EEE’s & Reserves, A Deeper Look at SB 326
Thursday, February 17, 2022
February 17, 2022 – Sacramento, Ca. Mr. Browning, PCAM, RS, RSS, co-presented Elevated Exterior Elements and Reserves, A Deeper Look at SB 326. SB 326, also commonly referred to as the “California Balcony Bill”, was a result of the Berkeley balcony collapse that killed seven students during 2015.
SB 326, CC 5551, requires periodic inspection of exterior elevated elements that are made of, or supported by, wood or wood products, are 6′ above ground level, and part of condominium building with more than 2 units. Inspections include the structure, waterproofing system, railing, decks, balconies, elevated walks, stairs, and landings that are intended for human use.
The inspections must be performed every nine years by a licensed structural engineer or architect, and the first inspection must be completed prior to January 1, 2025. The results of those inspections must be incorporated into the reserve study. Condo Boards are responsible for having the inspections performed and feeding those results to the reserve preparer. Determination as to what exterior elevated elements must be inspected may require an attorney’s opinion in coordination with licensed structural engineers and architects.
