Balcony and Exterior Elevated Element Inspection (California SB 721 and SB 326)

Across the US, balcony and Exterior Elevated Element Inspection (California SB 721 and SB 326) usually costs $1,500 to $15,000 per building. Estimate. Depends on the number of elements, access and whether invasive testing is needed; repairs are separate.

Plan on 1 to 6 weeks for inspection and report from signed proposal to stamped deliverables, longer if a site visit, soil testing or a permit review cycle is involved.

In most US jurisdictions, yes. When the work needs a permit, the plans, calculations or report usually must be sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed in the state where the project is located. Every deliverable we issue for permit is sealed that way.

Sometimes. Depending on the site, balcony and Exterior Elevated Element Inspection (California SB 721 and SB 326) can also involve a architect, licensed general contractor or waterproofing consultant. We tell you up front which other professionals your project needs and coordinate with them so the drawings agree.

Most of our clients for this service are business owners, attorneys and municipalitys. Describe your project and one of our engineers will reply with scope, fee and schedule.

Licensed architects, licensed civil or structural engineers, and certain licensed contractors with at least five years of relevant experience, as long as they are not doing the repairs. SB 326 inspections for condos are limited to licensed architects and structural engineers.

Every six years for apartment buildings under SB 721 and every nine years for common interest developments under SB 326. Local jurisdictions may add reporting or filing steps.

Balconies, decks, porches, stairways, walkways and entry structures that extend beyond the exterior walls, are more than 6 ft above ground, and rely on wood or wood-based products for structural support. Concrete or steel elements without wood support are generally outside the scope.

The inspector must notify the owner and, under SB 721, the local enforcement agency, and access to the element must be restricted until repaired. Repairs generally need permits.