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STATE of CALIFORNIA COMPLIANCE ORDINANCE 
SB 721 & SB 326

To all property owners, HOAs, and landlords:

California law mandates inspections of exterior elevated elements (EEEs) (balconies, decks, stairways, walkways, etc.) supported by wood or wood-based materials.

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DEADLINE: December 31, 2025

Residential Buildings

SB 721

SB 721, also known as California Senate Bill 721, was signed into law in 2018 and focuses on the safety of exterior elevated elements (EEEs) in buildings, such as balconies, decks, stairways, and walkways, particularly in rental properties. It was enacted following incidents like the tragic 2015 Berkeley balcony collapse to ensure the structural integrity of these features and protect public safety.

SB 326

SB 326 is a California law, officially known as Senate Bill 326, signed into law in 2019. It focuses on enhancing the safety of condominium buildings and other multifamily residential structures by requiring periodic inspections of exterior elevated elements (EEEs), such as balconies, decks, stairways, and walkways. The law aims to prevent structural failures that could result in injuries or fatalities, following incidents like the tragic Berkeley balcony collapse in 2015.

Apartment Balconies

WHAT TO DO

  • SB 326 (HOAs & Condominiums): Initial inspections due by December 31, 2025, and every 9 years thereafter.

  • SB 721 (Rental Properties): Initial inspections due by December 31, 2025, and every 6 years thereafter.

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  1. Hire a licensed professional (architect, structural engineer, or building inspector).

  2. Inspect each type of exterior element for structural integrity, water damage, or decay.

  3. Address any defects immediately, with life-threatening hazards requiring urgent repair.

Failure to comply risks fines, enforcement actions, and safety hazards. Act now to ensure compliance and protect residents.

Continental Remodeling Inc. is fully equipped to handle the repairs and construction up-to-code with California’s SB 326 and SB 721 ordinances. Our expertise ensures that property owners, landlords, and HOAs can meet the strict requirements of these laws while maintaining safety and building integrity. Continental Remodeling Inc. is your trusted partner for timely, reliable, and code-compliant construction and repairs. Let us help you protect your property, residents, and investment while ensuring full compliance with SB 326 and SB 721.

Structural Repairs

Wood Replacement:-

  •  Replace decayed, rotted, or damaged wood components, such as beams, joists, or deck boards.

Reinforcement of Load-Bearing Systems:

  • Strengthen or replace load-bearing supports, including cantilevered beams and columns.

Hardware Repairs/Replacement:

  • Repair or replace corroded fasteners, connectors, brackets, and anchors.

Framing Repairs:

  • Address sagging, warped, or unstable framing to ensure the element can handle required live loads.

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Waterproofing and Protection

Sealant and Caulking Repairs:

  • Reseal joints, edges, and penetrations to prevent water intrusion.

Waterproof Membrane Replacement:

  • Repair or replace failed waterproof membranes under decks, balconies, or walkways.

Drainage System Upgrades:

  • Install or repair flashing, scuppers, or weep systems to direct water away from structures.

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Decay and Damage Repairs

Dry Rot Treatment:

  • Remove and replace wood affected by dry rot or fungal growth.

Moisture Barrier Installation:

  • Add barriers to protect wood from future water exposure.​

 

Surface Repairs

Concrete Restoration:

  • Repair cracks, spalling, or chipped concrete in walkways or stairs.

Deck Coatings:

  • Reapply protective coatings to wood, concrete, or metal surfaces to prevent weather damage.

 

Safety and Code Compliance

Guardrails and Handrails:

  • Replace or repair loose, damaged, or non-compliant railings.

Code-Compliance Adjustments:

  • Ensure all EEEs meet California Building Code (CBC) standards for load-bearing, height, and spacing.

 

Post-Repair Finishing

Painting and Finishing:

  • Apply paint or finishes to protect wood and metal from environmental exposure.

Aesthetic Repairs:

  • Restore surfaces for aesthetic appeal while maintaining compliance.

 

Critical Steps for Compliance

After repairs, documentation confirming that repairs were completed per SB 326 or SB 721 requirements must be provided. Inspections and reports by qualified professionals ensure that repairs meet safety and code standards.

If structural or life-threatening issues are identified, immediate repairs are mandatory to avoid penalties or potential safety hazards.

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