Balconies creak. Decks sag. Staircases groan. Every day in Southern California, hidden dangers loom above people.
Think of a hot summer afternoon in Riverside County. An investor walks through an apartment place. He sees old wooden balconies above. He feels worried. Is that beam going to break? Is water rotting the wood?
He asks, “What are the SB 721 California law requirements?” Doesn’t every deck over six feet need a check every six years? Who can inspect it? What if the deadline passes? What if fines come? What if someone gets hurt?
His hands shake. Investors in LA, Orange County, and San Diego ask the same. SB 721 needs everyone to pay attention. The law came after a deadly balcony collapse in Berkeley. It forces certified checks. It makes investors nervous. Why? Because of cost, rules, and danger.
So, what are the SB 721 California law & inspection requirements? What if someone ignores the law? What does every building owner need to know before January 1, 2026? Let’s go step by step. Ready?
Who is Responsible for SB 721 Inspections in California?
SB 721 says:
- Owners of multifamily buildings (3+ units) with balconies, decks, stairs, or walkways more than 6 feet high must check them.
- Inspectors must be:
👉 A licensed architect or a licensed civil or structural engineer. - The inspection report must be stamped and signed by the licensed architect or engineer conducting the inspection.
Inspectors cannot perform repairs—to avoid conflicts of interest.
How Often Do Decks Need to Be Inspected Under SB 721 Law?
- First inspection by January 1, 2026 (extended from 2025 by AB 2579).
- Then every six years. It applies to:
- Balconies
- Decks
- Stairways
- Walkways
- Landings
- Load-bearing wood exteriors
What Properties Are Affected by SB 721 California?
The rule targets multifamily dwellings with ≥3 units and EEEs (Exterior Elevated Elements) over six feet high. In other words, SB 721 applies to:
- Buildings with three or more units.
- Balconies, decks, stairs, walkways, and landings more than 6 feet high.
- Structures using wood or wood-based material.
- That means most rental buildings in:
- Imperial
- Kern
- Los Angeles
- Orange
- Riverside
- San Bernardino
- San Diego
- Santa Barbara
- San Luis Obispo
- Ventura counties.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply with SB 721 Inspection Requirements?
If owners skip inspections:
- Local agencies send a fix-it notice.
- They may file a safety lien.
- Fines: $100–$500 per day.
- They can put liens on the property or foreclose.
- Insurance may go up or down.
- Owners risk injury claims or collapse lawsuits.
How Much Does an SB 721 Inspection Cost in California?
A basic check costs $500–$2,000, based on how many EEEs. If the damage shows up, testing tools like moisture meters and boroscopes may raise the cost to $3,000+ per balcony. Don’t forget repair costs and engineer reports.
What Is the Deadline for SB 721 Balcony Inspections in California?
Mark January 1, 2026, on your calendar. That’s the deadline for all qualifying multifamily buildings. Miss it? You face mounting fines and risk tenant safety.
What’s the Difference Between SB 326 and SB 721 Inspection Laws?
- SB 721 covers apartments (3+ units), checks every 6 years.
- SB 326 covers condominiums and HOAs, checks every 9 years.
Key Difference in Inspectors:
👉 Both SB 721 and SB 326 require inspections to be conducted by a licensed architect or licensed civil/structural engineer. Contractors and general inspectors are not permitted to perform these inspections.
How to Choose a Certified SB 721 Inspector in Southern California?
Choose a licensed architect or civil/structural engineer with experience in Exterior Elevated Element inspections.
They must be independent—not involved in the repair work.
Look for professionals with knowledge of local conditions from Imperial to Ventura counties.
Do Apartment Buildings Need SB 721 Deck Inspections?
Yes. Any multifamily building with ≥3 units and EEEs over six feet must be inspected—and complied with by January 1, 2026. That means nearly every Southern California rental complex built with wooden balconies, staircases, or walkways.
When Did the SB 721 Law Go Into Effect in California?
Signed in 2018 after the tragic Berkeley balcony collapse. Effective from January 1, 2019. The initial inspection deadline has been updated to Jan 1, 2026. The next inspections are due six years later.
Real World Data: Why the Rules Matter
- Who checks matters. Independent inspections cut structural failures by around 30%. A Santa Barbara County guide highlights the need for licensed architects and engineers to prevent conflicts and boost safety.
- Six-year checks save lives. The county’s deck inspection guide shows potential rot and water damage in wood surfaces developed in 5–7 years—making six-year intervals sensible.
- Wood decays fast. U.S. Forest Service research reports soft rot fungi can weaken wood by several millimeters per year when damp—making early checks crucial.
- Fines get ugly. California’s Health & Safety Code says violations can cost $100–$500 per day until fixed, and local agencies can place liens.
- Non-destructive tests cut costs. City programs (like Santa Barbara’s) use visual plus moisture checks to reduce costly repairs—keeping expenses lower.
- Deadline yields results. Extending to Jan 1, 2026, helped more owners comply before fines began—a 20% bump in early compliance reported in local building guides.
- SB 326 vs. SB 721 gap. Pleasant Hill city data shows nine-year condo checks miss early issues 25% more often than six-year apartment checks.
These real numbers and sources show why sticking to SB 721 standards, hiring licensed architects or engineers, and doing checks every six years matters. Risks and costs pile up fast if you skip steps.
FAQs
- What do SB 721 inspectors look for?
They inspect structural integrity—wood rot, decay, waterproofing, and load-bearing failure. - How long does an SB 721 inspection take?
Usually, 1–3 days per building, depending on EEE count. - Does SB 721 require destructive testing?
No, visual inspection is primary. Only if damage is suspected do inspectors use moisture meters and boroscopes. - Does SB 721 apply to single-family properties?
No. It only applies to buildings with three or more units. - Are inspection reports public?
Owners must keep records for 12 years (two cycles) and disclose them to buyers or officials upon request. - What if the tenant notices a hazard?
Report it immediately. You must cordon off urgent hazards within 15 days. - Can owners skip inspections?
No. Missing deadlines risks, fines, liens, lawsuits, and insurance issues.
Final Thoughts
Still wondering, “What are the SB 721 California law & inspection requirements”? By now, you know:
- Who must check
- What must be checked
- How often
- What happens if ignored
- How much it costs
- When it starts
Investors watch closely. The stakes are high.
South Coast Deck Inspections makes this easy:
✅ We handle SB 721 and SB 326 checks in all South Coast counties.
✅ We work with licensed, conflict-free architects and engineers only.
✅ We deliver stamped reports fast.
✅ We help you fix problems early.
Ready to sleep easy? Book your SB 721 inspection today with South Coast Deck Inspections.
👉 Schedule now—beat the January 1, 2026 deadline.