Ensure Your Building's Safety and Compliance in the Greater Los Angeles
Great Escape Service & Inspections provides building safety and structural inspections across Los Angeles, supporting apartment owners, property managers, and HOA communities with accurate, code-compliant inspection services.
With more than 35 years of field experience in California, our licensed inspectors help ensure that fire escapes, balconies, decks, walkways, stairways, and other Exterior Elevated Elements (EEE / E3 inspections) meet all applicable safety requirements.
We follow California fire codes and state inspection laws, helping Los Angeles property owners stay compliant with inspection cycles, reporting obligations, and certification requirements without confusion or delays.
Reliable Inspections for Every Need
Whether you manage residential or commercial property, our wide range of inspection services in Greater Los Angeles ensures your building stays compliant, secure, and structurally sound.
Annual Fire Escape Maintenance (Service & Inspection) in Los Angeles
Our Annual Fire Escape Maintenance and Inspection service in Los Angeles ensures fire escapes remain safe, accessible, and compliant with California Fire Code (CFC) and International Fire Code (IFC) Sections 1032.2.1.2 and 1032.2.1.4.
The service includes a visual inspection for rust, corrosion, and damage, along with lubrication of ladders and moving components. We verify that fire escape routes are clear, unobstructed, and not blocked by stored items or locked access points, as required by local fire safety regulations.
Annual maintenance helps Los Angeles property owners stay compliant and ensures fire escape systems function properly during emergencies.
5-Year Structural Fire Escape Inspection (With Load Testing)
The 5-Year Structural Fire Escape Inspection with Load Testing in Los Angeles is a mandatory safety inspection required under California Fire Code (CFC) Section 1032.2.1.3 and International Fire Code (IFC) Section 1105.16.5.1. In Los Angeles, all fire escapes must be inspected every five years to confirm structural integrity and continued compliance with local fire safety regulations.
This inspection applies to all fire escape components, including stairways, balconies, landings, and exit pathways. The purpose is to verify that the fire escape system is structurally sound and capable of supporting occupants during an emergency evacuation, as required by Los Angeles fire code enforcement standards.
A critical part of this inspection is the fire escape load test. During load testing, a minimum of 100 pounds per square foot is applied to ensure the fire escape can safely support the required load under emergency conditions. This process helps identify structural deficiencies that may not be visible during a standard visual inspection.
Upon completion, a fire escape load test certification is issued, confirming compliance with California fire escape safety standards and supporting ongoing fire code compliance for buildings in Los Angeles.
Schedule your 5-Year Fire Escape Inspection with Load Testing
CA-SB721 / E3 Inspection (Apartments – 3 or More Units)
The CA SB 721 / E3 Inspection in Los Angeles is a mandatory structural safety inspection required for apartment buildings with three or more dwelling units under California Senate Bill 721. This state-mandated inspection applies to qualifying multi-family apartment buildings throughout Los Angeles.
The inspection is conducted on a six-year cycle. It focuses on wood-based Exterior Elevated Elements (EEE) that are structurally attached to the building and located more than six feet above ground level. These elements include balconies, decks, walkways, stairways, handrails, and guardrails that are exposed to weather conditions.
As part of the CA SB 721 requirements, inspectors must perform a minimum 15 percent borescope inspection for each type of exterior elevated element. This allows for evaluation of concealed conditions such as moisture intrusion, deterioration, decay, or other structural concerns that may not be visible during a surface inspection.
Apartment buildings in Los Angeles with three or more units were required to complete their first CA SB 721 inspection by January 1, 2026. Properties that have not yet completed this inspection may be considered out of compliance and remain subject to enforcement under California law.
CA-SB326 / E3 Inspection (HOAs & Condominiums – 3 or More Units)
The CA SB 326 / E3 Inspection in Los Angeles is a mandatory structural safety inspection required for condominiums and multi-family buildings governed by Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) under California Senate Bill 326 and California Civil Code 5551. This state requirement applies to qualifying HOA-controlled properties throughout Los Angeles.
The inspection is conducted on a nine-year cycle. It focuses on wood-based Exterior Elevated Elements (EEE) that are structurally attached to the building and located more than six feet above ground level. These elements include balconies, decks, walkways, stairways, handrails, and guardrails that are exposed to weather conditions.
CA SB 326 requires a statistically significant inspection sample, which may include up to 100 percent borescope inspection of each type of exterior elevated element when necessary. The purpose is to evaluate concealed conditions such as moisture intrusion, deterioration, decay, or structural deficiencies that could affect occupant safety.
Senate Bill 326 became law on August 30, 2019, and qualifying properties were required to complete their first inspection by January 1, 2025. Condominium or HOA-controlled buildings in Los Angeles that have not yet completed this inspection may be considered out of compliance and remain subject to enforcement under California law.
Why Choose Great Escape Service & Inspections
At Great Escape Service & Inspections, we focus exclusively on code-aligned inspections backed by experience, licensing, and accurate reporting. Our team understands California inspection cycles and documentation requirements, helping Los Angeles property owners move from inspection to compliance with clarity and confidence.
We guide you through scheduling, inspection, reporting, and certification, ensuring nothing is missed and deadlines are met.
Book Your Required Inspection in Los Angeles
Whether you need annual fire escape maintenance, a 5-year structural fire escape inspection with load testing, or state-mandated CA-SB721 or CA-SB326 E3 inspections, Great Escape Service & Inspections is ready to assist.
Contact us today to schedule your Los Angeles inspection and ensure your property meets all required safety and compliance standards.
Contact Us Today
Don’t miss critical compliance deadlines!
Avoid the last-minute rush—schedule your inspection today with Great Escape Service and Inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a Section 604 inspection required in Los Angeles?
No. Section 604 is a San Francisco–specific requirement and does not apply to properties located in Los Angeles.
2. Is Annual Fire Escape Maintenance required in Los Angeles?
Yes. Fire escape service and inspection must be completed annually to remain compliant with California fire codes.
3. Does the 5-year fire escape inspection include load testing?
Yes. Load testing is a required part of the 5-year structural fire escape inspection and verifies that the system can safely support emergency evacuation loads.
4. Who can perform CA SB 721 inspections in Los Angeles?
CA SB 721 inspections must be performed by a licensed architect, licensed civil or structural engineer, or a licensed B General Contractor. Unlicensed individuals are not permitted to conduct this inspection.
5. Who can perform CA SB 326 inspections in Los Angeles?
CA SB 326 inspections must be performed by a licensed architect or a licensed civil or structural engineer. Building contractors are not authorized to perform SB 326 inspections.
6. Are SB 721 and SB 326 the same inspection?
No. SB 721 applies to apartment buildings, while SB 326 applies to condominiums and HOA-controlled properties with different inspection cycles.
7. Is SB 721 mandatory for apartment buildings in Los Angeles?
Yes. Apartment buildings in Los Angeles with three or more units are required to comply with SB 721 inspections.
8. Is SB 326 mandatory for HOAs and condominiums in Los Angeles?
Yes. HOA-controlled condominiums and multi-family buildings in Los Angeles must comply with SB 326 inspection requirements.
9. What happens if an inspection identifies structural issues?
If structural damage or safety concerns are found, required repairs must be completed and documented. Compliance cannot be confirmed until all identified issues are addressed.
10. Can required inspections be delayed or skipped in Los Angeles?
No. Delaying or skipping required inspections may result in non-compliance and potential enforcement action or penalties.
Greater Los Angeles
Great Escape has served the San Francisco Bay Area since 1987 and has recently expanded to Southern California. With decades of expertise, we help property owners maintain safety and confidently navigate building code requirements.
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We inspect to ensure that all fire escape stairway, landing, and egress paths are clear, unobstructed and in good working order.
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Fire escape stairways and balconies shall be examined for structural adequacy and safety in accordance with Section 1104.16.5 every 5 years, or as required by the local fire code official. An inspection report shall be submitted to the property owner, and depending on the county or municipality, a report must be submitted to the local fire department.
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.
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We inspect all structures made from wood or wood-based appendages for water intrusion to ensure they are structurally sound.
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CA-SB326 (California Senate Bill 326) is legislation focused on improving the safety of exterior elevated elements in residential condominium buildings across California. These elements include balconies, decks, stair and walkway systems, and other structural components that are more than six feet above ground level. The law aims to prevent structural failures caused by rot, deterioration, or inadequate waterproofing.