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.
SB-721, codified at California Health and Safety Code Section 17973 after the 2015 Berkeley balcony collapse, requires owners of buildings with three or more multifamily units to inspect exterior elevated elements (balconies, decks, stairways, walkways) supported by wood or wood-based products at least six feet above the ground. The first inspection was due January 1, 2025, repeating every nine years. SB-326 imposes parallel rules on HOA-governed condominiums under California Civil Code Section 5551, with first reports due January 1, 2025, repeating every nine years. Inspections must be performed by a licensed architect, civil or structural engineer, or qualified contractor. The County Planning and Development Department enforces in unincorporated Santa Clara County.
Failure to inspect or repair triggers administrative civil penalties up to $500 per day under H&S Section 17973(j). Unsafe-condition reports require notice to occupants within 15 days and posting until repaired. Recurring noncompliance can become a misdemeanor.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto Airport (PAO) enforces a voluntary curfew and noise abatement procedures, with FAA preemption limiting local authority over flight operations.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto prohibits amplified music audible beyond the property line during quiet hours and requires a special event permit for outdoor amplification in publ...
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto enforces strict decibel limits by zone under PAMC 9.10.040: 60 dBA day / 50 dBA night in residential, scaling up to 70 dBA in manufacturing zones.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto permits construction Monday-Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 6pm, with no work allowed on Sundays or holidays under PAMC 9.10.060.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto requires encroachment permits for new driveways, regulates curb cut dimensions, and prohibits blocking sidewalks or adjacent driveways under traffi...
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto restricts RV, trailer, and boat storage on public streets and requires screening for large recreational vehicles on residential property under zoni...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how Palo Alto's balcony inspection program rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.