| Revision as of 17:34, 8 January 2025 editCitation bot (talk | contribs)Bots5,458,132 edits Altered title. | Use this bot. Report bugs. | Suggested by Лисан аль-Гаиб | Category:AfC pending submissions by age/0 days ago | #UCB_Category 16/119← Previous edit | Latest revision as of 20:44, 14 January 2025 edit undoCitation bot (talk | contribs)Bots5,458,132 edits Added date. | Use this bot. Report bugs. | Suggested by Dominic3203 | Linked from User:AlexNewArtBot/CleanupSearchResult | #UCB_webform_linked 1234/2044 | ||
| (2 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| ⚫ | == California Senate Bill 721 of 2018 == | ||
| {{Short description|California building safety law to protect people from accidents}} | |||
| {{Draft topics|north-america|stem}} | |||
| === Introduction === | |||
| {{AfC topic|soc}} | |||
| {{AfC submission|||ts=20250108145638|u=Amirof68|ns=118}} | |||
| ] 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. | |||
| {{Draft article}} | |||
| {{Multiple issues| | |||
| {{primary sources|date=January 2025}} | |||
| {{context|date=January 2025}} | |||
| }} | |||
| ⚫ | == |
||
| In ], ] introduced Senate Bill 721 (SB 721), which requires regular inspections of exterior elevated elements (EEEs) like ], decks, ], and ] in multifamily residential ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=SB 721- CHAPTERED |url=https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB721 |access-date=2025-01-08 |website=leginfo.legislature.ca.gov |language=en}}</ref> 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> | |||
| ---- | |||
| === 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. | |||
| ==== 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 EstimatesThe 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=2024-12-11 |title=Did You Know About DrBalcony's Balcony Inspection Cost Calculator? - DrBalcony |url=https://drbalcony.com/did-you-know-about-drbalconys-balcony-inspection-cost-calculator/ |access-date=2025-01-08 |language=en-US}}</ref> ==== | |||
| <table border="1"> | |||
| <tr> | |||
| <th>Building Size</th> | |||
| <th>Estimated Cost</th> | |||
| </tr> | |||
| <tr> | |||
| ⚫ | |
||
| <td>$2,000 – $4,000</td> | |||
| </tr> | |||
| <tr> | |||
| ⚫ | |
||
| <td>$5,000 – $10,000</td> | |||
| </tr> | |||
| <tr> | |||
| ⚫ | |
||
| <td>$10,000+</td> | |||
| </tr> | |||
| </table> | |||
| ---- | |||
| ⚫ | * 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 === | === 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 === | ||
| and could have a lien placed on their property. | |||
| Local authorities monitor and enforce compliance with SB 721, ensuring that property owners adhere to inspection and ] requirements. | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | Local enforcement agencies are responsible for ensuring compliance and may issue corrective notices |
||
| ---- | |||
| === |
=== Controversies and Debates === | ||
| SB 721, popularly referred to as the "Balcony Inspection Bill," is a very important legislation that was introduced into law concerning raising safety standards in California multifamily buildings<ref>{{Cite web |title=Seismic Safety Commission {{!}} |url=https://ssc.ca.gov |access-date=2025-01-08 |language=en}}</ref>. This bill was an introduction after several tragic incidents that involved the structural failure of elevated elements such as balconies, decks, and walkways. These failures brought to light the dire need for stringent safety regulations to protect residents and visitors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General |url=https://oag.ca.gov |access-date=2025-01-08 |website=State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| 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. | |||
| SB 721 requires owners of multifamily buildings containing three or more dwelling units to inspect load-bearing components that extend beyond the exterior walls of the building, including balconies, exterior elevated walkways, decks, porches, and similar structures. Such inspections must be performed by a licensed architect, structural engineer, or certified building inspector. | |||
| === Summary === | |||
| First, it shall be mandatory that the initial inspection be carried out on or before January 1, 2025. Subsequent inspections are also done every six years henceforth. This shall entail assessment by professions in regard to structural integrity and material condition in ensuring that they remain free of hazard so as to meet building code standards concerning such issues as dry rot, water intrusion, and other forms of deterioration. | |||
| 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. | |||
| For property owners, compliance with SB 721 is not only a matter of legal obligation but also one of crucial responsibility, as this directly involves the safety and well-being of their tenants. Proactive adherence to such regulations helps avert tragedies and also legal and financial repercussions. Failure to comply with the law may come with huge fines, lawsuits, and even loss in property value due to safety violations. | |||
| ⚫ | == References == | ||
| Additionally, there are some long-term benefits for property owners regarding compliance with SB 721. Routine inspection and repair on time go hand in hand with improving tenant safety, increasing the useful life of building components, reducing the risk of expensive emergency repairs, and enhancing a property's overall marketability. | |||
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB721|title=SB 721 - CHAPTERED}}</ref> | |||
| First and foremost, the property owners should retain a qualified professional who will schedule an initial inspection to be in compliance with SB 721. Second, a maintenance and repair plan should be put in place from the findings of the inspection to handle any deficiencies that are noted. This would include keeping detailed records of all inspections, repairs, and communications with the tenants to show compliance and reduce liability. | |||
| <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> | |||
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://ssc.ca.gov|title=Seismic Safety Commission}}</ref> | |||
| In summary, SB 721 is a milestone in the journey of making California multifamily housing safer. These regulations should be embraced by landlords as an opportunity to put tenants first while their investment is protected. Proactive landlords will find themselves in a position of trust with their tenants, free from any penalties levied by statute, helping to create a safer living environment for all. | |||
| <ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://oag.ca.gov|title=State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General}}</ref> | |||
| ⚫ | == References == | ||
| {{Reflist}} | |||
| {{Drafts moved from mainspace|date=January 2025}} | |||
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