Ensure Balcony and Deck Safety With CA-SB 721 & E3 Inspection in California

California's Trusted Balcony Inspection Partner

At Great Escape Service and Inspection, we specialize in helping multi-family properties ensure compliance with California's strict safety standards, including the SB721 E3 law. Our inspections provide peace of mind by identifying potential risks in wooden balconies, decks, and other exterior elevated elements (EEEs), safeguarding residents and maintaining regulatory compliance.

What Our Inspection Covers

Our thorough inspection includes visually examining all exterior elevated elements, such as balconies, decks, stairways, and walkways. We will evaluate the structural integrity of these elements and identify any potential hazards or safety concerns. Our trained inspectors will also check for visible signs of wear and tear, including rot, decay, rust, or loose/damaged components.

California Senate Bill 721 (SB721):

CA-SB 721 & E3 Inspection, or the California Senate Bill 721, mandates the inspection of Exterior Elevated Elements (EEEs) such as balconies, decks, stairways, and walkways on multi-family residential properties. This law ensures that these structures are safe from deterioration due to water damage, structural failures, or wear and tear.

If you own or manage a building with three or more dwelling units, compliance isn’t just recommended; it’s required.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failing to comply with SB721 can result in hefty fines, legal liabilities, and compromised human safety. The deadline to comply with California's SB721 law is fast approaching. Just schedule your inspection today and gain peace of mind.

Why Choose Us for Your SB721 Inspection

Your Compliance Partner Since 1987

Since 1987, we’ve been serving California, San Francisco, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles with unparalleled experience in structural inspections. We know California’s building codes inside and out, ensuring you get compliant results.

Protect Against Water Damage

Our inspections focus on identifying water intrusion, a common issue that compromises the structural safety of wood-based decks and balconies.

Seamless Compliance

Our team provides detailed, transparent reports tailored to help you meet SB721 requirements and stick to deadlines.

Trusted by Property Owners Across California

Our dedication to professionalism, punctuality, and unmatched customer service has earned the trust of property owners throughout California, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles.

Don’t Miss the SB721 Deadline

Don’t wait until the January 1, 2026, deadline is looming. Schedule your inspection now with Great Escape Service, the trusted name in California for balcony and deck inspections. We at the Great Escape Service make compliance simple, efficient, and stress-free.

We are proudly affiliated with the San Francisco Apartment Association and the Apartment Owners Association. Any members affiliated with these groups will receive a 10% discount.

Our Other Services

Buildings in California with three or more multifamily dwelling units fall under the mandate of CA-SB721, commonly referred to as the Balcony and Deck Inspection. These regulations necessitate the inspection of all wooden Exterior Elevated Elements (EEE) within such structures.
During the inspection process, the following aspects of Exterior Elevated Elements (EEE) are scrutinized in accordance with California code:
- Condition of loading bearing components
- Condition of associated waterproofing elements
- Evaluation of expected future performance and projected service life
Inspectors begin by visually assessing for apparent signs of water intrusion issues. Further, more detailed inspections may involve the use of tools such as moisture meters or borescopes to pinpoint the source of moisture intrusion.
The inspection requirement stipulated by CA-SB721 mandates examining a minimum of 15% of each type of EEE, including wooden balconies, stairways, walkways, handrails, and guardrails.
The duration of inspections for exterior balconies, decks, stairs, handrails, and guardrails varies based on several factors:
- Accessibility to each element
- Whether the element is exposed or concealed by soffit
- Elevation of the element from the ground
- Absence of obstructions such as patio furniture on balconies/decks
The difference between SB721 and SB326 is that one affects apartment buildings, while the other affects condominiums and homeowners’ associations.
CA-SB721 is required every six (6) years and CA-SB326 is required every nine (9) years.
Licensed general contractor, certified building inspector, architect or engineer.
Inspections must be conducted by a licensed structural engineer or architect only.
The owner of the building requiring corrective work to an exterior elevated element that, in the opinion of the inspector, does not pose an immediate threat to the safety of the occupants, shall apply for a permit within 120 days of receipt of the inspection report. Once the permit is approved, the owner of the building shall have 120 days to make the repairs unless an extension of time is granted by the local enforcement agency.
If the owner of the building does not comply with the repair requirements within 180 days, the inspector shall notify the local enforcement agency and the owner of the building. If within 30 days of the date of the notice the repairs are not completed, the owner of the building shall be assessed a civil penalty based on the fee schedule set by the local authority of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) per day until the repairs are completed, unless an extension of time is granted by the local enforcement agency.