Cities throughout California enforce the statewide mandates of SB 721 and SB 326 with their own ordinance, but the primary requirements are the same across the state.
Several cities have implemented ordinances to ensure compliance. This may may include extra local regulations, deadlines, or reporting processes. The inspector must check for dry rot, decay, fungus, corrosion, and inadequate modifications. A professional architect, general contractor, engineer, or wood pest control inspector can carry out the inspection.
San Francisco:
The SF housing code 604 requires hotel and apartment owners to organize inspections of outside structural extensions every five years. These structures include balconies, decks, corridors, stairs, fire escapes, handrails, and guardrails. The inspector must check for dry rot, decay, fungus, corrosion, and inadequate modifications. A professional architect, general contractor, engineer, or wood pest control inspector can carry out the inspection.
Los Angeles:
E3 Inspection Laws support compliance with SB 721 and SB 326 with further instructions on how to submit inspection reports to the Los Angelos Department of Housing.
Oakland:
Currently, there are no additional city ordinances for balcony inspections.
Berkeley:
Berkeley adopted inspection mandates Urgency Ordinance No. 7,431-N.S. after a deadly balcony collapse in 2015. These ordinances are stricter than SB 721/326, requiring more frequent inspections and more robust structural integrity evaluations.
Structures requiring inspection include balconies, decks, corridors, stairs, handrails, and guardrails. Fire escapes are excluded from the inspection requirements because the fire department is responsible for these. Property owners or management must arrange for an inspection every five years.
The inspector must check for dry rot, decay, fungus, corrosion, and inadequate modifications. A licensed architect, licensed general contractor, licensed engineer, or licensed wood pest control inspector can carry out the inspection.
San Diego:
San Diego supports the state laws under its local building and safety codes, ensuring inspections for EEEs are carried out according to SB 721 and SB 326 with no extra requirements.
Common Local Ordinance Features:
- Inspection Frequencies: Local ordinances may impose shorter intervals for inspections.
- Reporting Requirements: Some cities require the filing of local documentation with city building departments.
Each city’s building department typically oversees enforcement of SB 721 and SB 326, so ordinances will vary depending on local policies and enforcement rigor.
