California has recently passed a new legislation that requires the periodic inspection of elevated elements such as balconies, decks, porches, and stairways. The legislation was introduced in response to several incidents of balcony collapses and failures, which resulted in injuries and fatalities. This new legislation aims to ensure the safety and structural integrity of elevated elements in buildings throughout California.
Notes about the new legislation:
· The new legislation is not retroactive, which means that older buildings that have not been inspected in the past are not required to be inspected immediately. However, the legislation requires that all new buildings and buildings undergoing renovations comply with the inspection requirements.
· The new legislation also requires that any issues identified during the inspection must be promptly addressed and repaired. Building owners and property managers are responsible for ensuring that their elevated elements are inspected in compliance with the new legislation. Failure to comply with the legislation can result in penalties and legal liability.
· The new legislation has been introduced to address several incidents of balcony collapses and failures that have occurred in California in recent years. One of the most notable incidents was the 2015 balcony collapse in Berkeley, which resulted in the deaths of six young people and serious injuries to several others. An investigation found that the balcony had been poorly constructed and was not adequately maintained.
· The new legislation is an important step towards ensuring the safety of residents and visitors in California's buildings with elevated elements. By requiring regular inspections and repairs, the legislation aims to prevent tragic incidents and protect the wellbeing of individuals who use these spaces.
In addition to the legislative requirements, building owners and property managers can take additional steps to ensure the safety of their elevated elements. For example, they can implement a regular maintenance schedule that includes inspections, repairs, and cleaning. They can also use high-quality materials and construction methods when building or renovating elevated elements.
Building owners and property managers can also educate their residents and tenants about the importance of using elevated elements safely. This includes following weight limits, avoiding overcrowding, and not overloading the elements with heavy furniture or equipment.
Overall, the new legislation is a positive development for building safety in California. By requiring the inspection of elevated elements and prompt repairs of any issues found, the legislation aims to prevent tragic incidents and protect the wellbeing of individuals who use these spaces. Building owners and property managers should take the new legislation seriously and ensure that their elevated elements are inspected and maintained in compliance with the requirements.
In order to help clients achieve the compliance deadline and guarantee the security of their facilities, EEEAdvisor strives to educate clients on these standards and the rules established in SB721 and SB326. The California-based engineering inspections business EEEadvisor Engineering was co-founded by Omid Ghanadiof. According to Senate Bills 721 and 326, EEEadvisor Engineers supports homeowners associations (HOAs) and landlords in compliance to state rules for balcony inspections. Contact us at (805) 312-8513 or http://info@EEEadvisor.com for further details.