California’s Focus on Building Safety
California’s focus on building safety has grown significantly over the past decade, especially regarding balconies, decks, exterior walkways, and elevated structures. Two major laws—SB 721 and SB 326—were created to ensure the long-term safety of these exterior elevated elements (EEEs).
For property owners in Sonoma County, Marin County, and throughout California, understanding these requirements is now essential. At GreenRun Construction, we help owners, HOAs, and property managers stay informed, compliant, and confident that their buildings are safe.
Why These Laws Were Created
In 2015, a tragic balcony failure in Berkeley resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. Investigators found that hidden wood rot and structural decay were the root causes. In response, California enacted two companion laws to prevent future failures:
SB 721 — applies to multi-family rental buildings
SB 326 — applies to condominiums and HOAs
Although similar, each bill targets different types of ownership and has different deadlines and inspection cycles.
🏢 SB 721: What Rental Property Owners Must Know
Who Must Comply
SB 721 applies to apartment buildings and multi-family rental properties with three or more units.
If your building has wood-framed balconies, decks, stairs, landings, or walkways more than six feet above ground, it almost certainly falls under this law.
Inspection Deadline
All SB 721 inspections must be completed by January 1, 2026.
This deadline applies statewide—including in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, and Healdsburg.
What the Inspection Includes
A qualified inspector must evaluate:
Structural framing
Water intrusion or dry rot
Connection points
Guardrails and handrails
Overall structural integrity
Any concealed decay behind finishes
After the Inspection
Property owners receive a detailed report outlining:
Immediate safety hazards
Recommended repairs and timelines
Required permits for corrective action
Long-term maintenance guidance
Serious issues may require temporary tenant relocation or emergency repairs.
🏘️ SB 326: What HOAs and Condo Associations Must Know
Who Must Comply
SB 326 applies to common interest developments, such as:
Condominiums
Townhome associations
HOA-managed multi-family buildings
Inspection Deadline
The first round of inspections for SB 326 was due January 1, 2025, with subsequent inspections required every nine years thereafter.
Scope of the Inspection
For HOA-managed properties, inspectors review:
Balconies and decks
Painted or stucco-covered exterior corridors
Elevated walkways and landings
Structural attachment points
Visible and concealed framing conditions
Findings must be presented to the HOA board and included in the Reserve Study, tying the results directly to the community’s long-term maintenance plan and budget.
🌲 What This Means for Property Owners in Sonoma & Marin Counties
Both Sonoma County and Marin County contain many aging structures built before today’s standards for moisture protection, flashing, and weatherproofing.
That means property owners in:
Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Healdsburg, Windsor, Sebastopol, and coastal communities
—as well as—
San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, Sausalito, and Tiburon
face similar urgency to complete required inspections and repairs.
Local building departments are preparing for the January 1, 2026 enforcement period for SB 721, while HOAs are expected to maintain SB 326 inspection cycles going forward.
👉 The earlier owners act, the smoother (and less expensive) the process will be.
⚖️ Why These Laws Matter: Safety + Liability
Failure to comply can lead to:
Significant fines and penalties
Legal liability for injuries
Insurance or refinance difficulties
Sale delays or disclosures during escrow
Enforcement actions from local building departments
More importantly, these inspections save lives. They detect hidden structural decay, wood rot, and moisture damage that visual checks can easily miss.
🛠️ How GreenRun Construction Supports Compliance
At GreenRun Construction, we partner with:
Apartment owners
HOA boards
Property managers
Real estate investors
Multi-unit building owners
✔ Pre-Inspection Evaluations
We help owners understand which elements qualify under SB 721 or SB 326 and prepare for inspection day.
✔ Repair Work Following an Inspection
Once a licensed inspector provides the compliance report, we handle all required repair scopes, including:
Balcony and deck reconstruction
Structural reinforcement
Dry rot repair
Waterproofing and flashing installations
Guardrail upgrades
Stair and walkway repairs
✔ Permit Management
We coordinate with local building departments in Sonoma County and Marin County to streamline plan review and permit approvals.
✔ Documentation for Long-Term Compliance
Owners receive detailed records to maintain future compliance and assist with resale documentation.
💬 Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until the Deadline
With inspectors booking months in advance, now is the best time to schedule your evaluation and plan any required repairs.
Whether you’re a rental property owner or part of an HOA, GreenRun Construction helps you navigate SB 721 and SB 326 with clarity, professionalism, and peace of mind.
📞 Ready to Take the Next Step?
Contact GreenRun Construction to schedule a consultation or begin planning your compliance strategy.
Serving Sonoma County, Marin County, and the greater North Bay with integrity, craftsmanship, and trusted guidance.
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