Inspections of Balconies, Decks, and other Exterior Elements

• Licensed structural engineer 

• Licensed architect 

• Licensed architect 

• Licensed civil or structural engineer 

• Licensed building contractor (A, B, or C-5 license) with at least five years of experience building multi-story wood structures 

• Certified building inspector or building official from a recognized organization 

Inspection and Reporting Rules: 

Inspections check whether Exterior Elevated Elements (EEE) are waterproof, in good condition, free from decay or hazards, and safe for residents and visitors. 

How often inspections happen: 

• SB 326 (Condos/Community Interest Developments): every 9 years 

• SB 721 (Apartments/Multi-Family Buildings): every 6 years 

Inspection reports: 

• A written report must be given to the building owner (or their representative) within 45 days of finishing the inspection. 

• If something dangerous is found that could immediately harm someone, the report must go to the owner and the City of Oakland Code Enforcement Services within 15 days, and repairs must start right away. 

How inspections are done: 

• Inspectors use the least intrusive method, like visual checks, to evaluate the condition and safety of the EEE. 

• If signs of damage to load-bearing parts are seen, the inspector will decide if more detailed inspection is needed. 

Record keeping: 

• Reports must be kept in the owner’s records for 2 inspection cycles. 

What the report must include: 

For SB 326 (Condos/CID): 

• Inspect enough EEE to be 95% sure the results reflect the condition of all elements. 

For SB 721 (Apartments/Multi-Family): 

• Inspect at least 15% of each type of EEE. 

For all inspections: 

• Locations of all inspected EEE 

• Photos of each inspected EEE 

• Current condition of each EEE 

• Expected future performance and life of each EEE 

• Recommendations if more inspection is needed 

• Test results 

• Any EEE that is an immediate safety threat 

• Advice on preventing access or making emergency repairs 

• Conditions that are not an immediate threat 

• Recommended repairs or replacement 

• A written summary to compare with future inspections 

• Inspector’s signature or stamp 

Following inspections: 

Each new inspection report should include copies of prior reports, including locations of the inspected EEE. 

• Immediate Threat: An EEE that the inspector identifies as an immediate threat to the safety, and/or finds preventing access or emergency repairs are necessary, including shoring, shall be considered an emergency condition and the building owner shall perform required preventive measures immediately. 

If an immediate threat is identified, the inspector must provide a copy of the inspection report to the Property Owner or HOA within 15 days of inspection and submit a copy to City of Oakland Code Enforcement Services.

• No Immediate Threat: If an inspector identifies an EEE that requires repair, but does not pose an immediate threat to safety, the building owner or HOA shall apply for a permit within 120 days of receipt of the inspection report to perform corrective repairs. Once the permit is approved, the building owner shall have 120 days to make repairs unless an extension of time is granted by City of Oakland Code Enforcement Services.

Please visit our One-Stop Permit Center or call (510) 238-3891.

If the building owner does not comply with the repair requirements within 180 days, the inspector shall notify City of Oakland Code Enforcement Services and the building owner. If within 30 days of the date of the notice the repairs are not completed, the building owner shall be assessed a civil penalty based on a fee of not less than $100 but not more than $500 per day until repairs are completed, unless an extension of time is granted by City of Oakland Code Enforcement Services.

Code enforcement proceedings under the Oakland Municipal Code will be initiated against a building owner or HOA that do not complete corrective work or if work is not completed on time. If a civil penalty is assessed, a building safety lien may be recorded against the property.