– Covered HOAs must complete initial SB-326 inspections by January 1, 2025.
– Subsequent inspections are required at least once every nine years.
– Inspections must be conducted by licensed structural engineers, architects, licensed general contractors, or certified building inspectors.
– All exterior elevated elements (EEEs) supported substantially or entirely by wood or wood-based products that are six or more feet off the ground must be inspected.
– The waterproofing systems for each EEE must also be inspected.
– Under SB-326, inspectors must visually inspect a statistically significant sample of a building’s EEEs. This sample must provide 95% confidence that the results reflect the entire building, with a margin of error no greater than plus or minus 5%. The number of EEEs inspected will depend on the building’s size.
– After the visual inspection, the inspector will determine if further testing is necessary and must report any imminent dangers to life and safety to the city’s building department and the HOA board.
– The inspector must prepare a signed, detailed report with repair recommendations and present it to the HOA board.
– The HOA board is then responsible for budgeting for the repairs and ensuring they are completed.

– Initial inspections must be completed by January 1, 2025.
– Subsequent inspections must occur every six years.
– Applies to multi-family residential buildings with three or more units. Includes balconies, decks, porches, stairways, walkways, and other exterior elevated elements more than six feet above ground level that rely in whole or in part on wood or wood-based products for structural support.

– Inspections must be conducted by a licensed architect, civil or structural engineer, general contractor holding specific licenses (B, C-5, or C-33), or a certified building inspector.- Inspections must include a visual and, if necessary, intrusive examination to evaluate the condition and structural integrity of EEEs. The inspection must assess the waterproofing elements, such as flashings, membranes, coatings, and sealants.

– A written report must be prepared, documenting the current condition of the EEEs, the expected future performance, and any immediate threats to the safety of the occupants. The report must include photographs and a detailed description of the findings. If the inspection identifies any conditions that pose an immediate threat to the safety of the occupants, the report must be submitted to the local enforcement agency within 15 days.
– Necessary repairs must be completed promptly, and reinspection may be required to verify the adequacy of repairs.

– Non-compliance with SB-721 may result in fines and other enforcement actions by local building officials.