SB 721 Apartments
What is SB-721
SB (Senate Bill) 721 applies to decks, balconies, walkways, stairs, and landings (if they are exposed to the elements). The bill requires inspection of exterior elevated elements (EEE) and associated waterproofing elements for buildings with 3 or more multifamily dwelling units. The code allows for inspection of a representative number of unique EEEs, typically a minimum of 15% of the total quantity in each category.
Why is it needed?
In 2015, six students were killed in Berkeley, CA and seven others were injured when a balcony they were on collapsed. This failure resulted in passing of CA Senate Bill 721. The purpose of these inspections is to determine that EEEs and their associated waterproofing elements are in a generally safe condition, adequate working order, and free from any hazardous condition caused by fungus, deterioration, decay, or improper alteration to the extent that the life, limb, health, property, safety, or welfare of the public or the occupants is not endangered.
Who can perform the inspection?
Inspections can only be performed by a licensed architect, licensed civil or structural engineer, a building contractor holding specified licenses, or an individual certified as a building inspector or building official. At CA Balcony Inspections, all work is done by licensed civil engineers.
The Report
The engineering report, which will summarize inspection findings, will be presented to the owner of the building within 45 days of the completion of the inspection. The report will include photographs, any test results, and narrative sufficient to establish a baseline of the condition of the components inspected that can be compared to the results of subsequent inspections. The report will advise which, if any, exterior elevated element poses an immediate threat to the safety of the occupants, and whether preventing occupant access or conducting emergency repairs, including shoring, are necessary.
If the inspection reveals conditions that pose an immediate hazard to the safety of the occupants, the engineering report will be delivered to the building Owner within 15 days. Emergency repairs are then required. Non-emergency repairs are required to be completed within 120 days, unless an extension is granted by the local authorities.
The Owner is required to maintain inspection records for two inspection cycles.
Deadline & Inspection Frequency
Inspections, including any necessary testing, are to be completed by January 1, 2025 and require subsequent inspections every 6 years.
Contact
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