California · Retrofit and recertification

The retrofit and recertification mandates in force in California now.

Exterior elevated element (balcony/deck/walkway) inspections: Health and Safety Code 17973 (SB 721/AB 2579) for buildings with 3+ multifamily dwelling units; Civil Code 5551 (SB 326) for condominium associations. Enforced by Owners/associations hire licensed architects or civil/structural engineers (sec. 17973 also allows qualified contractors/inspectors); reports go to local building/code enforcement agencies. Reported, in verification, re-checked weekly.

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Retrofit and recertification in California

Reported, in verification

In force

Exterior elevated element (balcony/deck/walkway) inspections: Health and Safety Code 17973 (SB 721/AB 2579) for buildings with 3+ multifamily dwelling units; Civil Code 5551 (SB 326) for condominium associations

Sec. 17973: first inspection was due Jan 1, 2026, then every 6 years; excludes common interest developments. Civil Code 5551: first due Jan 1, 2025, then every 9 years. Wood-supported elements over 6 ft. Hotels not named.

Source: primary document

Who enforces it

Owners/associations hire licensed architects or civil/structural engineers (sec. 17973 also allows qualified contractors/inspectors); reports go to local building/code enforcement agencies

Statewide layer. County and city amendments sit on top; the building view resolves them from your ZIP.

What changes next

Beyond 24 months

Next cycles fall outside 24 months: sec. 17973 by Jan 1, 2032; Civil Code 5551 by Jan 1, 2034

Questions about the retrofit and recertification mandates in California

Which retrofit and recertification mandates apply in California today?

Exterior elevated element (balcony/deck/walkway) inspections: Health and Safety Code 17973 (SB 721/AB 2579) for buildings with 3+ multifamily dwelling units; Civil Code 5551 (SB 326) for condominium associations. Sec. 17973: first inspection was due Jan 1, 2026, then every 6 years; excludes common interest developments. Civil Code 5551: first due Jan 1, 2025, then every 9 years. Wood-supported elements over 6 ft. Hotels not named.

Who enforces the retrofit and recertification mandates in California?

Owners/associations hire licensed architects or civil/structural engineers (sec. 17973 also allows qualified contractors/inspectors); reports go to local building/code enforcement agencies.

What changes next for the retrofit and recertification mandates in California?

Beyond 24 months. Next cycles fall outside 24 months: sec. 17973 by Jan 1, 2032; Civil Code 5551 by Jan 1, 2034