If you own or manage a residential building in California, you may have heard of the SB 326 Balcony Bill. This legislation was introduced in response to the tragic collapse of a balcony in Berkeley, which claimed the lives of six students and injured several others. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at what you need to know about the SB 326 Balcony Bill.
What is the SB 326 Balcony Bill?
The SB 326 Balcony Bill, also known as the Balcony Inspection Bill, requires that all balconies, decks, and other exterior elevated elements of a building with three or more multifamily dwelling units be inspected at least once every nine years. The purpose of this bill is to ensure that these structures are safe and in good condition, preventing future tragedies.
Who is affected by the SB 326 Balcony Bill?
The SB 326 Balcony Bill applies to all multifamily residential buildings in California with three or more units. This includes apartments, condominiums, and other types of multifamily dwellings. Single-family homes and duplexes are not affected by this legislation.
What does the SB 326 Balcony Bill require?
Under the SB 326 Balcony Bill, all balconies, decks, and other exterior elevated elements must be inspected at least once every nine years by a qualified professional, such as a licensed contractor, architect, or engineer. The inspection must include a visual assessment of the structure, as well as any necessary testing or analysis to determine the condition of the materials used in its construction.
If the inspection reveals any structural deficiencies or safety hazards, the building owner or manager must take immediate action to address these issues. This may include making repairs, replacing the affected structures, or even closing off the area until it is safe to use again.
What are the consequences of non-compliance?
Failure to comply with the SB 326 Balcony Bill can result in significant penalties and legal liability. Building owners or managers who do not perform the required inspections or fail to address any safety hazards discovered during the inspection may face fines, lawsuits, or even criminal charges if someone is injured or killed as a result of their negligence.
In conclusion, the SB 326 Balcony Bill is an important piece of legislation that aims to improve the safety of residential buildings in California. As a building owner or manager, it is essential to understand the requirements of this bill and to ensure that your property is inspected regularly by a qualified professional to prevent tragedies and protect your residents. EEEAdvisor is working to educate clients about these definitions and the regulations outlined in SB721 and SB326, helping them to meet the compliance deadline and ensure the safety of their buildings. Omid Ghanadiof is a co-founder of EEEadvisor Engineering, a specialized engineering inspection firm active located in Southern California. EEEadvisor Engineering assists rental property owners and homeowners associations (HOAs) with compliance with state mandated balcony inspections per Senate Bills 721 and 326. For more information, contact Mr. Ghanadiof at (805) 312-8513 or http://info@EEEadvisor.com