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California SB 326 balcony inspections: what condo buyers should verify
Senate Bill 326 requires California associations to inspect exterior elevated wood-framed elements on a defined schedule and repair unsafe conditions, often funding work through reserves or assessments.
· Original reporting: California Legislature
California condominium buyers in wood-framed buildings with balconies, walkways, or exterior stairs should treat SB 326 compliance as part of financial diligence, not as a background legal footnote.
The law requires associations to inspect qualifying exterior elevated elements and perform repairs when inspectors identify conditions that threaten safety.
Inspection outcomes flow into reserve planning and can precede special assessments when cash balances are thin.
What SB 326 requires associations to do
Associations must retain qualified inspectors to examine load-bearing components and associated waterproofing on exterior elevated elements built with wood framing.
When inspections identify conditions that pose a safety risk, the association must repair or restrict use according to engineer recommendations.
Reports and repair timelines belong in the resale packet review window alongside the budget and reserve study.
Why buyers should read inspection reports early
A renovated interior does not eliminate exterior repair obligations scheduled for next year.
Compare engineer findings to the reserve study line items for balconies, railings, and waterproofing.
Minutes may show whether the board voted a special assessment, a loan, or a multi-year dues increase to fund SB 326 work.
Use our balcony and facade inspection guide and California state page for local context on soft-story and wildfire costs that stack with envelope projects.
Practical diligence steps
Request the most recent SB 326 inspection report and any open violation letters during HOA review.
Run the special assessment calculator if the board disclosed a per-unit repair range.
Compare wood-framed garden-style complexes to concrete towers where SB 326 scope may differ.
Pair envelope risk with HO-6 and master policy review so water intrusion claims do not surprise you after closing.
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