08/18/2024
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Apartment SB-721 Inspection Service
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute to Comply with California’s Balcony Bill!
If you own or manage an apartment building in California with 3 or more multi-family units, Senate Bill 721 applies to you and your facility. The deadline for compliance is approaching fast and failing to comply could result in expensive fines and fees.
What Needs to be Inspected Under SB-721?
While Senate Bill 721 “SB-721” is sometimes referred to as “the balcony law,” it applies to more than just balconies!
All structures elevated more than 6’ above the ground and made from wood, or wood-based elements must be inspected, including:
· Porches
· Stairways
· Walkways
· Decks
· Elevated entry structures
All SB-721 inspections must be completed by qualified professionals such as licensed architects, licensed civil or structural engineers, contractors with a minimum of 5 years of experience, or certified building inspectors.
When is the Deadline to Comply? (And What Happens if You Don’t?)
You must complete your first SB-721 inspection by January 1, 2025 – but don’t wait until the last minute. Beat the rush today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your building is compliant.
Subsequent inspections must occur every 6 years after that. Suppose you don’t complete your initial inspection by January 1, 2025 or fail to complete the repairs specified in an inspection report. In that case, you could face a civil penalty of $100-$500 for every day of non-compliance.
What if the Inspection Reveals Required Repairs?
If your E3s require repairs, they’ll be categorized into two groups:
· Non-Emergency Repairs. While these repairs should be completed as soon as possible, they do not represent an immediate threat to the health or safety of your tenants. Once you receive your inspection report, you have 120 days to apply for a permit to complete the needed non-emergency repairs and another 120 days to complete said repairs.
· Emergency Repairs. Emergency repairs present a real and present risk to the health and safety of your tenants. Repairs must be completed immediately, and the E3 in question will need to be re-inspected and certified once said repairs are complete.
BCB Construction, Inc. and InspectItNOW provides comprehensive, certified SB-721 inspection services for landlords and managers like you.
