Who Is Affected?
This new law is specific to Condominiums (Multi Family Housing) controlled by residential homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and applies to any building containing 3 or more multi-family dwelling units.
What Counts as an Exterior Elevated Element?
Notably, balconies are not the only things that must be inspected under this new law. Any elevated structures which extend beyond the wall of a building, support weight and are built with wood-supporting structures such as wood beams and plywood are also included. This covers:
- Decks
- Porches
- Stairways
- Walkways
- Entry structures more than 6-feet above ground level
GET INSPECTED
What Are the Deadlines of Which You Should Be Aware?
The initial inspection must be completed no later than January 1, 2025. After this, periodic re-inspections must occur at intervals that are not to exceed every 9 years. DON’T GET CAUGHT IN THE LAST-MINUTE RUSH TO HAVE YOUR INSPECTIONS PERFORMED.
Once an inspection is completed and a report of the resulting findings prepared, a homeowners association must include the report with its required Reserve Studies in compliance with the Davis Sterling Act. AVOID THE PERSONAL INJURIES, DAMAGES AND LAWSUITS THAT ARE BOUND TO RESULT FROM FAILURES TO PROPERLY INSPECT AND MAINTAIN YOUR EXTERIOR ELEVATED ELEMENTS!
Who Can Perform These Required Inspections?
Only a properly licensed architect or structural engineer may conduct these required inspections. Given that associated waterproofing systems must also be inspected, however, you should ensure that the individual you hire possesses the requisite waterproofing expertise or includes someone on his/her team who does. With a Deck Inspector professional, you are assured of hiring a waterproofing expert with a wealth of experience to help ensure the integrity of the waterproofing systems at your property.
GET INSPECTED
What Happens if Repairs Are Needed?
Deck Inspectors will provide a final report that advises the HOA of repairs or maintenance that may be needed to ensure the safety of the EEE at your property.
There are two types of repairs that your HOA may need to make:
- Non-Emergency Repairs. In the event of non-emergency repairs, the inspector would notify the HOA Board of Directors; and/or
- Emergency Repairs. In the event of emergency repairs, the inspector would notify both the HOA Board of Directors and the local code enforcement agency, as required by law to ensure prompt action .
Our Inspection Services
Ensuring that your property is safe is a priceless investment. With Deck Inspectors, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that your inspections are performed by qualified professionals with the requisite waterproofing expertise. Our inspections may include any or all of the following:
- A detailed report by a licensed inspector
- Photo documentation
- Destructive testing
To learn more about SB 326 (Cal. Civil Code § 5551), get advice, or request an inspection by an elite team of qualified professionals, contact us today.