California · post-deadline

Which law applies is an ownership question, not an occupancy question.

Identify the likely statute, estimate an inspection sample, and find local filing guidance. Prepare for a missed deadline, repair recommendation, or buyer’s document request. Applicability and inspection scope still need confirmation by a qualified professional.

SB 326 · due Jan 1, 2025
SB 721 · due Jan 1, 2026
Civ. Code § 5551
HSC § 17973

Step 1 · ownership

Who holds the building?

Occupancy is the wrong question. A rented condo is still SB 326. A vacant apartment building is still SB 721. The switch is whether an association of a condominium project exists.

Step 2 · the element

Are there exterior elevated elements in the statute?

Balconies · Decks · Porches · Stairways · Walkways / landings · Entry structures · Their railings and supports. More than six feet above ground level. Supported in whole or in substantial part by wood or wood-based products. Associated waterproofing systems — flashings, membranes, coatings, and sealants that protect the load-bearing components from water. Civ. Code § 5551(a)(1).

Not legal advice. Confirm the current statute text on leginfo.legislature.ca.gov and the current filing desk on the city’s .gov site before you send a report or a demand letter.

Free · planning tool

Sample-size calculator

95% confidence, ±5% for SB 326. Fifteen percent of each type for SB 721. Per type, not blended.

Civ. Code § 5551(a)(4)

Open

Free · .gov sourced

City filing map

San Diego, Oceanside, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, San Jose. Who inspects, where it files, the ordinance if it exists.

HSC § 17973(d)

Open

$29 kit · $79 packet

Letters that cite the statute

Bid request, board summary, buyer demand under Davis-Stirling § 4525(a)(11) and § 4530. Live Stripe checkout.

Civ. Code §§ 4525, 4530

Open