Weinstein Construction’s Balcony Inspection and Repair professionals often are asked, almost on a daily basis, “are there any updates on complying with California’s Balcony Inspection Laws?” We think that’s a great question, and yes, just a couple of months ago, there actually was an important update! And now there is another important update that you should know about!
The update from a couple of months ago was Senate Bill 326, which originally mandated that safety inspections of condo buildings could only be undertaken by a licensed architect or a licensed structural engineer. That Bill was amended by California Assembly Bill 2114, signed into law on July 15, 2024, which amended the California Civil Code Section 551 to additionally authorize a licensed civil engineer to also conduct the inspection of condo buildings.
What is the new update to the balcony inspection law in California?
Today, we are happy to report to all our clients that on September 28, 2024, California’s Governor Gavin Newsome approved Assembly Bill 2579, which extends the deadline for the first balcony inspection by 12 months, out to January 1, 2026! This extension was granted so that commercial property owners and condo associations, who were finding it difficult to arrange for such inspections, would be able to have some additional time to undertake the inspections and ensure the safety of their property’s exterior elevated elements and associated waterproofing elements.
Tell me again? What did the law require, and how was it changed?
The existing law required, by January 1, 2025, an inspection of the exterior elevated elements and associated waterproofing elements of buildings with 3 or more multifamily dwelling units, and thereafter, another inspection every six years.
Again, our new California Assembly Bill 2579 extends the deadline for the initial inspection until January 1, 2026!
Moreover, the new bill states that a new inspection is not required until January 1, 2026, if the property was inspected between January 1, 2016, and January 1, 2019. Thereafter, a new inspection is required every six years.
Also, if a proper inspection was conducted between January 1, 2019, and the present time, a re-inspection is not required, until six years after the date of the inspection report, and thereafter, every six years.
So, what does this law change mean to me?
Here, at Weinstein Construction, the fact that the compliance deadline was extended is telling us something that we already knew: commercial property owners and condo associations were finding it difficult to line up inspectors to undertake these crucial inspections!
Our recommendation today remain the same as it was yesterday: if your property needs an inspection, don’t delay! Line up your balcony inspection and repair earlier, rather than later! Remember, there are thousands of buildings that need inspections, and as time flies by and the inspection due date looms closer, the small numbers of inspectors, engineers, architects, and qualified balcony repair contractors will not be able to cope with inspecting and repairing thousands of apartment and condo buildings! Not being able to “cope” means higher inspection fees and construction repair costs!
Call Weinstein Construction today at (888) 412-8363 to schedule your free “California Balcony Law” consultation! Take advantage of lower prices today and get our help so you can plan for this important and mandatory inspection program!
