SB 721 Inspection Deadline Postponed: What San Francisco Landlords Need to Know About Deck and Balcony Compliance
If you own a multi-unit residential building in San Francisco, there’s important news about SB 721, California’s law requiring inspections of elevated balconies, decks, and walkways.
The original January 1, 2025 deadline for the first round of inspections has been postponed, giving landlords additional time to comply. The new deadline is now January 1, 2026.
This extension offers a critical opportunity to get ahead of inspection requirements and avoid last-minute compliance issues, fines, or repair delays.
🏗️ What Is SB 721?
Passed in 2018 in response to deadly balcony collapses, Senate Bill 721 requires periodic safety inspections of Exterior Elevated Elements (EEEs) in qualifying buildings. It applies to:
- Multi-family residential buildings with 3+ units
- EEEs such as balconies, decks, stairways, and walkways that:
- Are six feet or more above ground, and
- Rely on wood or wood-based structural support
Inspections must be completed every 6 years by a licensed architect, structural engineer, or general contractor with the appropriate credentials.
📍 SB 721 vs. San Francisco’s Section 604 – Know the Difference
If you own property in San Francisco, you’re also subject to Section 604 of the San Francisco Building Code, which requires the inspection of all exterior wood-framed elements—including stairs, decks, balconies, and landings—regardless of height. Section 604 applies to buildings with three or more units and must be completed every 5 years by a licensed professional.
While SB 721 focuses on elevated elements six feet or higher statewide, Section 604 has a broader scope locally. Importantly, compliance with one does not exempt you from the other. Many buildings in San Francisco are subject to both inspection laws, and landlords should ensure they’re satisfying both requirements on the correct timelines.
🛠️ Inspection Requirements
Under SB 721, inspections must evaluate the safety and condition of structural supports, waterproofing, and attachment to the building. The inspector must provide a detailed report, and:
- Serious hazards must be repaired within 15–30 days
- Other repairs must be completed within 120 days
- Inspection reports must be kept on file and made available to tenants, buyers, and enforcement agencies upon request
⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
- Fines, penalties, and code enforcement
- Delays in refinancing, selling, or insuring your property
- Potential liability in the event of injury or structural failure
✅ What Should Landlords Do Now?
- Assess your buildings: Do they have elevated balconies, decks, or stairs made of wood and 6+ feet above ground? If yes, SB 721 likely applies.
- Hire a qualified inspector: Choose someone licensed and experienced in elevated element assessments.
- Schedule early: With the deadline extended to January 1, 2026, avoid the last-minute rush for qualified professionals.
- Make timely repairs: Start early if work is needed—especially if you’ll need permits or contractors.
- Check for Section 604 compliance: Review your records to make sure you’re also meeting local inspection timelines.
📌 Don’t Delay
Even with the extended deadline, the volume of inspections required statewide—and the limited number of qualified inspectors—means early action is still the smart move.
For more information:
- SB 721: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC
- San Francisco Section 604: https://sfdbi.org/604