Balcony Inspections for Apartments (SB 721)
Wood exterior elevated elements on buildings with 3 or more units.
What the Program Requires
Buildings with three or more multifamily dwelling units. Condominiums and other common interest developments are covered by Civil Code 5551 instead.
Balconies, decks, porches, stairways, walkways and entry structures more than six feet above ground that rely substantially on wood for support
A licensed architect, a licensed civil or structural engineer, a contractor with an A, B or C-5 license and at least five years of multistory wood frame experience, or a certified building inspector or building official
By January 1, 2026, then every six years. Newer buildings within six years of the certificate of occupancy.
At least 15 percent of each type of element
The Details That Matter
The inspector gives the owner a stamped or signed report within 45 days of the inspection, with photos and enough detail to compare against future inspections. A report that finds an immediate threat to occupants goes to the owner and the local enforcement agency within 15 days.
Repairs must follow the recommendations of a licensed professional and be done by a licensed contractor under permit.
Before You Take This Work
- Professional liability policies define the services they cover. Check that yours describes inspection and report work accurately, not only design, and tell your agent roughly how much of your revenue comes from this work.
- If your firm both inspects and designs or oversees the repairs, check how your policy treats that combination. Some policies limit coverage for inspecting work you designed or repaired yourself.
Official sources
Every fact on this page comes from these sources, read in October 2026. Laws change; read the current text before relying on it.
General information, not legal advice or a statement of coverage. Laws and local rules change; read the current text at the source links and confirm requirements with the building department. Whether a policy responds depends on its wording and the facts. Hardcover is an insurance agency, not a law firm.
Doing This Work? Let’s Check Your Coverage.
We check that your policy describes the inspection work you actually do, before a report is questioned.