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SB 721 / EEE Inspections

SB 721 Inspections in Santa Rosa & Sonoma County

Exterior elevated element inspections of balconies, decks, stairways and walkways for multifamily owners and managers in the North Bay.

Wood-framed balcony and deck of the kind covered by an SB 721 inspection

What SB 721 Asks of Multifamily Owners

California's SB 721 requires periodic inspection of exterior elevated elements (EEEs): balconies, decks, landings, stairways and walkways more than six feet above the ground that rely on wood or wood-based framing, on many multifamily buildings with three or more units.

The law exists because these elements fail out of sight. Wood framing under a balcony or walkway can rot for years behind a membrane or stucco soffit while the surface still looks fine. North Bay winters bring long stretches of rain, and every place where a deck meets a wall, a drain clogs or a membrane cracks is a place water can get into the framing.

I offer SB 721 / EEE inspections as a specialty service by request for apartment owners and property managers in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Windsor and the rest of Sonoma County.

Exterior Elevated Elements

What an SB 721 Inspection Covers

Balconies
Decks and landings
Exterior stairways
Elevated walkways
Associated waterproofing
Diagram of a multifamily building showing balconies, decks, exterior stairs, elevated walkways and entry structures

Load-Bearing Components

The joists, beams, posts, ledgers and connections that hold each element up, where they can be seen, and any signs of sagging, movement or loose fasteners.

Waterproofing

Membranes, flashing, drainage and the transitions where a deck or walkway meets the building. Water that gets past them is what rots wood framing from the inside.

Safety and Serviceability

Railings, stair treads and walking surfaces, and whether each element is in a condition that is safe to use today and what will need attention next.

Plan Your SB 721 Inspection

SB 721 inspections are offered by request. Send the address, the number of units and roughly how many balconies, decks, stairways and walkways the building has, and I'll explain what's involved. Reach me at juan@buywiseinspect.com or 707.326.6115.

Contact Juan

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers about SB 721 exterior elevated element inspections from Juan de la Cruz, your Certified Master Inspector.

California's SB 721 requires periodic inspection of exterior elevated elements on many multifamily buildings. These are balconies, decks, landings, stairways and walkways more than six feet above the ground that rely on wood or wood-based framing.

It applies to many multifamily residential buildings with three or more units. If you own or manage an apartment building in Santa Rosa or elsewhere in Sonoma County with wood-framed balconies, decks, stairs or walkways, it likely applies to you. Your attorney or local building department can confirm the details for a specific property.

Clear documentation of the conditions found, with plain-English findings and priorities, so owners and managers can plan repairs and work toward compliance.

No. SB 721 is a specialty path for owners and managers of multifamily buildings. If you are a homebuyer here for a standard inspection, start with one of the three inspection packages.

SB 721 inspections are offered by request. Contact Juan at juan@buywiseinspect.com or 707.326.6115 with the address and the number of units and elevated elements.

More questions? Ask Juan directly, or see the price for your home before you schedule.

Read more: what to expect during an SB 721 inspection, SB 721 for apartment owners, property managers and HOAs and what property owners need to know about balcony and deck inspections. Looking for a home inspection instead? See all services.

Buy with confidence.

You'll understand the house, not just receive a report.

Calm, thorough, buyer-first inspections by Juan de la Cruz, CMISanta Rosa, Sonoma County & the North Bay

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