SB 721 Inspection
in Sacramento
Compliance inspections for apartment buildings with 3+ units. The deadline has passed — properties without inspections face daily fines.
What Is SB 721?
SB 721 (California Health & Safety Code Section 17973) is a state law requiring owners of buildings with 3 or more dwelling units to have all exterior elevated elements inspected by a qualified professional. The law was enacted after the 2015 Berkeley balcony collapse that killed six people and injured seven.
The law applies to balconies, decks, porches, stairways, walkways, and railings that are elevated more than 6 feet above ground and rely on wood or wood-based structural support.
Who Must Comply?
- Apartment buildings with 3 or more units
- Triplexes and fourplexes
- Mixed-use buildings with residential units
- Student housing and senior living complexes
- Any multi-family rental property with exterior elevated elements
The first SB 721 inspection deadline was January 1, 2025. If your property has not been inspected, you are currently out of compliance and may be subject to enforcement actions. Contact us today to schedule your inspection.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Property owners who fail to comply with SB 721 face significant financial and legal consequences.
Daily fines from local code enforcement for properties without completed inspections
Civil penalties for each violation identified during code enforcement review
Full personal liability exposure if an injury occurs on an uninspected structure
Insurance companies may deny claims for damages to non-compliant structures
How Our SB 721 Inspection Works
A straightforward process from initial assessment to compliance certification.
Free Consultation
We review your property details, determine how many elevated elements require inspection, and provide a clear written quote with no hidden fees.
Visual Inspection
Our licensed inspector examines all exterior elevated elements — balconies, decks, stairways, walkways, and railings. We check for water damage, dry rot, structural deflection, corroded hardware, and code violations.
Invasive Testing (If Needed)
When visual inspection reveals potential issues, we perform minimally invasive testing to assess the condition of hidden structural members. SB 721 requires at least 15% of each type of exterior elevated element to be tested invasively.
Detailed Report & Documentation
You receive a comprehensive inspection report with photo documentation, condition ratings for each element, identified deficiencies, and clear repair recommendations with priority levels.
Repair & Certification
If repairs are needed, our licensed construction team handles everything in-house. Once all work is completed and verified, we issue the compliance documentation required by your local jurisdiction.
What We Inspect
SB 721 covers all exterior elevated elements that are more than 6 feet above ground and use wood or wood-based structural support.
Balconies
Load-bearing capacity, guardrail connections, waterproofing membranes, flashing details, and structural attachment to the building.
Decks
Joists, ledger boards, post-beam connections, decking surface integrity, and the condition of all fasteners and hardware.
Stairways
Stringer integrity, tread condition, handrail connections, landing structures, and guardrail height and spacing compliance.
Walkways & Porches
Support posts, beam connections, surface drainage, waterproofing systems, and overall structural integrity of elevated corridors.
Railings & Guards
Connection strength, height compliance, baluster spacing, post anchoring, and resistance to lateral loading per current building code.
Waterproofing
Membrane condition, flashing effectiveness, sealant integrity, drainage slope, and moisture intrusion evidence in all protected areas.
SB 721 vs. SB 326
Both laws address balcony safety, but they apply to different property types and have different requirements.
| SB 721 | SB 326 | |
|---|---|---|
| Applies To | Apartments (3+ units) | Condos / HOA |
| Code Reference | Health & Safety Code §17973 | Civil Code §5551 |
| Who Can Inspect | Licensed contractor, architect, or engineer | Licensed architect or engineer only |
| First Deadline | Jan 1, 2025 | Jan 1, 2025 |
| Repeat Cycle | Every 6 years | Every 9 years |
| Invasive Testing | 15% minimum of each type | Random statistically significant sample |
| Report Filed With | Local enforcement agency | HOA board |
Not sure which law applies to your property? Contact us and we'll help you determine your compliance requirements.
SB 721 Questions
What is SB 721 and who does it apply to?
SB 721 (California Health & Safety Code Section 17973) requires owners of buildings with 3 or more dwelling units to have exterior elevated elements inspected. This includes balconies, decks, porches, stairways, and walkways that extend more than 6 feet above ground. The law applies to apartment complexes, triplexes, and mixed-use buildings with residential units.
What is the deadline for SB 721 inspections?
The first SB 721 inspection deadline was January 1, 2025. Properties that have not completed inspections are now past due and may face enforcement actions including daily fines of up to $500. Repeat inspections are required every 6 years.
Who can perform SB 721 inspections?
SB 721 inspections can be performed by a licensed contractor, licensed architect, licensed civil or structural engineer, or a certified building inspector employed by a local jurisdiction. Unlike SB 326, a licensed general contractor is qualified to perform SB 721 inspections. Decks and Balcony is fully licensed (CSLB #1060736) to perform SB 721 inspections.
What does an SB 721 inspection include?
An SB 721 inspection includes both a visual assessment and invasive testing. The visual inspection covers all exterior elevated elements for signs of water damage, dry rot, corrosion, and structural deficiency. The invasive component requires testing at least 15% of each type of exterior elevated element to assess hidden conditions. You receive a detailed report with findings, photos, and repair recommendations.
How much does an SB 721 inspection cost in Sacramento?
Costs vary based on the number of units, quantity of elevated elements, and property accessibility. We provide free, no-obligation estimates. Contact us at (916) 848-2728 for a quote tailored to your property.
What happens if repairs are needed after the inspection?
If our inspection identifies deficiencies, we provide a detailed repair scope and estimate. As a licensed general contractor, we handle all repairs in-house — from targeted fixes to full reconstruction. This means fewer contractors, faster completion, and a single point of accountability. Emergency conditions are prioritized for immediate repair.
SF buildings must also comply with Section 604 — a local law that covers metal structures and fire escapes that SB 721 does not. SB 721 compliance alone is not enough. Learn about Section 604 →
Don't Wait for Enforcement. Get Compliant Today.
The SB 721 deadline has passed. Schedule your inspection now to avoid daily fines and protect your property.