Dallas Earthquake Safety: Balcony Inspection Program Rules (2026)

Unlike California, which requires inspection of exterior elevated elements at multifamily properties every six or nine years, Texas state law contains no analogous mandate. Dallas Chapter 27 (Minimum Property Standards) requires every owner to keep balconies, decks, walkways, and stair systems structurally sound, free of rot, rust, or deflection, and equipped with railings of code-compliant height and load capacity. Code Compliance investigates after tenant complaints, 311 reports, or visible deterioration observed during routine multifamily inspections. Properties enrolled in Dallas's multifamily Single Family Rental and Multi-Tenant inspection program receive periodic visual checks, but engineering inspections of waterproofing or load-bearing connections are not required absent a complaint, repair permit, or visible failure.