Understanding the Pace of the Process (Including Waterproofing Considerations)
California’s SB 721 Balcony Inspection Law has introduced a structured, time-sensitive process for evaluating and maintaining Exterior Elevated Elements (EEEs) in multifamily housing. For property owners and community associations, success depends not only on understanding what must be done, but also when and how quickly each step should move forward.
The process follows a steady but deliberate pace — one that rewards early planning and penalizes delay. The following master checklist outlines each phase of SB 721 compliance, incorporating practical field insights and emphasizing waterproofing as a critical component of long-term performance.
Determine Applicability and Property Scope
The first step is confirming whether a property falls under SB 721 requirements.
- ☐ Verify the building has three or more dwelling units
- ☐ Identify all Exterior Elevated Elements (EEEs): balconies, decks, stairs, walkways,
and landings
- ☐ Confirm elements are wood-framed or wood-supported
- ☐ Ensure elements are elevated more than six feet above ground
This initial review should move quickly, but accuracy is essential. Misclassification can lead to missed deadlines or unnecessary work.
Establish Timeline and Compliance Strategy
SB 721 is driven by deadlines, and pacing begins here.
- ☐ Confirm whether the initial inspection deadline (January 1, 2025) has been met
- ☐ Schedule inspections immediately if overdue
- ☐ Plan for recurring inspections every six years
- ☐ Build a compliance calendar with key milestones
Delays at this stage compress all subsequent phases, often increasing costs and limiting contractor availability.
Engage a Qualified Inspector
Selecting the right professional sets the tone for the entire process.
- ☐ Confirm credentials (licensed architect, structural engineer, or qualified inspector)
- ☐ Verify experience with SB 721 and EEE systems
- ☐ Review sample reports for clarity and thoroughness
- ☐ Establish scope, access requirements, and timeline
A well-qualified inspector ensures the process proceeds efficiently without unnecessary rework or disputes.
Conduct the Inspection (Including Waterproofing Evaluation)
Inspections must balance thoroughness with efficiency.
- ☐ Inspect at least 15% of each type of EEE
- ☐ Perform visual assessments of structural components
- ☐ Evaluate waterproofing systems (membranes, coatings, flashing)
- ☐ Identify signs of water intrusion, rot, or deterioration
- ☐ Conduct limited destructive testing where required
Waterproofing plays a central role. In many cases, failures in membranes or drainage systems are the root cause of structural damage.
Review the Inspection Report
The report defines the next steps and sets the repair pace.
- ☐ Confirm classification of findings (minor, moderate, or safety hazard)
- ☐ Review photographic documentation and notes
- ☐ Identify required repairs and recommended methods
- ☐ Clarify any ambiguous or technical findings with the inspector
Prompt review prevents delays in moving to the repair phase.
Address Immediate Safety Hazards
If unsafe conditions are identified, the pace accelerates significantly.
- ☐ Restrict access to affected areas immediately
- ☐ Notify local authorities if required
- ☐ Initiate emergency repairs without delay
Safety-related findings override standard timelines and require immediate action.
Develop a Repair Plan
A clear plan keeps the process on track and avoids disputes.
- ☐ Define scope of work in detail
- ☐ Include structural repairs and waterproofing restoration
- ☐ Identify materials, methods, and sequencing
- ☐ Coordinate permitting requirements
Waterproofing must be fully integrated into the repair plan—not treated as an afterthought.
Select a Qualified Contractor
Contractor selection directly impacts timeline and quality.
- ☐ Verify licensing, insurance, and relevant experience
- ☐ Confirm expertise in both structural and waterproofing systems
- ☐ Review references and past SB 721 projects
- ☐ Ensure ability to meet required timelines
Given current demand, early contractor engagement is critical to maintaining pace.
Complete Repairs Within Required Timeframe
SB 721 requires repairs to be completed within 120 days of the inspection report.
- ☐ Begin work promptly after report issuance
- ☐ Track progress against deadlines
- ☐ Document any delays (permits, weather, material shortages)
- ☐ Request extensions if necessary with proper justification
Maintaining momentum during this phase is essential to avoid compliance issues.
Verify Completion and Maintain Documentation
Closing out the process properly ensures long-term compliance.
- ☐ Obtain final documentation of completed repairs
- ☐ Confirm all deficiencies have been addressed
- ☐ Retain inspection reports, permits, and repair records
- ☐ Prepare for future inspection cycles
Well-organized documentation simplifies future inspections and reduces risk.
Implement Preventative Maintenance (Focus on Waterproofing)
The process does not end with repairs — ongoing care is key.
- ☐ Schedule periodic visual inspections between SB 721 cycles
- ☐ Maintain waterproofing systems (recoating, sealing, drainage)
- ☐ Address minor issues before they escalate
- ☐ Keep maintenance records for future reference
Consistent waterproofing maintenance significantly extends the life of EEEs and reduces long-term costs.
Understanding the Pace: Why Timing Matters
SB 721 is not a one-time event but a continuous cycle. The pace typically follows this pattern:
- Initial Assessment (fast): Determining applicability and scheduling inspections
- Inspection Phase (moderate): Coordinating access and completing evaluations
- Reporting (fast): Delivering findings and recommendations
- Repair Phase (accelerated): Completing work within mandated timelines
- Maintenance (ongoing): Preserving integrity between cycles
Properties that stay ahead of this pace benefit from lower costs, fewer emergencies, and smoother compliance.
Final Thoughts
The SB 721 process is best approached as a structured checklist rather than a reactive obligation. Each step builds on the previous one, and maintaining a steady pace is essential to success.
Among all considerations, waterproofing stands out as one of the most critical factors. Properly designed and maintained waterproofing systems protect structural components, reduce repair frequency, and enhance overall building performance.
By following a disciplined checklist and prioritizing both timing and quality, multifamily property owners and community associations can navigate SB 721 with confidence and clarity.
Malki Construction, Inc. specializes in repairs & waterproofing for SB 721 & SB 326 inspections, exterior elevated element (EEE) evaluations, and multifamily structural repairs. For more information, please reach out to: www.MalkiConstruction.com; [email protected]; or 714.296.3004.