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SB 721 Balcony and Deck Inspection

Protect Occupants, Document Conditions and Maintain Compliance

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California Health and Safety Code §17973 requires inspections of qualifying exterior elevated elements at multifamily rental properties containing three or more dwelling units.

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Tucci Construction provides SB 721 inspection services for qualifying properties and evaluates applicable balconies, decks, stairs, walkways, railings, waterproofing systems, and supporting components for signs of deterioration and unsafe conditions.

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Does SB 721 Apply to Your Property?

SB 721 generally applies when a property:

  • Contains three or more multifamily dwelling units

  • Is operated as rental housing rather than a condominium association

  • Has qualifying exterior elevated elements

  • Has walking surfaces more than six feet above ground

  • Uses wood or wood-based materials for substantial structural support

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Qualifying exterior elevated elements may include balconies, decks, porches, exterior stairs, landings, entry structures, and elevated walkways.

The initial statutory deadline was January 1, 2026, followed by inspections every six years.

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What We Inspect

 

The inspection may include applicable visible and accessible portions of:

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  • Balcony and deck framing

  • Joists, beams, posts, ledgers, and connections

  • Exterior stairs and landings

  • Elevated walkways

  • Guards, railings, and handrails

  • Walking surfaces

  • Waterproof deck coatings

  • Flashing and drainage details

  • Soffits and underside finishes

  • Connections to the main building

  • Visible signs of water intrusion

  • Deterioration, rot, corrosion, or fungal growth

  • Unsafe alterations or previous repairs

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Required Sampling

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SB 721 generally requires inspection of at least 15% of each type of exterior elevated element at the property.

For example, balconies, stairways, and elevated walkways may be treated as separate element types for sampling purposes.

The final sample and inspection scope depend on the property configuration and the statutory requirements.

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Inspection Process

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1. Property Review

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We review available property information and identify the types and approximate quantities of qualifying exterior elevated elements.

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2. Sampling and Access Planning

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The required sample is established, and access requirements are coordinated with the owner or property manager.

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3. Visual Examination

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Accessible surfaces, structural components, waterproofing, railings, connections, and visible deterioration are documented.

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4. Further Investigation When Necessary

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When concealed deterioration is suspected, the inspection may require additional access, exploratory openings, moisture testing, borescope inspection, or other investigative methods as allowed by the owner.

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5. Written Report

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The owner receives a written report documenting the inspected elements, findings, photographs, observed safety concerns, estimated remaining useful life, and recommended repairs or further evaluation.

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Potential Warning Signs

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Conditions that may indicate deterioration include:

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  • Soft or damaged deck surfaces

  • Cracked or peeling waterproof coatings

  • Rust staining

  • Water staining beneath balconies

  • Deteriorated soffits

  • Loose railings

  • Corroded metal connectors

  • Rotting wood

  • Improper drainage

  • Failed sealant

  • Open flashing joints

  • Evidence of previous leakage

  • Deflection or movement

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Who May Perform an SB 721 Inspection?

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Qualified inspectors include certain California-licensed architects, engineers, certified building inspectors or officials, and contractors holding an A, B, or C-5 license with at least five years of qualifying experience constructing multistory wood-frame buildings while holding the applicable license.

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Your marketing should only state that Tucci Construction is qualified when you can document the required five years of experience under the statutory language.

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SB 721 Versus SB 326

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SB 721 generally applies to multifamily rental properties.

SB 326 applies to qualifying condominium and common-interest developments and requires the statutory inspection to be performed by a California-licensed architect, civil engineer, or structural engineer.

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Tucci Construction may coordinate contractor support for SB 326 inspections, but should not advertise itself as the professional issuing the SB 326 report.

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What You Receive

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  • Inventory of inspected element types

  • Identification of the sampled elements

  • Photo documentation

  • Description of observed deterioration

  • Safety-related findings

  • Estimated remaining useful life

  • Repair or further-evaluation recommendations

  • Written inspection report

  • Documentation for the property owner’s records

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Schedule an SB 721 Inspection

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Do not wait until visible damage becomes an emergency.

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