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Great Escape Service & Inspections is fully insured and bonded to conduct business in the State of California.

What is the CA-SB721 Bill?

California Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 721, known as "The Balcony Inspection Bill," into law on September 17, 2018, in response to the tragic deaths of six UC Berkeley students in 2015 due to a balcony collapse at a downtown apartment complex. The law mandates that owners of multi-family apartment buildings with three or more units must conduct their first inspection by January 1, 2025. SB 721 officially took effect on January 1, 2019. 

SB 721 aims to enhance public safety by introducing mandatory inspections every six years for decks, balconies, and other elevated external structural elements in multi-family residential units.

Who can conduct a CA-SB721 Inspection?

The law specifies that inspections must be conducted exclusively by licensed professionals such as architects, civil or structural engineers, or licensed contractors holding B General Contractor or C5 Framing License. Inspectors are obligated to report any hazardous conditions that endanger life safety directly to the local building official.

What is Section 604 of San Francisco Housing Code?

Section 604 of the San Francisco Housing Code mandates a distinct inspection requirement, separate from CA-SB721. This regulation necessitates that apartment houses, buildings with three or more dwellings, and hotels with six or more guest rooms undergo a comprehensive inspection of all building appendages every five (5) years. Inspections are to be conducted by licensed General Contractors, Engineers, or Pest Controllers.

What is required to be inspected in a Sec. 604 Inspection?

During the Section 604 inspection, a visual assessment is conducted on all wood and metal decks, balconies, landings, exit corridors, stairway systems, guardrails, handrails, fire escapes, and other weather-exposed components. The goal is to ensure that all systems are generally safe, functioning properly, and free from hazardous dry rot, fungus, and deterioration. The San Francisco Department of Building Inspections mandates the submission of an Affidavit of Compliance every 5 years to DBI.

What is the Annual Fire Escape Inspection?

According to Section 1032.2.1.2 of the 2022 California Fire Code (CFC) and San Francisco Fire Code Section 908, fire escape stairways and balconies must always be maintained clear, unobstructed, and in good operational condition. The CFC provides comprehensive guidelines for fire prevention and safety across California. Chapter 10 of the CFC, "Means of Egress," specifies additional requirements for exits, exit accesses, and exit discharges, including:

• Keeping these areas free from obstacles or barriers to ensure immediate use during emergencies.

• Ensuring that security devices affecting means of egress are approved by a fire code official.