CALIFORNIA SB-721
Inspection. Evaluation. Engineering Solutions.
Complete SB-721 services for qualifying California multifamily properties—from applicability assessments and Exterior Elevated Element inspections to engineering reports, structural repair design, and permit-ready plans.
One Team. One Process. Complete SB-721 Engineering Support.
IDENTIFY
Qualifying EEEs
INSPECT
Visible + Accessible Conditions
DOCUMENT
Findings + Recommendations
ENGINEER
Repair Plans When Required
DOES SB-721 APPLY?
Start With the Property. Then Define the Scope.
SB-721 generally applies to buildings containing three or more multifamily dwelling units when exterior elevated elements are located more than six feet above ground and rely substantially on wood or wood-based products for structural support or stability.
Balconies + Decks
Exterior Walkways
Stairway Systems
Landings + Elevated Entry Platforms
Concrete Walking Surface? The visible walking surface alone may not reveal the underlying structural construction. When structural framing is concealed by concrete, stucco, or other finishes, limited investigative openings may be recommended to confirm applicability and evaluate the concealed conditions.
What We Look for During an SB-721 Inspection.
Jeff documents the Exterior Elevated Elements, visible deterioration, waterproofing-related concerns, and accessible structural components at the property.
- Water intrusion and waterproofing failures
- Wood deterioration, cracking, and corrosion
- Damaged structural supports and connections
- Loose or deteriorated guards and railings
- Conditions requiring limited openings or further investigation
FIELD EVALUATION
OUR COMPLETE PROCESS
From Assessment to Permit-Ready Repair Plans.
One coordinated path for property owners and managers—from defining the inspection scope through reporting, structural repair design, and permit support.
01
Preliminary Site Assessment
Jeff identifies potential qualifying Exterior Elevated Elements and defines the project scope. ISE then provides a proposal for any required letter, SB-721 report, or repair engineering.
02
SB-721 Inspection
Evaluate required visible and accessible elements. Limited access openings may be recommended when structural framing is concealed.
03
Engineering Evaluation
Review field observations, photographs, materials, and observed conditions to identify deficiencies and determine the appropriate next steps.
04
Inspection Report
Document the inspected elements, observed conditions, photographs, findings, recommendations, and compliance status.
05
Structural Repair Design
If repairs are required, prepare structural calculations, repair details, and permit-ready engineering documents.
06
Permit + Construction Support
Assist with permit coordination, applicable plan-check responses, and engineering support during construction.
TWO COORDINATED PHASES
One Engineering Team—from Inspection Through Repair Design.
Structural Repair Engineering
Coordinated structural solutions developed from the inspection findings for permitting and construction.
Applicability Assessment + SB 721 Inspection Report
Clear, property-specific documentation of the inspected Exterior Elevated Elements and their observed conditions.
INSPECTION + REPORTING
WHEN REPAIRS ARE REQUIRED
Every property begins with an applicability and scope assessment. When qualifying Exterior Elevated Elements are present, ISE can proceed with the required inspection and reporting. If structural deficiencies are identified, ISE can continue under a separate repair-engineering scope—without requiring the owner to start over with another engineering firm.
- Identification of applicable Exterior Elevated Elements
- Observed conditions and photographic documentation
- Identification of visible deficiencies
- Recommendations for repairs or further investigation
- Written findings for owner records and agency submission when applicable
- Written applicability letter or inspection report, as appropriate
Important: ISE provides the structural engineering design and construction documents. The property owner retains a qualified contractor to perform the physical repair work.
- Existing-condition review
- Structural calculations
- Repair plans, details, and specifications
- Code-compliant structural repair design
- Permit and plan-check support
- Engineering support during construction