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

CA-SB 721 & E3 Inspection, also known as California Senate Bill 721, mandates the inspection of Exterior Elevated Elements (EEEs), including 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.

CA-SB721 Inspection Reports with Integrated Visual Documentation

Our inspection services include comprehensive written reports, supported by high-resolution photographic documentation, that detail all observable and accessible components. Utilizing advanced borescope technology, we capture internal structural imagery of concealed or hard-to-reach areas, providing a precise visual reference alongside analytical findings. This integrated approach ensures data-driven insights into the condition and integrity of your building’s systems and structure.

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

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.

Why Choose Us for Your SB721 Inspection

Your Compliance Partner Since 1987

We have been serving the San Francisco and the Greater Bay Area, most recently branching out to the Los Angeles area. We have unparalleled experience in fire escape maintenance and service, and structural inspections. As leaders in our industry, we are experts in codes and inspection compliance requirements in California.

Protect Against Water Damage

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

Trusted by Property Owners Across California

With a steadfast commitment to professionalism, reliability, and exceptional customer service, we have established ourselves as a trusted partner for property management companies and homeowners across California, including the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Our reputation is built on delivering consistent results and exceeding expectations every step of the way.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with California SB721 can lead to significant fines, legal exposure, and serious safety risks. With the compliance deadline rapidly approaching, now is the time to act. Schedule your inspection today to ensure safety, meet legal requirements, and protect your property with confidence.

Stay Ahead of the SB721 Compliance Deadline

Avoid the last-minute rush—schedule your inspection today with Great Escape Service and Inspection, California’s trusted expert in balcony and deck inspections. Our team makes SB721 compliance straightforward, efficient, and hassle-free, ensuring your property meets all safety requirements well before the January 1, 2026, deadline.

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.