{"id":22217,"date":"2024-08-20T03:20:07","date_gmt":"2024-08-20T10:20:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/firestormv2.kinsta.cloud\/?p=18830"},"modified":"2026-06-12T19:58:01","modified_gmt":"2026-06-13T02:58:01","slug":"can-california-owners-get-more-time-sb-721-inspection-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/firestormbuildingproducts.com\/v2vents\/can-california-owners-get-more-time-sb-721-inspection-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Can California Owners Get More Time for SB 721 Inspection Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"

California multifamily owners often ask whether they can get more time for SB 721 inspection work. The safest answer is: do not assume an extension exists. SB 721 is now codified in Health and Safety Code Section 17973, and the current statute requires the first inspection to be completed by January 1, 2026, then by January 1 every six years after that.<\/p>\n

Because local enforcement and project facts can vary, owners should speak directly with the local building department, local enforcement agency, and qualified counsel when a timing issue appears. A general blog article should not be treated as a legal extension request.<\/p>\n

What SB 721 Covers<\/h2>\n

SB 721 applies to buildings containing three or more multifamily dwelling units. It covers certain exterior elevated elements, such as balconies, decks, porches, stairways, walkways, and entry structures, when they extend beyond exterior walls, are more than six feet above ground level, are designed for human occupancy or use, and rely in whole or substantial part on wood or wood-based structural support.<\/p>\n

The Current Inspection Deadline<\/h2>\n

The current statutory deadline for the first SB 721 inspection is January 1, 2026. Older articles may refer to January 1, 2025, but owners should use the current code language and verify local requirements.<\/p>\n

When Timing Relief May Come Up<\/h2>\n

The statute contains a specific timing provision for asbestos-containing material. If the owner confirms the presence of asbestos-containing material during the inspection process and cannot complete the inspection as a result, the owner may have additional time for abatement and then a limited period after abatement to complete the inspection, as described in the statute.<\/p>\n

Separately, local enforcement agencies may grant extensions for some repair timing after inspection findings, depending on the facts and local process. That is different from assuming the initial inspection deadline itself can be casually extended.<\/p>\n

How To Handle a Deadline Problem<\/h2>\n