SB326 requires associations in California to have licensed professionals inspect "exterior elevated elements" — balconies, decks, walkways, and stairways supported substantially by wood or wood-based materials — on a regular schedule, typically every nine years. The law was passed in response to fatal balcony collapses tied to hidden wood rot and water damage that went undetected for years.
It applies specifically to buildings with three or more multifamily units, which puts most condo and larger HOA properties in California squarely within its scope.
The HOA board is responsible for scheduling and paying for these inspections, similar to other obligations set out under the broader Davis-Stirling Act. Boards that don't comply can face liability if a failure occurs later, on top of the safety risk itself — this isn't a law with a soft enforcement mechanism given what prompted it.
For builders, this also matters at turnover — an association inheriting an aging building needs to know its SB326 timeline immediately, not discover it years later when an inspection was already overdue.
A licensed structural engineer or architect examines a statistically significant sample of the covered elements, looking specifically for signs of water intrusion, wood decay, and structural compromise not visible from a routine walkthrough. This is a more rigorous process than a general inspection checklist a board might use for everyday maintenance — SB326 inspections require licensed expertise and formal documentation of findings.
Boards found with deficiencies must repair them within a set timeframe, making early scheduling important so there's time to budget for repairs rather than facing an emergency deadline.
