Balcony Inspection Checklist - SB 721

Use the SB 721 Balcony Inspection Checklist to ensure buildings' balconies meet California's SB 721 safety standards, identifying hazards and required repairs for compliance.

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Balcony Inspection Checklist - SB 721



Scope And Eligibility

1. The building contains three or more dwelling units


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2. Exterior elevated elements more than six feet above ground have been identified


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3. Elements substantially supported by wood or wood-based products are recorded


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4. Each element type is listed separately with a total count


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5. Balconies, decks, walkways, stairways, landings and elevated entries are all included


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6. Buildings permitted on or after January 1, 2019 are tracked against their certificate of occupancy date


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Inspector Qualification And Engagement

1. The inspector holds a license accepted under Health and Safety Code 17973


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2. Contractor inspectors hold an A, B or C-5 license with five years of wood-frame experience


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3. The inspector's license status has been verified as current


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4. Professional liability insurance covering this work is confirmed


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5. The engagement states the sampling methodology to be used


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Sampling And Access

1. At least 15 percent of each element type is included in the inspection sample


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2. The sample is selected at random rather than by convenience


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3. Elements showing visible distress are included in addition to the random sample


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4. Each sampled element is identified by unit number and location


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5. Residents have received the required notice before entry to units


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6. Access has been arranged for elements reached only through dwelling units


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Waterproofing And Surface Membrane

1. The surface membrane is free from cracks, splits and blistering


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2. Joints, terminations and transitions in the membrane are intact


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3. The walking surface is firm underfoot with no spongy or soft areas


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4. Coatings and sealants are continuous with no gaps at upstands


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5. The surface slopes to drain with no ponding water


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6. Drains and scuppers are clear of debris and draining freely


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7. Sealant at drains and scuppers is intact with no exposed fasteners


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Flashing And Wall Transitions

1. Flashing is correctly integrated with the wall covering above


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2. Flashing is free from rust, corrosion and physical damage


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3. Sealant at the wall-to-deck transition is continuous and not deteriorated


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4. No gaps or cracks are present between the wall and the deck surface


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5. Door thresholds show intact flashing with no decay to the frame


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6. Water staining below the element indicates no active leakage


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Structural Framing And Load-Bearing Components

1. Framing members show no dry rot, decay or softness when probed


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2. No insect damage is present in framing or load-bearing components


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3. The ledger board connection to the building is sound and correctly fastened


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4. Fasteners and metal connectors show no significant corrosion or section loss


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5. No evidence of improper original installation is present


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6. Previous repairs were carried out to a proper standard


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7. Water staining on framing indicates no ongoing moisture intrusion


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8. Enclosed framing cavities have ventilation where the design requires it


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Railings, Posts And Guards

1. Railings are securely attached with no movement when load is applied


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2. Posts show no decay, splitting or corrosion at the base connection


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3. Guard height and infill spacing meet the code applicable to the building


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4. Handrails are continuous, secure and smooth to grip


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5. Connections between railing and structure show no rust or fastener loss


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Staircases And Landings

1. Stringers show no dry rot, insect damage or splitting


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2. Treads are secure with no movement, decay or excessive wear


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3. Landings drain freely with no ponding or membrane failure


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4. Stair connections to the structure are sound and correctly fastened


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5. Nosings and edges are intact with no trip hazards


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Enclosed Soffits And Undersides

1. Soffits show no water staining or discoloration


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2. No efflorescence is visible on soffits or supporting surfaces


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3. Paint on undersides is free from blistering and peeling


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4. Soffit materials are intact with no sagging or separation


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5. Access has been gained to inspect concealed undersides where required


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Exploratory Openings And Documentation

1. Exploratory openings were made where visual inspection indicated concealed damage


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2. The location of each opening is recorded against the element inspected


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3. Openings have been made good and reinstated to a weathertight condition


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4. Photographs record the condition of each sampled element


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5. Moisture readings are recorded where taken


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Determination And Immediate Threats

1. A safe condition determination has been recorded for each sampled element


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2. Elements found unsafe are identified separately from those needing future repair


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3. Any condition posing an immediate threat to occupant safety is recorded


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4. Elements posing an immediate threat have been taken out of use or shored


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5. The local enforcement agency has been notified within 15 days of an immediate threat


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Reporting, Repairs And Cycle Tracking

1. The written report was received within 45 days of the inspection


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2. The report identifies the elements inspected and the expected future service life


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3. A permit application for required repairs was submitted within 120 days


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4. Repair completion is tracked against the permit conditions


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5. The report is retained with the property records


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6. The next inspection is calendared for six years from this inspection date


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Checklist by GoAudits.com – Please note that this checklist is intended as an example. We do not guarantee compliance with the laws applicable to your territory or industry. You should seek professional advice to determine how this checklist should be adapted to your workplace or jurisdiction.

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