionally, all subsequent inspection reports should include copies of previous reports, detailing the types and locations of the inspected EEEs. Local law enforcement agencies may also request these reports.
SB-721 is a California law that requires regular inspections and maintenance of exterior elevated elements (EEEs) in multi-family buildings. These EEEs include balconies, decks, stairways, and porches. The goal is to ensure the safety of residents and prevent tragic accidents.
Which Buildings are Affected?Most multi-family buildings with three or more units in California are affected by SB-721. This includes apartment complexes, triplexes, and fourplexes. However, condominiums and some other types of housing are exempt.
What is an Exterior Elevated Element?Exterior elevated elements are parts of a building that are designed for human use, extend beyond the building's walls, and have a walking surface that is six feet or more above the ground. This includes balconies, decks, stairways, and porches. SB-721 requires inspection of exterior elevated elements and other associated waterproofing elements, including flashings, membranes, sealants, and similar structures.
Inspection Requirements 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. Frequency: Inspections are required every six years with the first inspection being completed by January 1st, 2025.Qualified Inspectors: Inspections must be performed by licensed professionals like general contractors, architects, engineers, or certified building inspectors. ACME Building Consultants is a licensed general contractor.Scope: Inspectors must examine 15% of each type of EEE to identify potential problems. ACME inspects a higher percentage.Repairs: Any necessary repairs must be completed within a specific timeframe. The more serious the structural issue, the sooner the building owner must complete repairs. If the inspection reveals problems with the EEE, the person who completes the repairs cannot be the same person who conducted the initial inspection.
Penalties for Non-ComplianceBuilding owners who fail to comply with SB-721 may face fines and other penalties. Local building departments can assess penalties up to $500 per day for non-compliant facilities.
Inspection Process After providing an estimate we will schedule your inspection at a time that is convenient for you. We’ll inspect the required percentage of EEEs and provide a report about all the conditions of the EEEs, as specified by the law. Our report will also outline the expected service life and performance of your EEEs and a breakdown of the required non-emergency repairs. Repair Requirements Under SB 721, inspectors must submit inspection reports within a specific timeframe. For routine inspections, the report is due within 45 days to the home owner. However, if the inspection reveals urgent safety issues, the report must be submitted within 15 days.
Once a building owner receives the inspection report, they have 120 days to apply for repair permits for non-emergency repairs. After obtaining the permits, they have another 120 days to complete the necessary repairs.
If the building owner fails to comply with these repair deadlines within 180 days, the building inspector will notify local law enforcement agencies. Failure to complete repairs within 30 days could result in civil penalties. Keeping Inspection Records Property owners and managers must retain inspection reports for at least twelve years. These reports should be made available to buyers if the building is sold. If the building is sold before the initial inspection, this must be disclosed to the buyer.
Additionally, all subsequent inspection reports should include copies of previous reports, detailing the types and locations of the inspected EEEs. Local law enforcement agencies may also request these reports.