SB 326 Services Provided
We are here to make it easy for the homeowner association Board of Directors or property manager to comply with Senate Bill 326 (Civil Code Section 5551). Our organized and professional approach keeps costs affordable while providing the written report, photographs and services that will provide needed support now and into the future.
What Does SB 326 Require?
Homeowner associations are required to periodically have all wood "exterior elevated elements" inspected for structural integrity and waterproofing condition by a licensed architect or structural engineer. Exterior elevated elements include balconies, stairways and common-area decks that are greater than 6 feet above the ground. A report signed by the architect or structural engineer is required.
The report is retained by the association and is provided to their reserve study specialist so that the condition of waterproofing and load-bearing components can be considered when setting the dollar reserves.
Our Report
The purpose of the SB 326 report is to provide the association with professional opinions about the condition and remaining useful life of balconies and other exterior elements. The professionals at Balcony Inspection Architects go further by providing photographs of the condition of each component. We provide detailed information for the associations use in planning and setting dollar reserves such as moisture content, evidence of decay and recommendations for future inspections.
Follow-up
The services of Balcony Inspection Architects give the homeowners association peace of mind in knowing the condition of the elevated exterior wood elements. We coordinate with the reserve study specialist to allow the association to properly estimate the future needs for maintenance and repair. If serious conditions exist, the association is immediately informed so that appropriate actions can be taken. The report includes a description of the current condition of the load-bearing components and waterproofing and an estimate of their expected remaining useful life.
If requested, we can also inspect wood elements that are not part of the SB 326 requirements.
SB 326, or the "Balcony Bill"
A California state law was signed into law in 2018 and went into effect on January 1, 2020. The bill requires all condominium buildings in California with three or more units to undergo a balcony inspection every nine years.
The balcony inspection requirements are designed to increase the safety of residents and visitors to California condominium buildings. Balcony collapses have been a growing concern in California, with several high-profile incidents occurring in recent years. These collapses have resulted in serious injuries and deaths, prompting lawmakers to take action to prevent future incidents.
Under SB 326, a licensed architect or structural engineer must inspect all balconies, decks, and other load-bearing structures that extend beyond the exterior walls of a building. The inspection must evaluate the structural integrity of the balcony, including its ability to support the weight of occupants and any outdoor furniture.
California Balcony Inspection
The inspection must also assess the waterproofing of the balcony, looking for any signs of water damage or other issues that could compromise the integrity of the structure. Additionally, the inspector must evaluate any corrosion or deterioration of the balcony's metal components.
After the inspection is complete, the inspector must submit a report to the homeowner's association or other governing body of the building. The report must include any findings of deficiencies or recommendations for repairs or maintenance.
If the inspection finds any deficiencies that could pose a safety risk, the governing body of the building must notify all residents and take action to repair or replace the balcony. The law also requires buildings to maintain records of balcony inspections for at least eight years.
While some condominium buildings may find the new inspection requirements to be an additional cost and burden, the safety benefits are clear. By identifying potential issues before they become major problems, the inspections can help prevent balcony collapses and other accidents that could result in serious injuries or deaths.
The Positive Outcomes of SB 326 Balcony Inspection
Enhanced Safety
The primary benefit of SB 326 is enhanced safety. By identifying potential hazards before they escalate into serious problems, the law aims to prevent catastrophic events like balcony collapses that have led to severe injuries and deaths in the past.
Regulatory Oversight
The Balcony Bill adds an extra layer of regulatory oversight, thereby ensuring that building owners and HOAs cannot neglect essential safety measures in the name of cost-saving.
Ca Balcony Inspection law
In recent years, balcony collapses in California have resulted in serious injuries and deaths, prompting lawmakers to take action to prevent future incidents. In 2018, the California legislature passed SB 326, also known as the "Balcony Bill," which requires all condominium buildings in the state with three or more units to undergo a balcony inspection every nine years.
The purpose of the law is to increase the safety of residents and visitors to California condominium buildings by requiring a licensed architect or structural engineer to inspect all balconies, decks, and other load-bearing structures that extend beyond the exterior walls of a building. The inspection must evaluate the structural integrity of the balcony, including its ability to support the weight of occupants and any outdoor furniture.
In addition to evaluating the structural integrity of the balcony, the inspection must also assess the waterproofing of the balcony. The inspector must look for any signs of water damage or other issues that could compromise the integrity of the structure. The inspection must also evaluate any corrosion or deterioration of the balcony's metal components.
After the inspection is complete, the inspector must submit a report to the homeowner's association or other governing body of the building. The report must include any findings of deficiencies or recommendations for repairs or maintenance.
Inspection Requirements
SB 326 mandates that a licensed architect or structural engineer inspect all balconies, decks, and other load-bearing structures extending from a building's exterior walls. The inspection will evaluate both the structural integrity of these features and their waterproofing elements, focusing on weight-bearing capabilities and potential water damage.
Reporting
Post-inspection, a report outlining the findings must be submitted to the homeowner's association (HOA) or other governing bodies of the condominium. This report includes not only an assessment but also any recommendations for repairs or maintenance.
Record-Keeping and Action Plans
In case of deficiencies that could compromise safety, the governing body has the responsibility to notify residents and implement the necessary repairs or replacements. Records of these inspections must be maintained for at least eight years.
Balcony Inspection Law California
If the inspection finds any deficiencies that could pose a safety risk, the governing body of the building must notify all residents and take action to repair or replace the balcony. The law also requires buildings to maintain records of balcony inspections for at least eight years.
While some condominium buildings may find the new inspection requirements to be an additional cost and burden, the safety benefits are clear. By identifying potential issues before they become major problems, the inspections can help prevent balcony collapses and other accidents that could result in serious injuries or deaths.
It is important to note that the law applies only to condominium buildings with three or more units. Single-family homes and duplexes are not subject to the balcony inspection requirements of SB 326.
In conclusion, SB 326 is an important law that aims to protect the safety of residents and visitors to California condominium buildings. By requiring regular balcony inspections, the law can help prevent balcony collapses and other accidents. While the inspections may represent an additional cost to building owners, the benefits of increased safety are well worth the investment.