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Free guide · California · statutes cited
California balcony inspection deadlines: SB 721 vs. SB 326
Two California laws require inspections of balconies, decks, stairways and walkways that sit more than six feet above the ground and rely on wood for support. SB 721 covers apartment buildings and SB 326 covers condominium associations. Their deadlines, inspectors and repair rules differ.
Updated Oct 30, 2026 · General information with sources, not legal, insurance or engineering advice.
Side by side
| SB 721 (apartments) | SB 326 (condo HOAs) | |
|---|---|---|
| Law | Health & Safety Code 17973 | Civil Code 5551 |
| Applies to | Buildings with 3 or more multifamily dwelling units | Common interest developments with buildings of 3 or more units |
| First inspection due | Jan 1, 2026 | Jan 1, 2025 |
| Then every | 6 years | 9 years |
| Who may inspect | Licensed architect, civil or structural engineer, contractor with an A, B or C-5 license and at least 5 years of experience, or a certified building inspector or official, as the statute specifies | Licensed structural engineer or architect |
| How many elements | At least 15% of each type | A random, statistically significant sample |
| Immediate threats | Report to the owner and the local enforcement agency within 15 days | Report to the association and the local enforcement agency within 15 days |
| Repairs | Apply for a permit within 120 days of the report, then finish within 120 days of the permit | Repairs follow the report and the association's process; findings feed the reserve study |
| Newer buildings | First inspection within 6 years of the certificate of occupancy, for buildings the statutes cover | |
Summary of the statute text as checked Oct 30, 2026. Read the full sections for definitions and exceptions.
What counts as an elevated element
Balconies, decks, porches, stairways, walkways and entry structures that extend beyond the exterior walls, sit more than six feet above the ground, and rely in whole or in part on wood or wood-based products for structural support or stability, including their railings and waterproofing.
For buyers and owners
From 2026, a condo seller must give the buyer the latest SB 326 inspection report (Civil Code 4525). Owners can ask the board or manager for it, and for the status of any repairs. See HOA documents to review before buying.
This is general information with sources, not engineering or legal advice. An inspector and the association's attorney can answer questions about a specific building.
Quick answers
What is the deadline for balcony inspections in California?
For condo HOAs under SB 326 (Civil Code 5551), the first inspection was due by Jan 1, 2025, then every 9 years. For apartment buildings under SB 721 (Health and Safety Code 17973), the first inspection was due by Jan 1, 2026, then every 6 years.
Who can do an SB 326 balcony inspection?
A licensed structural engineer or architect (Civil Code 5551).
Who can do an SB 721 balcony inspection?
A licensed architect, a licensed civil or structural engineer, a contractor holding an A, B or C-5 license with at least 5 years of experience, or a certified building inspector or building official, as specified in Health and Safety Code 17973.
What is the difference between SB 721 and SB 326?
SB 721 covers apartment buildings with 3 or more units, inspects at least 15% of each element type, and repeats every 6 years. SB 326 covers condo associations, uses a statistically significant sample inspected by an engineer or architect, and repeats every 9 years.
For associations and apartment owners
Do this every month without the spreadsheet
The balcony tracker keeps each building's inspection deadline, the engineer's report and findings, and the repair and permit clocks in one place.