Stay Compliant with SB 721 & SB 326 Inspections in Oakland, CA
Certified EEE Safety Inspections for Apartments, Condos & HOA Buildings
At Great Escape service & Inspections, we specialize in CA-SB721 and CA-SB326 inspections, helping Oakland’s property owners and HOA managers stay compliant with California’s strict safety laws for elevated exterior structures.
Whether you manage a multi-unit apartment building or represent an HOA or condominium association, our certified inspector ensures that your balconies, decks, stairways, and walkways are structurally sound and fully documented.
CA-SB721/E3 Inspections (Apartments, three (3) or more units)
California Senate Bill 721 requires apartment buildings with three or more units to complete licensed inspections of all Exterior Elevated Elements (EEE), including balconies, decks, stairways, and walkways made of wood or wood-based products.
These inspections are mandatory every 6 years and must be conducted by a licensed General Contractor, Structural/Civil Engineer, or Architect.
What’s Included In Our CA-SB721 Inspection:
Structural evaluation of all elevated wood-based load-bearing elements
Check for moisture intrusion, dry rot, and visible damage
Minimum 15% Borescope (intrusive) testing
High-resolution photographic documentation
Official City of Oakland EEE Inspection Form
SB 721-compliant inspection report for your records
The first inspection must be completed by January 1, 2026. Don’t miss the deadline, book now!
CA-SB326/E3 Inspections (HOAs/Condominiums - three (3) or more units)
California Senate Bill 326 mandates inspections for buildings managed by HOAs and condo associations that have three or more units and contain wood-based elevated elements, such as balconies, decks, walkways, stairways, handrails, and guardrails.
These evaluations must be completed by a Structural or Civil Engineer or a licensed Architect and are required every 9 years.
What’s Included In Our CA-SB326 Inspection:
Visual and intrusive inspection of all EEE elements 6 feet or higher
Water damage, rust, corrosion, and dry rot checks
Minimum 95% Borescope testing
Photo evidence for each identified issue
Official Oakland EEE Inspection Form
Signed and sealed the SB 326 report for your HOA or board
The deadline passed. Your building hasn’t been inspected; it’s time to act.
Why Choose Great Escape Service & Inspections?
At Great Escape Service & Inspections, we’re not just inspectors, we’re your compliance partners. With deep expertise in California’s SB-721 and SB-326 laws, we deliver thorough, code-compliant inspections tailored specifically for apartment buildings and HOA communities in Oakland and the East Bay.
Our certified team makes the compliance process smooth, stress-free, and fully documented. We ensure your residential building or HOA/Condominium building meets California’s latest Exterior Elevated Elements safety laws with peace of mind.
Proudly serving Oakland and the East Bay with timely and professional inspection services tailored to each property type.
Ready to Schedule Your SB-721 or SB-326 Inspection in Oakland?
Don’t wait until deadlines or damage creates bigger issues. Whether you’re an apartment owner needing a CA-SB721 inspection or part of an HOA needing a CA-SB326 compliance report, Great Escape Service & Inspections is here to help. We’ll guide you from your first inquiry to final report submission with full transparency and accuracy.
Don’t wait until the deadline is near; book your inspection today and stay compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the difference between SB 721 and SB 326?
SB 721 applies to apartment buildings, while SB 326 applies to condominiums and HOA-managed buildings. Each has different inspector requirements and inspection frequencies.
Can I pass CA-SB721 or CA-SB326 if there are signs of rot or structural damage?
No, any signs of rot, water intrusion, lack of flashing, etc., must be repaired before a passed/sign-off report can be issued.
Do these inspections include repairs?
No. We provide a full inspection report and coordinate with you if repairs are needed, but repairs are handled separately.
Can I delay my CA-SB721 or CA-SB326 inspection?
No. These inspections are mandatory under California law and must be completed by their respective deadlines.
What happens if I fail the inspection?
If safety issues are found, the inspector must notify the property owner, HOA, and the city. You’ll be required to submit a repair plan and permit application within 120 days.
Can balconies with visible damage still pass inspection?
No. Any signs of damage, rot, or corrosion must be repaired before a pass report can be issued.
Do I need to submit my report to the City of Oakland?
Yes. Passed or failed reports must be submitted by the property owner (SB 721) or HOA (SB 326) to the City of Oakland portal. Click here: City of Oakland Portal.
Oakland / East 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