If you're a landlord or property owner in California with elevated structures such as balconies or decks, you may be aware of the requirements for periodic inspections under Senate Bills 721 and 326. These bills are designed to prevent tragic accidents like the 2015 balcony collapse in Berkeley that resulted in six fatalities. But who can perform these balcony inspections under SB721 and SB326? In this blog post, we'll explore the qualifications required to perform these inspections. SB721 and SB326 Requirements SB721 and SB326 both require periodic inspections of elevated structures, such as balconies and decks, on certain types of properties. The purpose of these inspections is to identify and address any potential hazards that could lead to accidents or injuries. Under SB721, any property in California with three or more multi-family dwelling units and one or more exterior elevated elements must have periodic inspections of these elements conducted by a qualified inspector. A qualified inspector is defined as a licensed architect, licensed civil or structural engineer, or a building contractor with specific experience and training. SB326, on the other hand, requires inspections of all exterior elevated elements on certain types of properties, including condominiums, townhomes, and apartments with more than three stories, regardless of the number of units. These inspections must be conducted by a licensed contractor, architect, engineer, or building inspector. Qualifications Required for Inspectors The qualifications required for inspectors under SB721 and SB326 are similar but not identical. Here are the qualifications required for each bill: SB721 Licensed architect: A licensed architect must be registered with the California Architects Board and have a minimum of five years of experience in the design of multifamily residential structures. Licensed civil or structural engineer: A licensed civil or structural engineer must be registered with the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists and have a minimum of five years of experience in the design of multifamily residential structures. Building contractor: A building contractor must hold a valid license from the California Contractors State License Board and have a minimum of seven years of experience in the construction of multifamily residential structures. SB326 Licensed contractor: A licensed contractor must hold a valid license from the California Contractors State License Board and have experience in the inspection of elevated structures. Licensed architect: A licensed architect must be registered with the California Architects Board and have experience in the inspection of elevated structures. Licensed civil or structural engineer: A licensed civil or structural engineer must be registered with the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists and have experience in the inspection of elevated structures. Building inspector: A building inspector must be certified by the International Code Council and have experience in the inspection of elevated structures.
Conclusion In summary, the qualifications required to perform balcony inspections under SB721 and SB326 are specific and require experience and training in the design, construction, or inspection of multifamily residential structures and elevated elements. Whether you need an architect, engineer, building contractor, or building inspector, it's important to choose a qualified and experienced professional to ensure that your property is in compliance with these important safety laws.
At EEEadvisor, we are a committed participant of CAI, providing a range of services including a complimentary visual inspection estimate, consultation without charge, and a free proposal from the leading professionals in waterproofing and structural repairs. Our prices are fixed, with no undisclosed costs, and our specialists are always accessible to address any concerns you may have.