CA SB 326 / CC 5551 Balcony Inspection Bill Discussions

Browning Reserve Group along with about 2 dozen California reserve study providers discussed the new “Condominium Balcony Law” and its implications within the industry. A consensus was developed which included the following points:

1. Inspections are required every nine years for California condominiums of three or more units with exterior elevated elements which extend beyond the building’s exterior walls, are designed for human use, are more than six feet above ground, and are constructed of or supported by wood.
2. Inspections are to be performed only by a licensed structural engineer or architect. The association is responsible to have the inspection performed and to provide the inspection results to the reserve provider.
3. The first balcony inspection should occur prior to the next Reserve Study site visit but no later than 12/31/2024. The balcony inspection be conducted 6-12 month just prior to the reserve site visit.
4. CC 5551 inspection fees are a legitimate reserve expense (i.e. a legitimate component).

Click here to read the full text of SB 326.

Based on these discussions, the following steps are recommended before 12/31/2024:

1. Determine whether your community is subject to the inspection requirement.
2. Determine which year the next reserve study site visit is due.
3. Hire a qualified inspector 12 months prior to the next reserve study site visit.
4. Provide the inspector’s report to the reserve provider prior to the site visit.