SB 326 California Condominium Balcony Bill & Inspections

We Serve Throughout California

CDI performs the inspection and reports on the mandated items as set forth in SB 326. This includes the condition, life expectancy and required repairs to the exterior elevated elements. A completed inspection report will provide useful information about recommended maintenance and/or repairs. This information also helps you as the property owner or manager to prioritize and budget for physical asset management in order to preserve the life expectancy of your building. If the inspector sees any immediate or imminent threats to the health and safety of residents, he must notify the homeowners’ association immediately. He must also inform governmental inspection agencies within 15 days of the report.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill No. 326 (SB 326) into law on August 30, 2019. California SB 326 / CA Civil Code 5551 requires inspections of condominiums or multi-family housing controlled by residential homeowners’ associations (HOAs). The law applies to buildings that contain 3 or more units and requires inspections of condominiums’ Exterior Elevated Elements (EEE) and waterproofing systems as well. (Click on image to read the full text.) This inspection is to ensure safety and structural integrity for condominium balconies and for decks, porches, walkways, stairways, railings and entry structures that are more than 6′ off the ground. These are structures that are constructed and supported by wood or wood-based products.

Inspection Requirements and Deadlines

Who Must Comply?
SB 326 applies to condominium projects and multi-family residential buildings with three or more units under the jurisdiction of an HOA.

SB 326 Inspection Timeline

Initial Inspection: Must be completed by January 1, 2025.
Subsequent Inspections: Required every nine years thereafter.

Qualified Inspectors

Inspections must be conducted by a licensed structural engineer or architect to ensure a competent and diligent visual assessment of the EEEs.

SB 326 Inspection Process

Scope of Inspection
The inspection encompasses a visual evaluation of load-bearing components and associated waterproofing systems to determine:

General safety condition
Performance compliance with applicable standards
Expected future performance and projected service life

A random and statistically significant sample of EEEs must be inspected to achieve a 95% confidence level with a 5% margin of error.

Reporting
The inspector is required to prepare a stamped or signed report detailing the findings, which must be incorporated into the association’s reserve study. This report should be maintained in the association’s records for at least two inspection cycles.

Consequences of SB 326 Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with SB 326 can result in:

Difficulty obtaining financing or insurance
Legal liabilities for the HOA
Increased risk of structural failures
Potential fines and penalties
Delayed sale transactions due to lending requirements

Timely inspections are crucial to ensure resident safety and uphold property values.

How California Deck Inspection (CDI) Can Assist

At California Deck Inspection (CDI), we specialize in conducting thorough, non-invasive inspections to help HOAs comply with SB 326 requirements. Our services include:

Comprehensive Visual Assessments: Evaluating the condition of EEEs and associated waterproofing systems.
Detailed Reporting: Providing stamped reports suitable for inclusion in reserve studies.
Expert Recommendations: Offering guidance on maintenance and necessary repairs to ensure safety and compliance.

By partnering with CDI, you can ensure that your properties meet all regulatory requirements, thereby safeguarding your residents and investment.

Contact CDI

Owner Jim Schlagel is a License “B” Contractor and is authorized to perform inspections toward compliance with CA Law SB721 and SB326. Some of the top cities we serve are Fresno, Sacramento, Bakersfield and Los Angeles.