In 2019, California passed Senate Bill 326 (SB 326), requiring mandatory balcony inspections and evaluations of exterior elevated elements (EEEs) such as balconies, decks, and walkways in multifamily residential buildings. This law, which applies to Los Angeles balcony inspections, was created to prevent tragic structural failures by ensuring regular inspections of these critical load-bearing elements. Initially, SB 326 mandated that these inspections be carried out by licensed Structural Engineers, due to the complexity and safety considerations involved in evaluating these structures.

However, with the introduction of Assembly Bill 2114 (AB 2114), the list of professionals eligible to perform these inspections has expanded. The bill now permits licensed Professional Engineers to conduct inspections under SB 326, creating more flexibility for property owners and managers, including those working with SKS contractors.

SB 326: A Refresher

SB 326 applies to multifamily residential buildings with three or more units, specifically targeting the inspection of exterior elevated elements made of wood or that rely on wood support. These include balconies, walkways, and staircases designed to support significant weight. Under SB 326, these elements must be inspected every nine years to ensure they are in safe, serviceable condition. Balcony repair contractors may be required if deficiencies are found.

Who Was Initially Allowed to Conduct Inspections?

When SB 326 first came into effect, the law was clear: only licensed Structural Engineers or architects could perform these mandatory inspections. Given the complexity of evaluating load-bearing structures and the potential risks of overlooking deficiencies, balcony inspection companies and professionals specializing in structural engineering were considered essential to ensuring safety. SKS Construction has a team of licensed balcony contractors who are experts in these inspections.

AB 2114: New Provisions and Expanded Authority

AB 2114, introduced in 2024, has brought significant changes to the implementation of SB 326. The new law permits licensed Professional Engineers (PEs) to conduct these inspections as well. This change is a major benefit to property owners in need of timely inspections, especially given the rising demand for Los Angeles balcony inspection services.

What Does This Change Mean?

The expansion of eligible inspectors provides more options for building owners and property managers looking to comply with SB 326. Including Professional Engineers as eligible inspectors allows for:

• Greater Availability of Inspectors: Property owners now have more flexibility in finding qualified inspectors, including those from SKS Construction Company, ensuring timely compliance with inspection deadlines.
• Maintaining Compliance: All inspections must still adhere to the rigorous standards set by SB 326 and AB 2114. Both Structural Engineers and Professional Engineers must evaluate for water intrusion, decay, and structural integrity—issues often discovered in balcony repairs and balcony structural repairs.
• Possible Cost Reductions: With more professionals available to conduct inspections, property owners may experience competitive pricing. This could make the cost of compliance, including potential balcony repair services, more manageable.

Compliance Tips for Property Owners

While AB 2114 offers greater flexibility, it’s crucial for property owners to remain diligent in their compliance efforts. Key steps include:

• Schedule Inspections Within the Nine-Year Window: Whether working with SKS contractors or another licensed professional, ensure that your property’s EEEs are inspected on schedule.
• Review Inspection Reports: Inspectors, including those from SKS Construction, are required to submit findings in writing. Owners should review reports to address deficiencies promptly, especially when repairs such as balcony repairs are necessary.
• Keep Documentation: Retaining inspection reports is important, as they serve as proof of compliance with both SB 326 and AB 2114. These documents may be required if there are future issues or inquiries.

How SKS Construction Can Help

At SKS Construction, we are experts in the requirements of both SB 326 and AB 2114. Our team includes licensed Structural Engineers and Professional Engineers, allowing us to offer comprehensive balcony inspections and repair services, ensuring your building’s compliance with California’s stringent safety regulations.

In addition to balcony inspection, SKS construction also offers a range of services, including seismic retrofitting and soft story retrofit solutions. We understand the value of maintaining the structural integrity of your property, whether through earthquake retrofit or balcony repairs.

Contact us today to schedule your SB 326 inspection or to learn more about how we can assist with any repairs, retrofitting, or ADU construction necessary for your building.