SB 326 Compliance and Balcony Repairs: Protecting Safety and Bringing Buildings Up to Code
- Isela
- Dec 31, 2025
- 2 min read
California’s SB 326 legislation was enacted to improve safety in multifamily and condominium buildings by requiring regular inspections of Exterior Elevated Elements (EEEs)—including balconies, decks, stairways, and walkways. These elements are critical because they are load-bearing components that support occupants and are constantly exposed to the elements.
Under SB 326, buildings with three or more multifamily units must have their Exterior Elevated Elements inspected no later than January 1, 2025, and every six years thereafter.
What Are Exterior Elevated Elements?
Exterior Elevated Elements include any structure that:
Is elevated more than six feet above ground level
Is designed for human use or occupancy
Is supported wholly or partially by wood or wood-based products
These elements rely heavily on properly functioning waterproofing systems, such as flashings, membranes, coatings, and sealants, to protect structural components from water intrusion.
Why Balcony Repairs Matter
Water damage is one of the leading causes of balcony and deck failure. When waterproofing systems fail, moisture can penetrate the structure, leading to wood rot, corrosion, and weakened load-bearing components. If left unaddressed, this damage can create serious safety hazards for residents.
As part of SB 326 compliance, at least 15% of each type of Exterior Elevated Element must be randomly selected and inspected. These inspections evaluate:
Structural framing and support components
Walking surfaces and attachment points
Railings and hardware
Associated waterproofing systems
How Sinai Construction Repairs and Restores Balconies
At Sinai Construction, our team has taken on balcony repairs where inspections revealed existing water damage. Our comprehensive repair process includes:
Removing damaged materials
Repairing or replacing compromised structural components
Restoring and upgrading waterproofing systems
Ensuring all work meets current building codes and SB 326 requirements
In many cases, these balcony repairs are completed alongside soft-story retrofits, allowing property owners to address multiple safety mandates at once. This coordinated approach not only improves structural performance but also helps bring the entire building up to code more efficiently.
Inspection Reports and Next Steps
After inspections are completed, a written report is provided to the building owner detailing:
The condition of inspected elements
Any immediate safety concerns
Expected service life
Recommended repairs or replacements
If an element poses an immediate threat to occupant safety, emergency measures and notifications are required within strict timelines.
Act Early to Stay Compliant
With thousands of buildings across California subject to SB 326, inspection and repair schedules are filling quickly as the deadline approaches. Starting early helps avoid delays, higher costs, and potential safety risks.
By repairing damaged balconies and restoring proper waterproofing, Sinai Construction helps property owners meet SB 326 requirements, improve building safety, and protect residents for years to come.
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