PLAIN-ENGLISH SB 326 GUIDANCE
What SB 326 actually requires —
and what most HOAs miss.
A practical walkthrough of the law, the inspection cycle, and the responsibilities that continue after the report is delivered.
THE LAW IN 60 SECONDS
9-Year Inspection Cycle
California HOAs with multifamily buildings must inspect exterior elevated elements, including balconies, decks, walkways, stairways, and similar structures, at least every 9 years.
Licensed Structural Engineer Requirement
The inspection and report must be completed by a qualified professional authorized under California law. Balcony326 coordinates the process but does not represent itself as the structural engineer.
18-Year Record Retention
SB 326 records must be retained for 18 years. That includes inspection reports, related documentation, repair records, board approvals, and supporting materials.
PENALTIES FOR MISSING IT
The risk is not just paperwork.
When a board fails to inspect, repair, or maintain records properly, the association may face fines, legal exposure, and increased scrutiny if damage, injury, or a future dispute occurs.
Board members have a fiduciary responsibility to act, document, and preserve decisions clearly.
THE 9-YEAR SB 326 LIFECYCLE
The inspection is one moment. The cycle is nine years.
Year 0
Inspection
The qualified professional inspects exterior elevated elements and delivers the report.
Year 1
Review & Year-1 Repairs
The board reviews findings, prioritizes the work, and executes any items the report flags as urgent — typically anything the engineer marks 'must be addressed within 1 year' or sooner. We coordinate bids and complete this work before the year ends.
Years 2–3
Remaining Repairs
Bids are gathered for non-urgent items, contractors selected, and the rest of the repair scope coordinated to completion.
Years 3–4
Documentation
Completion records, sign-offs, and invoices are filed in the vault.
Year 5
Check-In
Mid-cycle review of any deferred items or new conditions.
Years 6–7
Refresh
Re-evaluate any deferred repairs and prepare board succession materials.
Year 8
Prepare
Begin scoping the next inspection and organizing the full record set.
Year 9
Next Inspection
The cycle repeats — with a complete history at the board's fingertips.
WHERE BALCONY326 FITS
A report ends. A system continues.
What an Engineering Firm Gives You
A one-time inspection report.
- · Inspection performed
- · Report delivered
- · Recommendations listed
- · Board manages everything after delivery
What Balcony326 Gives You
A full 9-year operating system.
- · Inspection coordination
- · Repair tracking
- · Bid and scope organization
- · Board communication support
- · Secure document retention
- · Future cycle preparation
THE FOUR PHASES
Phase 01
Intake
We learn your property, building type, number of units, board timeline, existing documentation, and current SB 326 status.
What you receive
- Kickoff call
- Document request list
- Preliminary compliance review
- Project timeline
Phase 02
Inspection
We coordinate access, scheduling, communication, and report delivery support with the appropriate inspection professionals.
What you receive
- Inspection coordination
- Access planning
- Board-ready report summary
- Next-step guidance
Phase 03
Repairs
If deficiencies are found, we help the board organize repair scope, contractor bids, approvals, documentation, and completion tracking.
What you receive
- Repair priority list
- Bid comparison support
- Communication tracking
- Completion documentation
Phase 04
Vault
We preserve the full compliance record in an organized 18-year document system.
What you receive
- Secure document storage
- Board handoff packet
- Annual check-ins and alerts
- Audit-ready exports
FREQUENTLY ASKED
Common board questions.
Ready for the rest of the cycle?
If your inspection is complete, your board still needs a system for the years that follow.