SB 721 Balcony Inspections and Seismic Retrofits in California
California's balcony-safety and seismic requirements are mandates, not suggestions, and the clock is already running. We handle inspection, engineering, permits, and the retrofit.
California's balcony-safety and seismic requirements are mandates, not suggestions, and the clock is already running. Global Building Solutions handles both, start to finish: the required inspection of balconies and elevated walkways under SB 721 and SB 326, and the soft-story and structural seismic retrofits that keep older Bay Area buildings standing. In-house engineering, expedited permits, financing, and full construction servicing, all under one license.
California's balcony inspection law
After the 2015 Berkeley balcony collapse that killed six people, California passed SB 721, the Balcony Inspection Bill. It requires periodic inspection of exterior elevated elements, including balconies, decks, stairways, and walkways, on multifamily buildings with three or more units and two or more stories. SB 326 sets a parallel requirement for condominiums and HOAs under the Davis-Stirling Act. Inspections must be performed by a qualified, licensed professional, and the inspector who flags a repair cannot be the one who performs it.
What SB 721 requires
SB 721 requires periodic inspection, on a six-year cycle, of decks, balconies, stairways, walkways, and other exterior elevated elements on multifamily buildings with three or more units and two or more stories. Inspections focus on structural integrity, flashings, and waterproofing, and the inspector provides a detailed report with photos for documentation. Immediate life-safety issues must be addressed promptly, with permits.
Soft-story and structural seismic retrofits
It is not if, but when. The USGS puts the odds of a major Bay Area earthquake within the next decade high, and cities across the region now mandate soft-story seismic retrofits on qualifying buildings. GBS handles the whole path: in-house engineering, expedited permits, financing options, and full construction servicing, so owners avoid tenant displacement, know they can afford the deductible, and can confidently say the work was done with permits.
Who it's for
Owners, investors, REITs, and property managers of commercial and multifamily buildings facing an SB 721 or SB 326 inspection deadline, a municipal seismic retrofit ordinance, or an insurer requirement.
Why it matters
Missing a deadline exposes you to liability, penalties, and building-safety liens, and it can threaten insurability and value. Getting ahead of it protects the asset, the tenants, and the investment.
How it works
Questions
What is SB 721?
A California law requiring periodic inspection of exterior elevated elements (balconies, decks, stairways, walkways) on multifamily buildings with three or more units, by a qualified licensed professional.
What is the difference between SB 721 and SB 326?
SB 721 applies to apartment-style multifamily rentals; SB 326 applies to condominiums and HOAs under the Davis-Stirling Act. The intervals differ.
When is the SB 721 deadline?
The first SB 721 inspection deadline was January 1, 2025, and inspections then repeat on a six-year cycle. If your building has not yet been inspected, it is past due. We recommend confirming your building's specific status and scheduling an inspection promptly.
Who can perform an SB 721 inspection?
A licensed architect, civil or structural engineer, or qualified contractor. The inspector cannot perform the repairs they flag.
What is a soft-story retrofit?
A structural upgrade to buildings with a weak ground floor (like tuck-under parking) that are vulnerable in an earthquake. Many Bay Area cities mandate them.
Do you offer financing?
Yes, on qualifying seismic and compliance work. Ask us about current terms.
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