SRS Retrofit can help you comply with the
balcony law requirements!
- The law affects any building with 3 or more units that have exterior balconies, staircase, or walkways that are higher than 6 feet off the ground
- The law affects apartment and condominium buildings, SB-721 regulates inspections of apartment buildings and SB-326 regulates inspections of condominium buildings
- Any building with Exterior Elevated Element (EEE) needs to be inspected and certified by a licensed civil/structural engineer or general contractor
- Inspections must include the condition of the framing, the guardrail, and waterproofing elements
- The initial inspection must be completed by January 1st, 2025 and every 6 years thereafter for apartment buildings and every 9 years thereafter for condominium buildings
- New apartment buildings must be inspected 6 years after completion and new condominium buildings must be inspected 9 years after completion
California’s New Balcony
Laws SB-721 & SB-326
SRS Retrofit performs two types of inspections;
non-destructive exploration and destructive exploration.
Method A:
Non-destructive exploration: We utilize non-destructive technology to explore the condition of the framing and perform a visual inspection of the exposed elements including guardrails and waterproofing conditions. Estimated cost of non destructive inspections: $385-$595 per balcony. * Minimum charge of $3,850. Final price will be determined an after inspection of the building.
Method B:
Destructive exploration: Remove sections of the exterior finish as needed to expose the framing for the visual inspection.
- This is for an inspection only and includes the price of the destructive exploration but does not include the cost of repairs for the construction work. All work to be performed with a building permit.
- Cost will be determined on a per case basis. Please call us to schedule a free inspection at 818-906-8004
There are 4 tiers of inspection outcomes
If repairs are not done in a timely matter, potential daily
penalties may be assessed by the governing official
Everything is ok
Further inspection needed
(damage found & need to
proceed with destructive
exploration)
Needs repairs
(non emergency/
not immediate)
Balcony is failing (needs
shoring and immediate
repairs. The owner will
have limited amount of
time to perform repairs
cited in engineer
reports).
Does my building fall
under SB-721 & SB-326
If your balcony, deck, porch, stairway, walkway or entry structure has a walking surface that is elevated over 6 feet above the ground level or is designed for occupancy or use, then you must complete an inspection.
- Does your building have 3 or more units?
- Does your building have wood framing?
- Do you have exterior balconies, decks, stairways, and walkways?
- Are the walking surfaces and/or balconies and decks higher than 6 feet above ground?
IF YOU ANSWERED YES TO THESE QUESTIONS, CALL US IMMEDIATELY FOR A FREE BALCONY INSPECTION AND EVALUATION!
SB-326
(Condo Balcony Bill)
Approximately 20%-50% of each element will be inspected by non-destructive exploration first. Percentage and location of each element inspection will be determined by the engineer. If there are signs of rot or damage to the framing, exterior cover may need to be removed and have the exposed framing inspected.
Once inspection is completed, the engineer will issue a report addressing the conditions of all inspected elements and specify what repairs (if any) needs to be performed.
Typical places of water intrusions is sheet metal opening around the deck perimeter, connection of the railing system to the balcony, at the corner/connection of the exterior wall and the balcony floor, or if the waterproofing elements are damaged.
Cost of inspection will be determined by number of elements needed to be inspected and whether the inspection is non destructive method or destructive exploration method of exploration