Balcony Inspection Program: San Jose vs Santa Clara
How do balcony inspection program rules compare between San Jose, CA and Santa Clara, CA?
San Jose and Santa Clara have similar restriction levels.
San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
California SB-721 and SB-326 (the Balcony Bill) require statewide periodic inspections of exterior elevated elements (balconies, decks, walkways) on multifamily buildings of three or more units, with the first inspection due January 1, 2025.
View full San Jose rules →Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
California SB-721 (apartments) and SB-326 (HOA condos) require periodic inspection of exterior elevated elements like balconies, decks, and walkways. Santa Clara County Planning and Development enforces in unincorporated areas; first inspections were due January 1, 2025.
View full Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Jose | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Rental law | SB-721 H&S §17973 | - |
| HOA law | SB-326 Civil §5551 | - |
| Cycle | 6 years rentals; 9 HOA | - |
| First deadline | January 1, 2025 | - |
| Trigger | 3+ units with EEEs | - |
| Apartment statute | - | SB-721 H&S Section 17973 |
| HOA condo statute | - | SB-326 Civil Section 5551 |
| First inspection due | - | January 1, 2025 |
| Inspection cycle | - | Every nine years |
| Enforcement | - | County Planning unincorporated |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Jose FAQ
Does this apply to small duplexes?
No. Both SB-721 and SB-326 apply only to buildings with three or more dwelling units. Single-family homes and duplexes are exempt, though prudent owners still inspect aging wood balconies periodically.
Who pays for the inspection?
Building owner for rentals (SB-721); the HOA's reserve fund for condos (SB-326). Costs typically run $200–$800 per balcony depending on access, with destructive testing of a sample required.
Santa Clara FAQ
Do duplexes need SB-721 inspections?
No. SB-721 applies only to buildings with three or more multifamily dwelling units. Single-family homes and duplexes are exempt, though prudent owners may still inspect aging wood balconies and decks for safety.
Who can perform the inspection?
California-licensed architects, civil or structural engineers, or general contractors with class A, B, or C-5 licenses qualifying under SB-721. The inspector must not have a financial interest in subsequent repairs.
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