SB 721 Inspections & Consulting
SB 721 Balcony Inspections & Compliance Reports
California’s SB 721 law requires apartment owners to inspect exterior elevated elements every 6 years. Whitestone Industries ensures your buildings meet safety and compliance standards — from inspection to certification.
What Is SB 721?
Senate Bill 721 — also known as the Apartment Balcony Inspection Law — was enacted to protect residents and property owners after several high-profile balcony failures in California. The law requires regular inspections of exterior elevated elements (EEEs) such as decks, balconies, stairways, and landings that are supported by wood framing.
All multi-family buildings with three or more units must complete their first inspection by the state-mandated deadline and continue every six years thereafter.
Key elements include:
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Inspection by a licensed structural engineer, architect, or qualified building contractor
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Detailed reports submitted to the local building department
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Documentation for future maintenance and reserve planning
Our SB 721 Inspection Process
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Pre-Inspection Coordination – Review of property plans, permit history, and access coordination with tenants.
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Field Inspection – Non-invasive or minimally invasive testing of balconies, decks, and walkways.
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Documentation & Reporting – Comprehensive digital report with photos, findings, and compliance recommendations.
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Repair & Consulting Support – Clear repair scopes and cost guidance to achieve full compliance.
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Final Certification – Sealed documentation for your records and submission to the local building department.
Important SB 721 Deadlines
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Initial Inspection Deadline: January 1, 2025 (for existing buildings)
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Re-inspection Interval: Every 6 years
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Repair Deadline: Within 120 days of receiving inspection report (unless extension granted)
(Always confirm with your local jurisdiction for updated timelines.)
Why Work With Whitestone?
- Certified Expertise – Our licensed consultants and engineers specialize in multi-family inspection and reporting standards.
- Complete Solutions – From initial inspection to repairs, we streamline your compliance journey under one trusted team.
Documentation You Can Rely On –Detailed, digital, and easily accessible reports built for future inspections and reserve studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between SB 721 and SB 326?
A: SB 721 applies to apartments and multi-family rental properties, while SB 326 applies to condominiums and HOA-governed communities.
Q: What happens if I don’t complete my inspection on time?
A: Failure to comply can lead to city enforcement actions, fines, or restricted occupancy permits until inspection documentation is submitted.
Q: How often do I need to reinspect?
A: Every 6 years after the initial inspection.
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