SB 721 (2018) BALCONY LAW

•   SB 721 (2018) Law applies to multifamily apartment buildings with 3 or more units. A sample of at least 15 percent of each type of exterior elevated element shall be inspected.

· Who can inspect? 

• Licensed Architect; 
• Licensed Civil or Structural engineer; 
• Licensed Building Contractor (A, B, or C-5) with at least 5 years experience constructing multistory wood frame buildings,
• Certified Building Inspector or Building Official from a recognized state, national, or international association, as determined by the local jurisdiction.

· When and How Often? 

• The first inspection must take place by January 1, 2025, and by January 1 every six years thereafter. 
• The licensed professional must provide a written report of evaluation, stamped and signed, to the building Owner, or designated agent within 45 days of the Completing the Inspection. 
• If the inspection report recommends immediate repairs, identifies an assembly that poses an immediate threat to occupants, a copy of the inspection report must be submitted to Owner and local enforcement agency within 15 days of the completion of the report. If the inspection finds any exterior elevated elements that pose an immediate threat to occupants, require emergency repairs or preventing occupant access, the owner of the building must perform required preventive measures immediately, which may include preventing access until emergency repairs are completed to comply with the law. 
• If corrective work is needed, but does not pose an immediate threat to occupants, the owner of the building must apply for a permit and complete the repairs within 30 days of receiving notice. 
• The non-emergency repairs made under these provisions would be required to be completed by within 120 days, unless an extension is granted by the local authorities. 
• If the owner of the building does not comply with the repair requirements within 180 days, the inspector shall notify the local enforcement agency and the owner of the building. If within 30 days of the date of the notice the repairs are not completed, the owner of the building shall be assessed a civil penalty based on the fee schedule set by the local authority of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) per day until the repairs are completed, unless an extension of time is granted by the local enforcement agency.
• The responsibility for maintaining the exterior elevated elements in a safe and functional condition in accordance with the E3 inspection law lies with the building owner. 

• The licensed professional must submit the inspection report to the Local Authority if: 

1. the report recommends immediate repairs, identifies assemblies that pose an immediate threat to occupants, or
2. require preventive measures or corrective work. 

• Reports must be submitted to local authority as follows: 

1. 15 days of completion if preventive measures or emergency repairs are required, or 
2. within 45 days of completion for corrective work that does not pose an immediate threat to occupants, and 
3. within 15 days for both emergency and corrective work. 
4. If the inspection concludes that no emergency repairs or corrective work is necessary, no report submission is required.

• Property Owners to keep copies of inspection reports for at least two inspection cycles in their records.

Reach out to Inspectica today to comply with SB 326 and SB 721.Get your free inspection quote here.