One of our clients, who is a member of the board of a condominium homeowners association, asked us recently if there were any updates on SB 326, the California law that requires condo buildings and housing controlled by condo associations, to undergo safety inspects of their balconies and other “Exterior Elevated Elements”. We thought this was a great question, as the compliance deadline for such inspections (January 1, 2026) is fast approaching!
We were very pleased to tell our client (and via this blog, the rest of the State of California) that yes, there is now an important update to the Balcony Inspection Law!
Important Update on Senate Bill 326 – the Balcony Inspection Law
Senate Bill 326, which was signed into law in 2019, originally mandated that safety inspections of condo buildings could only be undertaken by a licensed architect or a licensed structural engineer. Well, this law has now been amended by AB-2114, which was signed into law on July 15, 2024. AB-2114 amended the California Civil Code Section 551 to additionally authorize a licensed civil engineer to also conduct the inspection of condo buildings!
Because AB-2114 took effect immediately as an “urgency statute” this means that licensed civil engineers can now undertake balcony inspections of condominium buildings! Directly below you will find a recap of SB 326, and its requirements – you’re welcome!
SB 326
Relates to condominiums or multi-family housing that is controlled by Condominium association.
Safety inspection must be conducted by January 1, 2026, and thereafter, at least every nine years.
Safety inspections must be done by a licensed architect, or a licensed civil or structural engineer.
The inspector must review the structural integrity of balconies and other EEEs, which include, among others: decks, stairways, and walkways (including supports, railings, and associated waterproofing elements) that: (a) rely in whole or in part on wood structural supports; (b) are elevated more than six feet above ground level; and (c) are designed for human occupancy or use.
Specialty licensed building contractor must repair balconies and other EEE
And if you are interested in further information, check out a neat pictorial depiction of a “Decision Tree” on whether your building is subject to the “Balcony Inspection” Laws
Don’t delay – line up your balcony inspection and repair today! As the inspection due date looms closer, the small numbers of inspectors, engineers, architects, and qualified balcony repair contractors in the Greater Los Angeles area, will be struggling to cope with inspecting and repairing thousands of apartment and condo buildings! This means inspection fees and construction repair costs will soar, the closer you get to the inspection deadline!
Call Weinstein Construction today at (888) 412-8363 to schedule your free “California Balcony Law” consultation! Take advantage of lower prices today and get help in planning for this important and mandatory inspection program!
Are you shopping for a Los Angeles Condominium?
Are you in the market to purchase a Los Angeles condo unit? If so, you must read our blog on how California’s mandatory Balcony Inspection Laws may cost you big time, if you’re not careful!
