SB-721, SB-326, and Fire Escape Inspections in Marin / North Bay
Keep Your Marin / North Bay Property Safe & Compliant
At Great Escape Service & Inspections, we help property owners, HOAs, and managers across Marin and the North Bay meet California’s most important safety requirements, including SB-721, SB-326, Annual Fire Escape Inspections, and 5-Year Fire Escape & Load Test Certifications.
Our certified inspectors conduct detailed evaluations of balconies, decks, walkways, and fire escapes to ensure your building is safe, code-compliant, and structurally sound.
Whether it’s a residential complex, condominium, or commercial building, we make the inspection process simple, transparent, and fully compliant with California state and local codes.
Reliable Inspections for Every Need
Whether you manage residential or commercial property, our wide range of inspection services in Marin / North Bay ensures your building stays compliant, secure, and structurally sound.
CA-SB721 / E3 Inspection (Apartments – 3 or More Units)
California Senate Bill 721 (SB-721) requires every multi-family property with three or more units to undergo periodic inspections of wood-based Exterior Elevated Elements (EEEs) such as balconies, decks, and stairways.
These inspections must be performed every six years by a licensed general contractor, civil engineer, or architect under California Health and Safety Code §17973.
What’s Included in Your SB-721 Inspection
Structural evaluation of wood-based load-bearing components
Moisture, corrosion, and rot detection
Minimum 15% borescope testing (if required)
Full photo-documented inspection report
City-approved EEE form for Marin / North Bay submission
Deadline: The first round of SB-721 inspections must be completed by January 1, 2026.
CA-SB326 / E3 Inspection (HOAs & Condominiums – 3 or More Units)
California Senate Bill 326 (SB-326) applies to HOAs and condominium associations. It ensures that wood-based exterior elements such as balconies, decks, guardrails, and stairways are inspected every nine years by a licensed structural engineer or architect, following California Civil Code §5551.
What’s Included in Your SB-326 Inspection
Complete structural assessment of balconies, decks, and walkways
Identification of moisture intrusion and hidden decay
95% borescope analysis for accuracy
Detailed photo and compliance reports for HOA records
Official EEE form submission for Marin / North Bay jurisdictions
The SB-326 deadline has passed. Properties should schedule inspections immediately to maintain compliance.
Annual Fire Escape Inspection(maintenance)
At Great Escape Service & Inspections, we provide annual fire escape inspections that ensure your escape routes are clear, functional, and compliant with California Fire Code (CFC) and International Fire Code (IFC) regulations.
What’s Included
We check for rust, damage, and obstructions
We lubricate moving parts like ladders and cables
We ensure no storage or blockages are restricting access
This annual service is critical for safety and legal compliance, especially for balconies, ladders, landings, and other attached fire escape components.
5-Year Fire Escape & Load Test Inspection
Every five years, buildings(FE’s) must undergo a load test to confirm fire escapes can safely support emergency loads. Our certified team performs load tests per California Fire Code §1001.3 for full compliance and documentation.
What’s Included
Static and dynamic load testing
Inspection of bolts, joints, and welds
Detection of corrosion or metal fatigue
Issuance of the compliance certificate and official report
Why Choose Great Escape Service & Inspections
At Great Escape Service & Inspections, we go beyond basic inspections; we become your compliance partner.
You can choose us because of:
Over 35 years of field experience in building safety
Licensed general contractors and engineers
Accurate reporting and city submission support
Transparent, deadline-driven process
Certified & fully compliant with California building laws
In-house team, no outsourcing
Detailed digital reports with photos & code references
Quick scheduling, 48-hour response time
Transparent pricing, no hidden fees
We help Marin and North Bay property owners stay compliant, safe, and stress-free.
Book Your Marin / North Bay Inspection Today
Protect your property and stay compliant with certified inspection services from Great Escape Service & Inspections. Our team specialises in California's codes and inspection compliance requirements, ensuring your property remains safe and up to standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SB-721 inspection mandatory for Marin / North Bay properties?
Yes. All multi-unit residential buildings are required to undergo inspections every six years to comply with California law.
Who performs SB-326 inspections?
Only licensed structural engineers or architects can conduct SB-326 inspections as required by Civil Code §5551.
What happens if an inspection fails?
If repairs are required, the Owner must start repairs within 120 days of receiving the report, and an additional day to have repairs completed.
Do I need both SB-721 and SB-326 inspections?
No. SB-721 applies to apartments; SB-326 applies to HOAs and condominiums.
Are these inspections the same as a regular building check?
No. They are legally required, specialized structural inspections focused on elevated elements.
How often are fire escapes inspected?
Annually for function, and every five years for load testing per the California Fire Code.
Can Great Escape Service & Inspections handle my city paperwork?
Yes. We handle compliance forms, city submissions, and documentation to ensure your convenience.
Do SB-721 and SB-326 inspections include repair work?
No. These inspections only identify issues. However, Great Escape Service & Inspections provides repair recommendations and connects you with licensed professionals for code-compliant fixes.
Are photo reports mandatory for city submissions?
Yes. Each inspection report must include clear photo documentation. Our team ensures every report meets city and state submission standards.
Marin / North Bay
Great Escape has served the San Francisco Bay Area since 1987. 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.
CONTACT US
CONTACT US
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:30am–5pm
Saturday-Sunday
Closed
Phone
(415) 566-1479
Email
Great Escape Services Email
service@greatescapeservice.com
Great Escape Inspections Email
service@greatescape604inspection.com