Ensure Your Property Complies with CA SB721 in San Francisco!

California Senate Bill 721 (SB721):

The CA SB721 E3 law (Exterior Elevated Elements or E3), or Senate Bill 721, requires mandatory inspections of balconies, decks, stairways, and other wood-bearing external elements in multifamily buildings with three or more units. This law aims to enhance public safety and minimize risks of structural failures by ensuring that all external elevated structures (E3 elements) are in sound condition.

Why CA SB721 (E3) Law Matters

The bill was introduced following a tragic incident in Berkeley, California, where a balcony collapsed, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. SB721 aims to enhance safety measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Neglecting compliance with CA SB721 E3 law could result in severe penalties, repair costs, and, most importantly, compromises to individuals' safety. Stay ahead of the game by partnering with Great Escape Service, San Francisco's leading balcony inspection experts.

Key points about the law you need to know:

The purpose of this inspection is to detect water intrusion and structural safety issues to prevent accidents.
Inspections are mandatory every 6 years for properties with more than three units.
Failure to comply may result in fines and penalties.
The deadline to comply with this law is January 1, 2026, making timely inspections essential for property owners.

Balcony and Deck Inspections Great Escape

Our Services for CA SB721 Compliance in San Francisco

We provide end-to-end support to help you comply with the CA SB721 E3 law. Here's how we assist property owners and managers in San Francisco and across California:

1. Comprehensive Inspections

We specialize in balcony, deck, and stairway inspections with a focus on:

Detecting water damage and structural weaknesses

Identifying potential risks before they become costly repairs

Delivering detailed compliance reports

2. Detailed Reporting

Receive clear, actionable inspection reports to ensure compliance and guide necessary repairs.

3. Repair Coordination Support

If repairs are required, we connect you with trusted contractors to resolve issues and finalize compliance.

4. Guidance on Deadlines

Stay updated with San Francisco and California's latest CA-SB721 (E3) compliance inspection deadlines.

Why Choose Us?

At Great Escape Service, compliance and safety are our top priorities. Here's why property owners in San Francisco trust us for SB721 balcony inspections and related compliance services:

Decades of Experience

With 35+ years of experience serving the Bay Area, we know the local regulations inside and out. Our inspections are thorough, professional, and compliant with all state requirements.

Transparent Process

We provide clear, easy-to-understand reports and recommendations. Our competitive pricing, with no hidden fees, ensures you get the best value for your investment.

Local Family-Owned Business

Founded in San Francisco, we take pride in supporting our community. Your property's safety is more than just business to us; it's personal.

Trusted in San Francisco

From single multi-family buildings to large complexes, our clients trust us for reliable, transparent, and ethical services.

Act Now to Stay Compliant

Don't wait until the deadline. Book your SB 721 inspections today with trusted experts specializing in keeping San Francisco properties safe, compliant, and secure.

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.

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.