SB 721 balcony inspections in San Diego
Senate Bill 721 (SB 721) was signed into law in 2018 following a catastrophic structural failure in Berkely, California. This horrific balcony collapse resulted in the deaths of six college students.
Who has to comply
SB-721 applies to apartment buildings with three or more units. It covers exterior elevated elements: balconies, landings, stairways and walkways carried by wood framing.
San Diego Home Inspection, Inc. helped us complete the state-mandated SB 721 balcony inspections.
The deadline
The first inspection is due by 1 January 2026, extended a year from the original 2025 date. After that the cycle repeats every six years, and the report has to be kept on file for the next one.
How it works
From the first call to the report, in order.
Step 1. Scope and Schedule
We start by confirming your building qualifies (3+ units) and inventorying every exterior elevated element across the property. For larger complexes in communities like Chula Vista, El Cajon, or Oceanside, we plan access so that a representative sample of balconies and walkways is evaluated with minimal disruption to tenants.
Step 2. On-Site Inspection
On inspection day, we evaluate each selected element visually and physically, checking framing, connections, railings, and waterproofing. Where surface conditions hint at hidden decay, we probe and use moisture metering to confirm the extent of the problem rather than guessing from the outside.
Step 3. Reporting and Documentation
You receive a written report that clearly separates immediate life-safety hazards from items needing maintenance. Same-day digital reports are typical, giving you a documented record to schedule repairs and demonstrate good-faith compliance.
Step 4. Remediation Support and Re-Inspection
When repairs are needed, our findings give your contractor a precise punch list. After corrective work, we can re-evaluate the affected elements so your file shows the issue was identified and resolved within the required timeframe.
The number of units sets the price. Exemption letters are quoted separately.
SB-721, by unit count
- 3–4 Unit Building$1,500
- 5–6 Unit Building$2,000
- 7–12 Unit Building$2,800
- 13–20 Unit Building$3,200
- 21–30 Unit Building$3,500
- 31–40 Unit Building$4,000
- 41–50 Unit Building$4,500
- 51–70 Unit Building$5,000
- 71+ UnitsCall for pricing
Balconies and decks
Field notes from the inspectors.
SB-721 balcony inspections: questions we get
What buildings does SB-721 cover?
SB-721 applies to apartment and multifamily rental buildings with three or more dwelling units. It covers exterior elevated elements, meaning balconies, decks, exterior stairways, landings, and walkways that are more than six feet above ground and rely on wood framing for support. Condominium and HOA buildings are covered by the separate SB-326 law.
What is the SB-721 inspection deadline?
The first inspection deadline was extended to January 1, 2026 under AB 2579. After the initial inspection, the law requires re-inspection every six years. Buildings that miss the deadline can face fines and other enforcement action from the local building agency.
Who is allowed to perform an SB-721 inspection?
The law requires a qualified, licensed professional, such as a licensed contractor, architect, or engineer with relevant experience. Joseph Romeo holds CSLB General Contractor License #1113143 and the InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector credential, so our inspections satisfy the statute's licensed-inspector requirement.
What happens if my inspection finds problems?
If we identify conditions that threaten occupant safety, the law requires that they be repaired. Our report separates urgent life-safety items from routine maintenance and gives your contractor a clear scope. We can re-inspect after repairs so your records show the issue was found and resolved.
How is SB-721 different from SB-326?
SB-721 (Health & Safety Code 17973) governs rental apartments with 3+ units on a six-year cycle. SB-326 (Civil Code 5551) governs condominium and HOA buildings on a nine-year cycle, with a January 1, 2025 deadline. The right inspection depends on how your property is owned and governed.
What is an SB-721 balcony inspection?
An SB-721 inspection is a California-required safety evaluation of exterior elevated elements (EEEs) on apartment and multifamily buildings with three or more units. It covers balconies, decks, stairways, and walkways that have wood or wood-based structural support, checking their load-bearing components and waterproofing for decay or damage.
Who needs an SB-721 inspection and when is it due?
Owners of California apartment or multifamily buildings with three or more units need an SB-721 inspection. The original January 1, 2025 deadline was extended by AB 2579 to January 1, 2026, and buildings must be re-inspected every six years afterward. SB-721 is separate from SB-326, which covers HOA and condominium buildings.
What does an SB-721 inspection check?
An SB-721 inspection examines load-bearing components and associated waterproofing of wood-framed balconies, decks, stairways, and walkways, plus their railings, ledgers, joists, and flashing. The inspector evaluates a representative sample, looking for dry rot, water intrusion, corrosion, and deterioration that could compromise safety, then documents findings and any needed repairs in a written report.
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