California · Retrofit and recertification

The retrofit and recertification mandates in force in California now.

Exterior elevated element (balcony, deck, stairway, walkway) inspections: Health and Safety Code 17973 (SB 721, amended by AB 2579, 2024) for buildings with 3+ multifamily dwelling units; Civil Code 5551 (SB 326, amended by SB 410, effective Jan 1, 2026) for condominium associations. Enforced by Owners and associations hire the inspector: sec. 17973 allows licensed architects, civil or structural engineers, A/B/C-5 contractors with 5 years' experience, or certified building inspectors; Civil Code 5551 requires a licensed structural or civil engineer or architect. Local enforcement agencies act on hazard reports. Reported, in verification; the state record was last reviewed 2026-11-12.

Explore California by location and topic

Retrofit and recertification in California

Reported, in verification

In force

Exterior elevated element (balcony, deck, stairway, walkway) inspections: Health and Safety Code 17973 (SB 721, amended by AB 2579, 2024) for buildings with 3+ multifamily dwelling units; Civil Code 5551 (SB 326, amended by SB 410, effective Jan 1, 2026) for condominium associations

Covers wood-supported elements more than 6 ft above ground. Sec. 17973: inspection by Jan 1, 2026, then every 6 years; excludes common interest developments; reports showing an immediate threat go to the local enforcement agency within 15 days. Civil Code 5551: first by Jan 1, 2025, then every 9 years, for buildings with 3+ attached units.

Source: primary document

Who enforces it

Owners and associations hire the inspector: sec. 17973 allows licensed architects, civil or structural engineers, A/B/C-5 contractors with 5 years' experience, or certified building inspectors; Civil Code 5551 requires a licensed structural or civil engineer or architect. Local enforcement agencies act on hazard reports

Statewide layer. County and city amendments sit on top; confirm the local office for the address.

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, stairway, walkway) inspections: Health and Safety Code 17973 (SB 721, amended by AB 2579, 2024) for buildings with 3+ multifamily dwelling units; Civil Code 5551 (SB 326, amended by SB 410, effective Jan 1, 2026) for condominium associations. Covers wood-supported elements more than 6 ft above ground. Sec. 17973: inspection by Jan 1, 2026, then every 6 years; excludes common interest developments; reports showing an immediate threat go to the local enforcement agency within 15 days. Civil Code 5551: first by Jan 1, 2025, then every 9 years, for buildings with 3+ attached units.

Who enforces the retrofit and recertification mandates in California?

Owners and associations hire the inspector: sec. 17973 allows licensed architects, civil or structural engineers, A/B/C-5 contractors with 5 years' experience, or certified building inspectors; Civil Code 5551 requires a licensed structural or civil engineer or architect. Local enforcement agencies act on hazard reports.

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