Your Guide To SB 326 Compliance, Inspections, And Risk-Free Project Management
In California’s complex real estate landscape, keeping buildings safe and compliant is more than good practice—it’s the law. And when it comes to balcony safety, the stakes are especially high. Since the passage of California Senate Bill 326 (SB 326), property owners of multi-family buildings are legally required to inspect their exterior elevated elements (EEEs)—such as balconies, decks, and walkways—every nine years.
These inspections aren’t just red tape. They’re designed to prevent tragedies like the Berkeley balcony collapse of 2015, which took six lives and seriously injured several others. In response, lawmakers created SB 326 to ensure that EEEs are structurally sound, watertight, and regularly maintained.
But with new regulations come new responsibilities—and potential liabilities. Missing an inspection deadline or hiring an unqualified contractor can lead to costly repairs, failed inspections, or worse, resident injury. That’s why VertPro® created a platform that simplifies the entire process, from understanding SB 326 to getting compliant bids and managing inspections efficiently—all in one place.
What Is SB 326 & Why Does It Matter?
SB 326 applies to multi-family residential buildings with three or more units. It mandates inspections of all exterior elevated elements that are six feet or more above ground and are supported by wood-based materials. These include balconies, decks, walkways, stairways, and railings.
The law requires that:
- Inspections be performed at least once every nine years
- All inspections are conducted by a licensed architect, engineer, or qualified building professional
- Reports must assess both structural integrity and waterproofing systems
- Findings be submitted to both the building owner and the local enforcement agency
What many owners don’t realize is that failure to comply doesn’t just delay upgrades—it can trigger code enforcement actions, fines, civil liability, and tenant lawsuits. That’s why education and proactive compliance are essential—and where VertPro® plays a key role.
How VertPro® Makes SB 326 Compliance Easy
Instead of navigating contractors, comparing quotes manually, and chasing paperwork, VertPro® empowers property owners with a streamlined, technology-driven approach to inspections and upgrades.
Here’s how the VertPro® process works:
1. Get 3 Competitive Bids from Pre-Vetted Contractors
VertPro® connects you with three qualified, licensed contractors who understand the exact requirements of SB 326. All contractors are pre-screened for expertise in balcony inspections and EEE repairs. Within 15 days of posting your project, you’ll receive bids that are ready for review.
2. Compare Bids with Confidence
Using VertPro®’s Bid Comparison Tool, you can view each bid side by side in a standardized format. Pricing, contractor credentials, past SB 326 experience, and proposed scopes of work are clearly laid out. This makes it easy to compare apples-to-apples—reducing the risk of selecting an unqualified or overpriced vendor.
3. Manage Projects on One Digital Dashboard
Once you choose a contractor, VertPro® gives you a centralized project dashboard where you can schedule inspections, approve repair work, track project status, and upload inspection documents. Everything you need to manage SB 326 compliance is in one place—organized, secure, and accessible anytime.
Understanding What’s Included In SB 326 Inspections
It’s important for property owners to understand what qualified inspectors look for under SB 326—and what your responsibilities are once the inspection is complete.
The inspection must assess the condition of load-bearing components and waterproofing systems of all EEEs that are intended for human occupancy. Inspectors must identify visible damage, signs of moisture intrusion, dry rot, corrosion, or structural decay that could compromise safety.
The report must include:
- A detailed evaluation of each inspected element
- Photos, notes, and severity assessments
- Any recommended repairs or replacements
- A summary stating whether each EEE is safe for continued use
If repairs are required, they must be performed promptly and to code. Depending on the severity of the findings, your inspector may also be required to report unsafe conditions directly to the local code enforcement agency—making follow-through critical.
Going Beyond SB 326: Other California Balcony Regulations To Know
While SB 326 is the most prominent balcony inspection law for multi-family buildings, California also has SB 721, which applies to apartment buildings, and other local safety regulations that govern exterior access elements.
In addition to structural inspections, property owners are responsible for ensuring their buildings are maintained safely on an ongoing basis. That includes regular maintenance of railings, waterproofing membranes, and walkways, as well as tenant safety notifications and emergency access planning.
Understanding how all these laws interact—and how to stay compliant—can feel overwhelming. That’s why property owners increasingly turn to VertPro® for help managing compliance timelines, vendor coordination, and inspection documentation.
Why VertPro® Is More Than Just A Marketplace
VertPro® is more than a platform for sourcing bids. It’s a complete compliance management tool built for property owners, managers, and HOAs who want to minimize risk, stay informed, and maintain safe, law-abiding properties.
By using VertPro®, you gain access to:
- A network of vetted contractors and inspectors with SB 326 expertise
- A guided workflow for posting projects and requesting proposals
- A simple comparison tool to evaluate bids clearly and efficiently
- A secure dashboard for managing inspections, repairs, and reports
- Automated reminders for reinspection cycles and upcoming deadlines
And unlike generic contractor platforms, VertPro® is built specifically for compliance-driven projects—meaning it understands the nuances of California laws and helps you stay ahead of costly oversights.
Final Thoughts: Stay Compliant & Confident With VertPro®
California’s balcony inspection laws are clear—and so are the risks of ignoring them. Every multi-family building with exterior elevated elements must undergo routine inspections to protect tenants, reduce liability, and comply with SB 326. But navigating the process alone can be time-consuming, confusing, and error-prone.
VertPro® simplifies the journey by helping you get competitive, qualified bids, manage inspection workflows, and maintain digital records that support compliance year after year. Whether you own a single building or manage a large portfolio, VertPro® is your trusted partner in balcony safety, legal compliance, and property value preservation.
Ready To Take The Next Step Toward SB 326 Compliance?
Visit VertPro.com to post your balcony inspection project, compare qualified bids, and start managing your upgrades with confidence.
