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| ⚫ | == California Senate Bill 721 of 2018 == | ||
| {{Infobox | |||
| | title = Collapsed Balcony After Structural Failure | |||
| | image = ] | |||
| | caption = A collapsed balcony illustrating the dangers of poor maintenance and the critical importance of SB 721 in preventing such tragedies. | |||
| }} | |||
| === Introduction === | |||
| ⚫ | == |
||
| In ], ] introduced Senate Bill 721 (SB 721), which requires regular inspections of exterior elevated elements (EEEs) like ], decks, ], and ] in multifamily residential ]. The bill aims to prevent accidents caused by structural failures of these elements, which have, in some cases, led to serious injuries and fatalities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SB 721- CHAPTERED |url=https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB721 |access-date=2025-01-06 |website=leginfo.legislature.ca.gov |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| ] Senate Bill 721 (SB 721) of 2018 mandates regular inspections of exterior elevated elements (EEEs), such as balconies, decks, stairways, and walkways<ref name=":0" />, in multifamily residential ] with three or more units. The bill aims to enhance safety by preventing structural failures that could lead to accidents, injuries, and fatalities. | |||
| ---- | |||
| === Background === | === Background === | ||
| The ] came about in response to several tragic events, including the ] ] balcony collapse, where multiple people lost their lives. To help prevent similar incidents, SB 721 requires that exterior elevated elements in buildings with three or more residential units undergo regular checks and maintenance. | |||
| SB 721 was enacted in response to several tragic incidents, including the 2015 ], which highlighted the need for stringent safety regulations in multifamily buildings. The bill seeks to prevent similar occurrences by ensuring the structural integrity of EEEs. | |||
| ---- | |||
| === Inspection Requirements === | === Inspection Requirements === | ||
| The bill requires inspections to be conducted by qualified professionals, such as licensed architects, structural engineers, or certified building inspectors. The initial inspection was due by January 1, 2026, with subsequent inspections every six years. These inspections focus on the safety and structural integrity of EEEs, including waterproofing and potential hazards. | |||
| ---- | |||
| === Scope and Applicability === | === Scope and Applicability === | ||
| ⚫ | SB 721 applies to buildings with three or more multifamily units. Condominiums managed by homeowners associations (HOAs) are exempt and fall under Senate Bill 326 (SB 326), which has similar inspection requirements. | ||
| ==== Properties Covered ==== | |||
| SB 721 applies to buildings with three or more ] units. | |||
| ==== Exemptions ==== | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ---- | |||
| === Property Owners' Responsibilities === | === Property Owners' Responsibilities === | ||
| Property owners must ensure inspections are carried out by qualified professionals and maintain records of inspection reports for at least two cycles. They are also required to promptly address any identified issues and inform authorities if serious hazards are found. | |||
| ==== Ensuring Compliance ==== | |||
| Property owners must ensure they hire qualified professionals to carry out the inspections as required by the law.<ref>{{Cite web |last=cinkavuk |first=Seza |date=2024-12-03 |title=California SB721 {{!}} Guide For Property Owners {{!}} DrBalcony |url=https://drbalcony.com/what-apartment-owners-need-to-understand-about-sb721/ |access-date=2025-01-06 |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
| ==== Maintaining Records and Addressing Issues ==== | |||
| Owners also need to keep records of inspection reports for at least two cycles and promptly fix any issues that are flagged during inspections. If a serious hazard is identified, owners must act quickly and inform the appropriate ]. | |||
| ---- | |||
| === Financial Implications === | === Financial Implications === | ||
| The costs of inspections vary based on building size. Estimated costs are as follows:<ref name=":1" /> | |||
| ==== Cost Estimates ==== | |||
| <p>The estimated costs of inspections under SB 721 vary depending on the size of the building. Below is a breakdown of the costs based on building size:<ref>{{Cite web |last=cinkavuk |first=Seza |date=2024-11-29 |title=SB721 Inspection Cost {{!}} Inspections & Repairs {{!}} DrBalcony |url=https://drbalcony.com/understanding-sb721-inspection-cost-for-balconies-in-california/ |access-date=2025-01-06 |language=en-US}}</ref></p> | |||
| ⚫ | * Small (3-10 units): $2,000 – $4,000 | ||
| <table border="1"> | |||
| ⚫ | * Medium (11-50 units): $5,000 – $10,000 | ||
| <tr> | |||
| ⚫ | * Large (50+ units): $10,000+ | ||
| <th>Building Size</th> | |||
| <th>Estimated Cost</th> | |||
| </tr> | |||
| <tr> | |||
| <td>Small (3-10 units)</td> | |||
| ⚫ | |
||
| </tr> | |||
| <tr> | |||
| <td>Medium (11-50 units)</td> | |||
| ⚫ | |
||
| </tr> | |||
| <tr> | |||
| ⚫ | |
||
| <td>$10,000+</td> | |||
| </tr> | |||
| </table> | |||
| ---- | |||
| === Penalties for Non-Compliance === | === Penalties for Non-Compliance === | ||
| ⚫ | Non-compliance may result in civil penalties and liens on the property. Local enforcement agencies are responsible for ensuring compliance and may issue corrective notices for incomplete repairs. | ||
| ==== Fines and Liens ==== | |||
| Property owners who fail to comply with the inspection requirements may face civil penalties | |||
| ⚫ | === Enforcement === | ||
| Local authorities monitor and enforce compliance with SB 721, ensuring that property owners adhere to inspection and ] requirements. | |||
| === Controversies and Debates === | |||
| While SB 721 is widely supported for enhancing safety, some critics argue about the financial burden on property owners and the potential for regulatory overreach. | |||
| === Summary === | |||
| SB 721 is a significant legislative measure aimed at improving safety standards in California's multifamily housing by mandating regular inspections of exterior elevated elements. It reflects a commitment to protecting residents and visitors from structural failures, ensuring that buildings meet safety code standards. | |||
| and could have a lien placed on their property. | |||
| == References == | |||
| ⚫ | Local enforcement agencies are responsible for ensuring compliance and may issue corrective notices |
||
| ---- | |||
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB721|title=SB 721 - CHAPTERED}}</ref> | |||
| ⚫ | === |
||
| <ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=https://drbalcony.com/did-you-know-about-drbalconys-balcony-inspection-cost-calculator/|title=DrBalcony Cost Calculator|date=11 December 2024 }}</ref> | |||
| SB 721 is an important step in improving safety standards for multifamily buildings in California. Property owners need to be proactive in following these regulations, not only for the safety of their tenants but also to avoid legal and financial penalties. | |||
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://ssc.ca.gov|title=Seismic Safety Commission}}</ref> | |||
| <ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://oag.ca.gov|title=State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General}}</ref> | |||
Latest revision as of 20:44, 14 January 2025
California Senate Bill 721 of 2018
Introduction
California Senate Bill 721 (SB 721) of 2018 mandates regular inspections of exterior elevated elements (EEEs), such as balconies, decks, stairways, and walkways, in multifamily residential buildings with three or more units. The bill aims to enhance safety by preventing structural failures that could lead to accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
Background
SB 721 was enacted in response to several tragic incidents, including the 2015 Berkeley balcony collapse, which highlighted the need for stringent safety regulations in multifamily buildings. The bill seeks to prevent similar occurrences by ensuring the structural integrity of EEEs.
Inspection Requirements
The bill requires inspections to be conducted by qualified professionals, such as licensed architects, structural engineers, or certified building inspectors. The initial inspection was due by January 1, 2026, with subsequent inspections every six years. These inspections focus on the safety and structural integrity of EEEs, including waterproofing and potential hazards.
Scope and Applicability
SB 721 applies to buildings with three or more multifamily units. Condominiums managed by homeowners associations (HOAs) are exempt and fall under Senate Bill 326 (SB 326), which has similar inspection requirements.
Property Owners' Responsibilities
Property owners must ensure inspections are carried out by qualified professionals and maintain records of inspection reports for at least two cycles. They are also required to promptly address any identified issues and inform authorities if serious hazards are found.
Financial Implications
The costs of inspections vary based on building size. Estimated costs are as follows:
- Small (3-10 units): $2,000 – $4,000
- Medium (11-50 units): $5,000 – $10,000
- Large (50+ units): $10,000+
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Non-compliance may result in civil penalties and liens on the property. Local enforcement agencies are responsible for ensuring compliance and may issue corrective notices for incomplete repairs.
Enforcement
Local authorities monitor and enforce compliance with SB 721, ensuring that property owners adhere to inspection and maintenance requirements.
Controversies and Debates
While SB 721 is widely supported for enhancing safety, some critics argue about the financial burden on property owners and the potential for regulatory overreach.
Summary
SB 721 is a significant legislative measure aimed at improving safety standards in California's multifamily housing by mandating regular inspections of exterior elevated elements. It reflects a commitment to protecting residents and visitors from structural failures, ensuring that buildings meet safety code standards.
References