California Law SB-326 (Ca Civil Code 5551) requires an inspection by a licensed professional, of any Exterior Elevated Elements, such as Condominium decks and walkways, to ensure its safety and structural integrity.
This new balcony law is specific to Condominiums (Multi Family Housing) controlled by residential homeowners’ associations (HOA’s). It applies to any building containing 3 or more multi-family dwelling units.
Balconies are not the only thing that must be inspected under this new law. Any elevated structure which will support weight and is built with wood supporting structures (wood beams and plywood) is also included. This covers:
The initial inspection must be completed no later than January 1st, 2025. After this, a re-inspection must occur every 9 years or sooner. DON’T GET CAUGHT IN THE LAST MINUTE RUSH TO HAVE YOUR INSPECTIONS PERFORMED.
Once the inspection is complete, a report must be submitted to the homeowners association In Compliance with Davis Sterling Act for inclusion into the required Reserve Studies. If the owner chooses not to have the necessary repairs or maintenance done, the board will be notified, and the owner and or Board of Directors will be held responsible for any future costs, including potential lawsuits resulting from damage or injury.
A certified professional must be the one to conduct the inspection. This includes architects and engineers. However, because the associated waterproofing systems must also be inspected, most architects and engineers also employ a qualified waterproofing expert with a minimum of 10 years experience to help ensure the integrity of waterproofing systems for the building are maintained.
The final report will advise the owner on repairs or maintenance that need to be made to ensure the safety of the deck or walkway. This will be passed on to the homeowners association, to allow them to assess the damages and budget for any necessary repairs.
There are two types of repairs that may need to be made:
Ensuring your property is safe is a priceless investment. With Deck Inspectors, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing your condo is inspected by qualified waterproofing experts. All of our inspections may include:
To learn more about SB-326 (CA Civil Code 5551), get advice, or request an inspection by an elite team of waterproofing experts, contact us today.
