CIV. CODE § 5551
SB 326 Balcony Inspections — San Diego, CA
SB 326, codified at California Civil Code § 5551, obligates common interest developments — HOAs and condominium associations — to have their exterior elevated elements inspected by a licensed structural engineer or architect. The inspection is a statutory duty of the association, not a discretionary maintenance item, and the resulting report becomes part of the association's records. We are a free intake utility; we route your association's details to a licensed California PE or architect firm qualified to perform the inspection.
Who It Applies To
Common interest developments — HOAs and condominium associations — with buildings containing three or more multifamily dwelling units.
Who Must Perform It
A California licensed Structural Engineer (PE) or Architect. A general contractor cannot issue a compliant SB 326 report.
What the Report Covers
Load-bearing components and associated waterproofing of balconies, decks, stairways, and walkways, plus the inspector's findings on remaining useful life.
Typical Inspection Cost Range
SB 326 initial inspections in the San Diego area commonly run $900–$3,000 per building for the inspection engagement, depending on unit count, elevated-element quantity, access and staging, and destructive testing scope. Remediation work is quoted separately. Use our cost estimator →
Related Reading
Read more on the independence requirement at SB 326 independent balcony inspections for HOAs, or see why keeping inspection and repair separate protects reserve funds at avoiding inspection/repair conflicts of interest.