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Last Updated: March 2026
SB 326 is California’s exterior elevated element inspection law for qualifying condominium and HOA-governed common interest developments. It applies to buildings with three or more attached multifamily dwelling units where the association is responsible for maintaining or repairing qualifying exterior elevated elements such as balconies, decks, stairways, walkways, and their associated waterproofing systems.
SB 326 applies to common interest developments, including many condominium projects, where the homeowners association has maintenance or repair responsibility for the exterior elevated elements. It does not apply to apartment ownership in the same way. Apartment and multifamily rental properties are generally addressed under SB 721 instead.
In general, SB 326 covers load-bearing components and associated waterproofing systems for exterior elements that extend beyond the exterior walls, are elevated more than six feet above grade, are designed for human use, and are supported in whole or in substantial part by wood or wood-based products. This can include balconies, decks, stairways, walkways, and related railings depending on the building configuration.
The association must arrange for a visual inspection of a random and statistically significant sample of the qualifying exterior elevated elements for which it is responsible. The purpose is to determine whether those elements are in a generally safe condition and whether further review, repair, or replacement should be recommended.
Under SB 326, the inspection must be performed by a licensed structural engineer or architect. That inspection is intended to assess the visible condition of the load-bearing components and associated waterproofing systems and identify signs of deterioration, water intrusion, decay, or other safety concerns.
The first SB 326 inspection cycle was required by January 1, 2025. After the initial cycle, inspections are required at least once every nine years. For boards and managers, that means SB 326 should be treated as an ongoing compliance responsibility rather than a one-time project.
Inspection reports can lead to a range of next steps, from routine maintenance recommendations to more substantial repair or replacement work. In many cases, the challenge for boards is not only understanding the findings, but also turning them into a practical scope of work, reserve planning discussion, and contractor proposal process. Early planning can help reduce emergency conditions, resident disruption, and cost escalation.
If the inspection identifies an immediate threat to health or safety, prompt action may be required. That can include restricting access to the affected area and moving quickly toward temporary stabilization or permanent repair. Waiting for visible surface damage is often risky because deterioration in these assemblies can develop inside concealed framing or waterproofing layers before it becomes obvious.
SB 326 is not a seismic retrofit law. It is a balcony and exterior elevated element inspection law focused on safety, deterioration, and repair of certain wood-supported elevated components. Seismic retrofit requirements are governed separately through other state and local rules, including Los Angeles programs for certain soft-story and non-ductile concrete buildings.
For many associations, the practical priorities are straightforward: confirm whether the property falls under SB 326, complete the required inspection process, organize the report and findings, and prepare for any repair planning that follows. Boards should also be mindful that inspection records can affect owner communication, reserve discussions, and ongoing property management responsibilities.
LA Construction Consultants helps HOA boards, condo associations, and property stakeholders understand how SB 326 applies to their property, what the inspection process is likely to involve, and how to move from findings to practical repair planning. That can include helping clients organize next steps, evaluate scope, compare contractor proposals, and keep compliance-related decisions clear and manageable.
