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.
After a 2015 Berkeley balcony collapse killed six, California enacted SB-721 (rentals, Health & Safety Code §17973) and SB-326 (HOAs, Civil Code §5551). Both require inspection of exterior elevated elements (EEEs) — balconies, decks, stairs, walkways more than six feet above grade with wood structural framing — on buildings of three or more dwelling units. Inspections must be performed by a licensed architect, civil/structural engineer, or qualified contractor. SB-721 requires the first inspection by January 1, 2025, with re-inspection every six years; SB-326 requires every nine years. San Jose enforces through SJMC Title 17 and Code Enforcement when reports reveal hazards. Reports must be retained and shared with HOA boards or rental owners.
Failure to inspect by deadline can trigger civil penalties up to $500 per day, building-code citations under SJMC Title 17, and personal-injury liability for owners; immediate hazards require shoring or balcony closure.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
San Jose, CA
San Jose Municipal Code Title 7 (Animal Care and Control) requires dogs in public places, city parks, and trails to be on a leash no longer than six feet, re...
San Jose, CA
San Jose imposes no general restriction on year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private residential property. The sign code (SJMC Ch...
San Jose, CA
San Jose has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, height, and motor noise are not restricted by the munic...
San Jose, CA
San Jose has no ordinance limiting the duration, brightness, or hours of residential holiday lighting. The general nuisance provisions in SJMC Title 6 and th...
San Jose, CA
A built-in outdoor kitchen in San Jose typically requires multiple permits: a building permit for any structural roof or counter exceeding the patio cover ex...
San Jose, CA
San Jose does not have a dedicated ordinance for backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Use is governed by the multifamily balcony restriction...
See how San Jose'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.