The “Balcony Law,” also known as SB-721, makes commercial property owners financially responsible for inspections and testing of their property’s balconies, decks, and walkways. And the law doesn’t just make property owners responsible for the inspections and repairs – it also gives them strict deadlines under the threat of civil penalties and heavy fines.
The new balcony law applies to buildings with 3 or more multi-family dwelling units – in other words, thousands of apartment buildings in California.
The “Balcony Law” applies to much more than balconies, focusing on structures that are mostly made of wood or have a wood-based framework, including:
Commercial property owners have until January 1, 2025, to have their wood-framed external elevated structures inspected by a qualified professional. After that, they must have their external elevated structures inspected every 6 years.
In the event that inspectors do find repairs necessary and the owners of the buildings don’t comply within 180 days, the inspector will notify local law enforcement and the owner of the building. If repairs are not done 30 days after the notification, the owner will get a civil penalty, around $100-$500 for every day the repairs are not completed.
The inspection must be done by a certified professional, such as:
There are two types of repairs:
At Deck Inspectors, we want to make sure that our community is served well and safely. Getting inspections doesn’t just save you money – it preserves the value of your property. Our inspections include:
Inspection, and expert waterproofing in general, are priceless investments that protect property value and strengthen the relationship between residents, property managers, and owners.
To learn more about SB-721, receive advice, or get a thorough inspection by an elite team of waterproofing experts, contact us today.
