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California Senate Bill 721 of 2018
In 2018, California introduced Senate Bill 721 (SB 721), which requires regular inspections of exterior elevated elements (EEEs) like balconies, decks, stairways, and walkways in multifamily residential buildings. The bill aims to prevent accidents caused by structural failures of these elements, which have, in some cases, led to serious injuries and fatalities.
Background
The law came about in response to several tragic events, including the 2015 Berkeley 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.
Inspection Requirements
Inspections must be carried out by qualified professionals such as licensed architects, structural engineers, or certified building inspectors. The first inspection is due by January 1, 2025, with subsequent inspections taking place every six years. These inspections focus on the safety and structural integrity of exterior elevated elements, including checks for proper waterproofing and any other potential hazards.
Scope and Applicability
Properties Covered
SB 721 applies to buildings with three or more multifamily units.
Exemptions
However, some buildings, such as condominiums managed by homeowners associations (HOAs), are not subject to this bill. These properties fall under the guidelines of Senate Bill 326 (SB 326), which has similar requirements for inspections of exterior elevated elements.
Property Owners' Responsibilities
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 authorities.
Financial Implications
Cost Estimates
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:
| Building Size | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 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
Fines and Liens
Property owners who fail to comply with the inspection requirements may face civil penalties
and could have a lien placed on their property.
Enforcement
Local enforcement agencies are responsible for ensuring compliance and may issue corrective notices if repairs are not made within the designated timeframe.
Conclusion
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.
References
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- "SB 721- CHAPTERED". leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. Retrieved 2025-01-06.