🏢 What Are SB326 and SB721?

 SB326 and SB721 are California state laws created to ensure the safety of elevated exterior elements (like balconies, decks, catwalks, and stair landings) on multi-family residential buildings. Both require inspections and repairs to prevent structural failures—especially following the 2015 Berkeley balcony collapse.

Who it Applies To:
Condominium buildings (Common Interest Developments, or CIDs) that are governed by a Homeowners Association (HOA) and have 3 or more units.

• What It Requires:
• Inspections of elevated exterior elements (EEEs) such as balconies, decks, and stairways that are:
  • More than 6 feet above ground
  • Supported by wood or wood-based products
  • Subject to weather exposure
• The first inspection must be completed by January 1, 2025
• Inspections must be done every 9 years
• Must be conducted by a licensed structural engineer or architect

Destructive testing involves partially removing building materials (like siding, stucco, or finishes) to expose the underlying structure, allowing inspectors to assess:

• Water damage
• Dry rot
• Rusted fasteners
• Failing structural components

This is often necessary because visual inspections alone can't guarantee the safety of wooden framing inside decks and balconies.

If damage is discovered:

• Repairs must be made to meet current safety and building codes.
• Repairs often include replacing beams, posts, flashing, waterproofing membranes, and finishes.
• Once repairs are complete, an inspector will sign off for legal compliance.

• HOAs must hire a qualified structural engineer or architect to inspect and report under SB326.
• Apartment property owners must hire a qualified inspector (contractor or design professional) under SB721.
• In both cases, owners are responsible for scheduling inspections and covering the cost of testing and repairs.

• Non-compliance can lead to fines, legal liability, and potentially unsafe living conditions.
• City inspectors may require immediate repairs or even restrict use of unsafe balconies.

Whether you're an HOA board member or a multi-unit apartment owner, ESR Inc. understands the complexity of SB326 and SB721 requirements—and we simplify the entire process for you

We perform destructive and non-destructive testing to expose critical structural components of elevated exterior elements (EEEs) such as:

• Balconies
• Decks
• Exterior stairways
• Walkways and landings

Our field team:

• Carefully removes exterior finishes (stucco, siding, etc.)
• Documents framing, hardware, and waterproofing conditions
• Prepares the area for inspection by the required licensed professional
• Restores the finishes after testing (optional repair add-on)

We coordinate with licensed structural engineers or architects who are authorized to:

• Complete the inspection reports
• Provide certified findings
• Help fulfill SB326 (HOAs) or SB721 (apartment owners) requirements

We manage communication, scheduling, and follow-up so you don’t have to.

If issues are identified:

• ESR Inc. provides detailed repair estimates in line with code requirements
• Our experienced crews complete structural framing repairs, waterproofing, flashing, and finish restoration
• We ensure all repairs are done to current building codes and are inspected and permitted when required

You’ll receive:

• Photo documentation of destructive testing
• Written summaries of findings
• Repair documentation (before/after photos, scope of work, permits)
• Signed completion documents for HOA or legal records

After the initial inspection and repair:

• We can schedule ongoing maintenance 
• Provide reminders for future inspections (every 6 or 9 years)
• Help prevent costly emergency repairs with proactive planning