California Senate Bill 721, which would mandate the inspection of elevated exterior elements (EEEs) for all multi-family projects with at least three units, is moving forward.
A working group studying the legislation issued a report in December, finding that “deterioration of EEEs is a significant problem and illustrates that a post-occupancy inspection program is critical to reducing the risk of failure of existing EEEs.”
Numerous apartment ownership and community association groups oppose the legislation, claiming it is “extreme, redundant and unwarranted.”
Xpera Group is watching this issue closely. To learn more about this pending legislation and how it might impact your business, visit our page on EEE inspection services or reach out for more information.
Balcony Bill Signed Into Law September 2018
You can read the details about the California balcony law here.
CA Senate Bill 721 – History:
January 22nd, 2018
SB-721 has Passed the state Senate with 30-7. It has been ordered to the California State Assembly.
June 11th, 2018
After being referred to committees, the bill has been amended in Assembly. Notable Changes include:
- Adding California licensed building contractors who holds A, B, C-5 classifications for at least 5 years to list of qualified professionals to perform inspections
- No recommended repair shall be performed by licensed contractor serving as inspector
- Date of first inspection shall be completed by January 1, 2025 (previously 01.01.2024)
- (was removed in revision) Change in sample percentage of exterior elevated elements based on size of association on common interest developments:
- under 1000 units: 15 percent
- 1001-5000 units: 10 percent
- over 5000 units: 5 percent
June 19-20th, 2018
From the committee, Do pass as amended 15-2 and re-refer to Housing and Community Development.
Read 2nd time and amended. Change involves removing proposed section addition to Civil Code related to common interest development (Section 4100).
July 2nd – August 8th, 2018
Amended and passed in committees 15-1. The last major change includes:
- Added section detailing that any condo conversions sold after January 1, 2019 to require balcony inspections before the first close of escrow. The inspection, report, and confirmation of completed repairs (if any) is now a condition for certificate of occupancy of the converted unit.
August 20, 2018
Read third time in Assembly. SB-721 Passed and ordered to Senate.
August 21, 2018
California state senate concurred Assembly amendments 32-3.
This article was originally published by Xpera Group which is now part of The Vertex Companies, LLC.
