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Photo of an upstairs balcony
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Elevated Deck Inspection Program

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Reminder of upcoming deadline. Recent California State laws SB 721 (2018) and SB 326 (2019) require inspections of elevated decks to ensure that multi-family and condominium buildings maintain safe, structurally sound balconies and elevated decks.

Inspection Deadlines:

  • Residential properties: January 1, 2026, then every 6 years.
  • Condominiums: January 1, 2026, then every 9 years.

Applicable Buildings: Residential properties with three or more units, including apartments, condominiums, dormitories, and assisted living facilities.

What Needs Inspection? Exterior elevated structures that are weather-exposed, extend beyond exterior walls, are six feet or higher, and have wood or steel framing (e.g., balconies, decks, walkways, stairs).

Report Submission: To comply, a California-licensed architect, engineer, or certified inspector must assess the building and submit the inspection reportand Deck Inspection Certification form to Santa Barbara Building & Safety at CDBuildingCode@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.

For full details and to access the Deck Inspection Certification Form, visit: 
SantaBarbaraCA.gov/ElevatedDeck

Thank you for helping maintain safe buildings for everyone!

—Santa Barbara Building & Safety Team