Balcony inspection on the Peninsula and in the South Bay
On the Peninsula and in the South Bay, apartment buildings with three or more units follow SB 721, with an inspection every 6 years. Condos and HOAs with three or more units follow SB 326, every 9 years. Both cover wood balconies, decks, stairs and walkways more than six feet above the ground. I cover San Mateo and Santa Clara counties and inspect every building myself, as a California licensed Professional Engineer.
Which law applies to your building
| Your building | Law | How often | Who must act |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartments, 3 or more units | SB 721 | Every 6 years | Building owner |
| Condos and HOAs, 3 or more units | SB 326 | Every 9 years | HOA board |
The first SB 326 deadline was January 1, 2025. The first SB 721 deadline was January 1, 2026. If yours has not been done, it is late. Send me the address and I tell you where you stand, free.
Where I go
San Mateo County and Santa Clara County, from the Peninsula down to the South Bay. Section 604 is San Francisco only, so here it is the state laws. Just outside? Call me and ask.
What you get
- I inspect your building myself. No technician.
- A report stamped by a California Professional Engineer.
- A plain answer: pass, or exactly what must be fixed to pass, and why.
- A call from me right away if I find something unsafe.
- A free deadline watch, so the next cycle does not sneak up on you.
Questions
Which balcony laws apply on the Peninsula and in the South Bay?
The state laws. Apartments with three or more units follow SB 721 every 6 years. Condos and HOAs with three or more units follow SB 326 every 9 years. Section 604 is San Francisco only.
Which counties do you cover?
San Mateo County and Santa Clara County. Not sure if your city is in range? Call me and ask.