Inspections of Balconies, Decks, and other Exterior Elements

• There are NO exterior balconies, decks, stairways, walkways, railings, and entry structures that have a walking surface more than six (6) feet above ground level that rely on wood or wood-based products for structural support or stability.
• There are more than two units on the lot but no more than two units in any building.
• The buildings on the lot are a single-family dwelling or duplex.

The inspection will determine whether EEE and associated waterproofing are in good working condition, free of decay and other hazards, and safe for residents and visitors. Inspections are required every 9 years for SB 326 (Condos/CID) and every 6 years for SB 721 (Apartments/Multi-Family Buildings). 

A written report of the inspection results must be presented to the building owner or designated agent within 45 days of completing the inspection.

If the inspection reveals conditions that pose an immediate threat to safety, the report must be delivered to the owner of the building and the City of Oakland Code Enforcement Services within 15 days.  Preventative measures and/or emergency repairs must be undertaken immediately.

All EEE shall be inspected through the least intrusive method necessary, such as visually, or other comparable means to evaluate condition and performance.

If during visual inspection, conditions are observed that indicate damage or potential damage to load bearing-components, an inspector shall exercise their best professional judgment in determining the necessity, scope, and breadth of any further inspection.

Copies of the reports are required to be maintained in the building owner’s records for 2 inspection cycles.

The report must include the following:

• Recommendation if further inspection is needed

• Test results

• Identify any exterior elevated elements that pose an immediate threat to safety

• Advice if preventing occupant access or conducting emergency repairs, including shoring, is necessary

• Identify conditions found that do not pose an immediate threat to safety

• Recommended corrective repair/replacement

• Narrative sufficient to establish a baseline of the condition that can be compared to the results of subsequent inspections

• Report must be stamped or signed by the inspector

• Subsequent inspection reports shall incorporate copies of prior inspection reports, including the locations of the exterior elevated elements inspected.

• 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.