Free property guide

SB 326 or SB 721? Start with your property.

California’s balcony inspection requirements depend on the building’s ownership and construction. These two questions will help you explore which law may apply and what to ask a qualified inspector.

No address or account needed. If you’re unsure of an answer, choose “Not sure” and we’ll explain what to confirm.

Step 1 · ownership

How is the building owned?

Start with the ownership arrangement, even if a unit is rented or vacant. A condominium association and an apartment-building owner may have different inspection requirements.

Step 2 · construction

Does the building have these outdoor structures?

The laws use “exterior elevated elements” for structures such as balconies, decks, and stairs. The definition includes: 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).

California rules · reviewed October 7, 2026

SB 326 vs SB 721: the differences that matter.

Both laws address qualifying exterior elevated elements supported in whole or substantial part by wood, with walking surfaces more than six feet above ground. Ownership, building size, and maintenance responsibility matter; renting a condominium does not automatically make it an SB 721 building.

SB 326 · Condominiums

Which properties?: Condominium buildings with three or more attached multifamily dwelling units, for elements the association must maintain or repair. Civ. Code § 5551(b), (l).
General initial deadline: January 1, 2025. That general date has passed; exceptions below can change a property’s deadline.
Repeat inspections: Every 9 years, coordinated with the Civil Code § 5550 reserve study. Confirm the schedule from the property’s actual inspection history and any stricter local requirements.
Who can inspect?: Licensed structural engineer, licensed civil engineer, or licensed architect (AB 2114 added civil engineers). Contractors and certified building inspectors do not qualify.
Inspection sample: Random, statistically significant sample of each type of exterior elevated element: 95% confidence, margin of error no greater than ±5%. Civ. Code § 5551(a)(4).
Where does the report go?: Stamped or signed report presented to the board and incorporated into the reserve study (Civ. Code § 5551(f)).

Read Civil Code § 5551

SB 721 · Apartment buildings

Which properties?: Buildings with three or more multifamily dwelling units that are not a condominium association — typically rental apartments owned as a whole.
General initial deadline: January 1, 2026 (extended from Jan 1, 2025 by AB 2579). That general date has passed; exceptions below can change a property’s deadline.
Repeat inspections: Every 6 years. Confirm the schedule from the property’s actual inspection history and any stricter local requirements.
Who can inspect?: Licensed architect; licensed civil or structural engineer; contractor holding A, B, and/or C-5 with at least five years’ experience constructing multistory wood-frame buildings; or a certified building inspector/official as specified. The inspector may not be a current employee of the local jurisdiction.
Inspection sample: At least 15% of each type of exterior elevated element. HSC § 17973.
Where does the report go?: Stamped or signed written report to the owner or designated agent within 45 days of completing the inspection. HSC § 17973(c)(4).

Read Health & Safety Code § 17973

What if the first inspection deadline has passed?

Start by locating the inspection report and confirming whether the property is covered. If a required inspection is missing, discuss the next steps with a qualified inspector and the local building or code-enforcement agency. The date alone does not establish that a particular building is out of compliance.

New construction: SB 326 uses a permit-application date on or after January 1, 2020; SB 721 uses January 1, 2019. Those buildings generally require their first inspection within six years of the certificate of occupancy. See § 5551(k) and § 17973(e).
Narrow SB 721 asbestos exception: When confirmed asbestos-containing material prevents completion, HSC § 17973(d)(2) allows up to nine months for abatement, then up to three months after abatement for inspection. The required evidence and abatement documentation must be retained for three years after the inspection is completed. Confirm eligibility and the dates with a qualified professional; this is not a general extension.
Safety findings: Immediate-threat findings trigger urgent access restrictions and reporting duties. A later inspection deadline does not replace those duties.

Official 2026 California code compilation · HSC § 17973

Estimate a sample size See the report-request checklist Prepare an inspector bid request · $29 kit

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.