Balcony Inspection & Structural Repair per SB-721 (California Law)

PiersPro — Foundation Repair, Structural Reinforcement & Waterproofing Experts in California

California has officially moved into full enforcement of SB-721 and SB-326 — two laws created to prevent balcony collapses, structural failures, injuries, and multi-million-dollar lawsuits. The initial deadlines have passed, and many property owners in 2025 are now out of compliance.

PiersPro specializes in structural repairs, waterproofing, wood restoration, load-bearing reinforcement, and advanced engineering solutions. We help property owners bring their buildings into full compliance and eliminate safety hazards in elevated exterior structures.

1. What Is SB-721? (Official Source)

Full law text: California SB-721 Bill Text

SB-721 requires safety inspections of Exterior Elevated Elements (EEE) in all rental residential buildings with 3 or more units. These elevated structures include:

• Balconies
• Exterior decks
• Walkways & corridors
• Landings & stair platforms
• Any exterior element over 6 feet above ground supported by wood

The law was implemented after the tragic Berkeley balcony collapse, caused by hidden wood decay under failed waterproofing. SB-721 ensures these structures are safe, load-bearing, and free of rot or deterioration.

2. What Is SB-326? (Official Source)

Full law text: California SB-326 Bill Text

SB-326 applies to condominiums and HOAs. The inspection requirements are similar, but only the following professionals may conduct the inspection:

• Licensed Structural Engineers (SE)
• Licensed Civil Engineers (PE)
• Licensed Architects

PiersPro works directly with trusted licensed engineers to perform SB-326 inspections for HOAs and then provides complete structural and waterproofing repairs recommended by the engineer.

3. Deadlines Have Passed — Most Buildings Are Now Out of Compliance

Both SB-721 and SB-326 required the initial inspection to be completed by January 1, 2025. Today, enforcement has begun in many California counties:

• Violation notices are being issued
• “Unsafe” building designations are increasing
• City inspectors request proof of compliance
• Emergency repairs may be mandated
• Units can be prohibited from being rented until fixed

This is why now is the critical time to complete inspections and structural repairs through specialists like PiersPro.

4. Penalties & Financial Liability for Non-Compliance

SB-721 Penalties (Rental Buildings)

Enforcement text from Health & Safety Code §17973: HSC §17973

Failure to comply may result in:

• Fines up to $500 per day
• City-ordered emergency repairs
• Orders to vacate unsafe units
• Insurance cancellation or premium increases
• Major liability in case of collapse or injury

SB-326 Penalties (HOA)

Non-compliant HOAs may face:

• Lawsuits from homeowners
• Personal liability for board members
• Special assessments for emergency repairs
• Insurance coverage disputes

5. Why SB-721 Exists — Real Risks of Structural Failure

Most elevated exterior failures are caused by:

• Hidden rot inside wood framing
• Failed waterproofing membranes
• Termite damage
• Corroded fasteners and connectors
• Improper construction or aging structures

These issues lead to:

• Dangerous structural instability
• Partial or total balcony collapse
• Tenant injuries and fatalities
• Multi-million-dollar lawsuits against owners

PiersPro specializes in identifying and correcting exactly these risks — before the structure fails.

6. Which Buildings Must Comply?

SB-721 Applies To:

• Triplexes and four-plexes
• Multi-unit residential buildings (3+ units)
• Mixed-use buildings with residential units
• Any rented residential structure with elevated exterior elements

SB-721 Does Not Apply To:

• Single-family homes
• Duplexes
• Non-residential commercial buildings

7. What an SB-721 Inspection Includes

PiersPro performs comprehensive structural inspections for SB-721, including:

✔ Structural Integrity Assessment

Detecting rot, moisture penetration, fungal decay, termite damage, and connection failures.

✔ Waterproofing Condition Review

Evaluating membranes, flashing, slope, drainage, and protective coatings.

✔ Load-Bearing Capacity Check

Ensuring the balcony can safely support required live loads.

✔ Concealed Damage Investigation

Using moisture meters, borescopes, and selective openings.

✔ Code Compliance Verification

Evaluating guardrails, hardware, corrosion, ledger connections, and structural layout.

A signed detailed inspection report is provided to the owner for record-keeping and compliance.

8. Who Can Perform SB-721 Inspections?

The law allows inspections by:

• Licensed General Contractors (Class B)
• Licensed Civil Engineers
• Licensed Structural Engineers
• Licensed Architects

PiersPro is a licensed General Contractor and legally authorized to perform SB-721 inspections for rental buildings.

For SB-326, where only engineers and architects can inspect, PiersPro partners with trusted licensed engineers and completes all structural repairs outlined in the engineer’s report.

9. PiersPro’s Full-Cycle Balcony Safety & Structural Repair Program

For SB-721 (Rental Buildings)

PiersPro performs the entire inspection and provides the complete repair solution.

• Structural inspection of elevated elements
• Moisture and decay assessment
• Load-capacity evaluation
• Complete waterproofing analysis
• Full written report with photographs
• Priority repair scheduling

For SB-326 (HOA Properties)

PiersPro coordinates:

• Licensed structural engineers
• Professional inspections and reports
• HOA documentation and communication

Then PiersPro performs:

• Structural wood framing replacement
• Ledger board rebuilds
• Cantilever reinforcement
• Waterproofing restoration
• Balcony and walkway resurfacing

10. Structural Repair & Waterproofing Services by PiersPro

Structural Framing Repair

• Replacement of rotten beams & joists
• Ledger board repair/replacement
• Reinforcement of cantilevered balconies
• Seismic strengthening and hardware installation

Waterproofing Systems

• EnduroKote fiberglass decking systems
• Polyurethane and elastomeric membranes
• Correct slope-to-drain installation
• Proper flashing and stucco integration

Finish & Safety Enhancements

• Deck resurfacing
• Railing repair or replacement
• Exterior walkway and landing restoration

11. Why Property Owners Choose PiersPro

• Licensed General Contractor specializing in structural and foundation repairs
• Engineering-level expertise in wood damage, structural failures, and waterproofing
• Turnkey compliance for SB-721 and SB-326
• Modern waterproofing systems including EnduroKote and polyurethane membranes
• Transparent reports with photographic evidence
• Fast inspection & repair scheduling
• Workmanship focused on long-term durability
• Reduced legal and financial risk for property owners

12. Consequences of Delaying Inspection or Repair

Delaying compliance significantly increases risk:

• Daily fines from the city
• Potential red-tagging of units
• Insurance claim denial for structural failures
• Lawsuits from tenants
• Liability for collapse-related injuries

Proactive inspection and repair is always more affordable than emergency structural work.

13. SB-721 Inspection Pricing

Typical pricing ranges:

• $350–$450 — small triplex
• $550–$850 — 4–8 unit buildings
• $850–$2,500+ — larger 20–40 unit properties

Repair costs depend on:

• Extent of wood damage
• Condition of waterproofing
• Structural complexity
• Accessibility

14. Bring Your Building Into Compliance

PiersPro provides:

• SB-721 balcony inspections
• SB-326 engineer-coordinated inspections
• Full structural repair
• Waterproofing restoration
• Code-compliant long-term solutions

Ensure your property is safe, structurally sound, and fully compliant with California law.