For many California property owners and managers, the question often arises: What exactly needs to be done to comply with SB721, and how can it be handled efficiently?
SB721 compliance is mandatory for multifamily residential buildings with three or more units, and missing critical steps could expose owners to legal, financial, and safety risks. Fortunately, with a clear plan and the right support, navigating SB721 requirements can be straightforward. Whether partnering with an SB721 report generation service or coordinating inspections alongside an SB326 report generation service, understanding the key steps is essential.
Understanding SB721: The Basics
Senate Bill 721, also known as the “Balcony Inspection Law,” requires the inspection of Exterior Elevated Elements (EEEs) — balconies, decks, stairways, and walkways — that are six feet or more above ground and rely on wood or wood-based products for structural support.
The law mandates:
- Initial inspections completed by January 1, 2025
- Reinspections every six years
- Repairs completed within 120 days if hazards are found
- Reports submitted to local enforcement agencies under certain circumstances
Compliance is about more than simply scheduling an inspection; it’s about following a series of coordinated steps to ensure safety, legal adherence, and smart long-term maintenance planning.
Step 1: Confirm Applicability
The first step is determining whether the property falls under SB721. The law applies to:
- Apartment buildings
- Other multifamily dwellings with three or more units
Condominiums governed by HOAs typically fall under SB326 instead, requiring an SB326 report generation service instead of SB721 compliance.
Mixed-use properties may require both SB326 and SB721 inspections, depending on unit ownership structures.
Step 2: Hire a Qualified Inspector
SB721 inspections must be conducted by licensed professionals, such as:
- Structural engineers
- Architects
- Licensed contractors with A, B, or C-5 licenses and experience in structural inspections
- Certified building inspectors
Choosing an experienced inspection team ensures that:
- Every EEE is evaluated thoroughly
- Documentation is completed correctly
- Recommendations are practical and defensible
Partnering with an SB721 report generation service with a strong compliance track record minimizes the risk of non-compliance.
Step 3: Conduct a Thorough Inspection
Inspections should include:
- Visual assessments of all accessible EEEs
- Minimally invasive techniques when needed (e.g., borescope analysis)
- Photographic documentation of inspected elements
Common issues identified during SB721 inspections include:
- Wood rot and decay
- Rusted fasteners or connectors
- Cracks and material degradation
- Water damage and insufficient waterproofing
If significant damage is suspected but not visible, inspectors may recommend limited destructive testing to reveal hidden defects.
Step 4: Document Findings
The inspection report must clearly include:
- Inventory of all inspected elements
- Detailed descriptions of observed conditions
- Photographs of deficiencies
- Risk assessments categorizing defects as urgent or non-urgent
- Repair recommendations
Organizing findings clearly and consistently ensures that:
- HOA boards and property owners understand priorities
- Repair contractors receive clear scopes of work
- Local building departments receive standardized reports if required
Experienced SB721 report generation service providers typically use AI-enhanced tools to streamline photo tagging, risk categorization, and report drafting, speeding up compliance timelines.
Step 5: Complete Required Repairs
If the inspection identifies immediate safety risks, California law requires:
- Written notice to tenants within 15 days
- Completion of repairs within 120 days
- Reinspection to verify repairs
Only licensed contractors should perform repairs. Minor defects that do not pose an immediate risk can often be scheduled into long-term maintenance plans.
Failure to act on urgent repair needs can result in fines, legal liability, or even forced evacuations by local authorities.
Step 6: Submit Reports (If Required)
If urgent hazards are found and not repaired within the mandated timeline, the inspector must notify the local building department.
Even if no hazards are found, many municipalities recommend — or require — submission of inspection records. Requirements vary, so property managers should verify local procedures early in the process.
Step 7: Maintain Organized Records
Keeping detailed, organized records of:
- Inspection reports
- Repair contracts and invoices
- Reinspection verifications
helps property managers and owners:
- Provide proof of compliance during audits
- Simplify future reinspections
- Support smooth property sales or refinancing processes
Cloud-based platforms used by professional SB721 report generation service providers often help streamline recordkeeping, making compliance history easy to access.
Step 8: Plan for Ongoing Compliance
SB721 inspections are not a one-time event. Once initial compliance is achieved:
- Set calendar reminders for six-year reinspections
- Include balcony and EEE maintenance in annual budgets
- Regularly inspect for visible changes between formal inspections
Working with an inspection partner that offers both SB721 report generation service and SB326 report generation service allows property managers to manage all balcony compliance needs efficiently under one system.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long: Inspectors may be booked months in advance closer to the 2025 deadline.
- Hiring unlicensed inspectors: Non-compliant inspections can invalidate reports.
- Delaying repairs: Postponed action can escalate minor issues into major structural failures.
- Poor communication with tenants: Keeping residents informed reduces complaints and supports safer living conditions.
Real-World Example: Successful SB721 Compliance
A 120-unit apartment complex in San Jose scheduled inspections two years ahead of the 2025 deadline. Using drone imaging, AI-enhanced defect recognition, and a professional SB721 report generation service, they:
- Completed inspections and reports within two weeks
- Identified minor waterproofing failures early
- Scheduled proactive repairs without resident disruption
This proactive approach avoided rushed decisions, lowered repair costs, and demonstrated excellent fiduciary responsibility to property investors.
Final Thoughts
Meeting SB721 requirements involves more than just scheduling an inspection. Successful compliance depends on working through each step carefully: confirming applicability, hiring qualified inspectors, conducting thorough evaluations, completing repairs promptly, and maintaining detailed records.
Partnering with experienced providers offering both SB721 report generation service and SB326 report generation service helps ensure that properties are safe, compliant, and prepared for future maintenance cycles.
If any questions arise about SB721 compliance steps, inspection scheduling, or how to streamline balcony inspections, feel free to leave a comment below. A response will be provided as soon as possible to support your compliance journey.