Senate Bill 721 (SB721), also known as the Balcony Safety and Maintenance bill, is a law passed in California in 2018. The purpose of this law is to enhance the safety of balconies, decks, and similar elevated structures in multi-unit buildings with three or more units.
Key provisions of SB721 include:
Regular Inspections: Requires regular inspections of balconies, decks, and similar elevated structures by a licensed structural engineer or architect.
Identification of Safety Hazards: Inspections are intended to identify any potential safety hazards or structural issues, such as rot, termite damage, or improper construction.
Repair or Replacement: If any issues are found during the inspection, they must be repaired or replaced in a timely manner to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
Record Keeping: Requires the home owner association and property owner to keep records of the inspections and any related repairs.
Responsibility: The responsibility of balcony inspection falls on both the property owner and the home owner association.
SB721 is an important step in ensuring the safety of residents and visitors in multi-unit buildings in California. By requiring regular inspections and repairs, it helps prevent accidents and save lives.