Compliance

Inspections

Spruce Builders partners with discerning property management teams and property owners to deliver code-mandated inspections with precision, discretion, and clarity. We understand the operational, legal, and reputational responsibilities tied to compliance, and we provide inspection services that protect both occupants and long-term asset value. Our team performs required inspections, including California SB-721 balcony and exterior elevated element inspections, San Francisco Section 604 inspection, and Fire Escape Load Testing, helping ensure properties meet regulatory requirements while maintaining the safety, integrity, and longevity of the building.

Balcony with modern outdoor furniture, framed pillows, woven ottoman, potted plants on wall shelves, and string lights under a partial roof.

Metal fire escape staircase attached to a brick building with windows, casting shadows on the wall.

External black metal fire escape staircase on a brick building wall.

What We Offer

Our experts will guide you through every step, ensuring your property meets all required inspection standards. Don't wait until it's too late — contact us today to stay compliant and protected.

Under California Senate Bill 721, the state of California mandates inspections of exterior elevated elements every 6 years—and Spruce Builders is here to ensure your property remains fully compliant.
Our team conducts thorough evaluations of balconies, decks, stairways, and walkways, assessing structural integrity, waterproofing systems, and load-bearing components to identify deterioration or safety concerns before they become costly liabilities.
Through clear, detailed reporting and actionable recommendations, we provide the documentation and guidance you need to keep your property safe, compliant, and protected for the long term.
Under San Francisco Building Code Section 604, property owners are required to conduct inspections of exterior elevated elements every 5 years—and Spruce Builders is here to ensure you meet that obligation with confidence.
Our team thoroughly evaluates the condition of wood and metal building elements, including balconies, decks, stairways, guardrails, fire escapes, walkways, and their supporting framing, fasteners, and connections.
Through careful assessment and detailed reporting, we identify conditions that may compromise structural performance or public safety—delivering clear, precise documentation that supports regulatory compliance, proactive maintenance planning, and the long-term protection of your property.
In accordance with California Fire Code (CFC) Section 1032.2.1.3 and International Fire Code (IFC) Section 1104.16.5, all fire escape systems—including fire escape stairways, balconies, and exit components—are required to undergo a comprehensive inspection at intervals not exceeding five years. Compliance with this mandate is enforceable by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
These inspections are conducted to verify structural stability, proper anchorage, corrosion protection, and overall life-safety performance. A mandatory component of the evaluation is the fire escape load test, which confirms the system’s ability to safely support prescribed design loads during an emergency evacuation.
Failure to complete the required inspection and load testing within the mandated timeframe may result in code violations, enforcement action, and potential penalties. Timely compliance is essential to maintain life-safety standards and limit liability exposure.

Your Questions, Answered

SB 721 is a California state law requiring the inspection of Exterior Elevated Elements (EEEs) in multi-family residential buildings with three or more units. The law was enacted to improve safety after several tragic balcony failures across the state.
The bill mandates that property owners have qualifying elements inspected to ensure structural integrity and occupant safety.
An Exterior Elevated Element includes:
- Balconies
- Decks
- Porches
- Exterior stairways
- Walkways
- Landings
- Entry structures
To qualify under SB 721, the element must:
- Extend beyond the exterior wall of the building
- Be elevated more than 6 feet above ground
- Be supported (in whole or in part) by wood or wood-based products
SB 721 applies to:
- Multi-family residential buildings
- Three or more dwelling units
- Buildings containing exterior elevated elements as defined by the law
Single-family homes are not subject to SB 721.
The initial inspection deadline was January 1, 2026 - The deadline has now passed, book your inspection today.
If your building has not yet been inspected, you should schedule an inspection immediately to reduce liability exposure and potential enforcement action.
After the initial inspection:
- Re-inspections are required every 6 years.
The inspection includes:
- Visual examination of all qualifying elevated elements
- Moisture intrusion assessment
- Evaluation of structural components
- Borescope Inspection to examine the structural integrity of the interior of the building
- Photographic documentation
- A detailed written report
The final report outlines whether the element is:
- Safe
- In need of repair
- In need of immediate stabilization
If safety concerns are identified:
- The inspector will provide written findings
- Repairs must be completed within the timeline outlined in the report
- Any identified safety hazard requires immediate corrective repairs
- Local building departments may require permits for structural repairs
Failure to complete required repairs can result in fines and liability exposure.
All exterior elevated elements—regardless of structural material—must be evaluated for structural integrity, waterproofing performance, and potential deterioration that could compromise occupant safety.
Under Section 604, an Exterior Elevated Element includes:
- Fire Escapes
- Balconies
- Decks
- Porches
- Exterior stairways
- Walkways
- Landings
- Entry structures
Section 604 applies to:
- Residential buildings with three or more dwelling units
- Buildings located within the City and County of San Francisco
- Structures containing qualifying exterior elevated elements
While both address exterior elevated element safety:
- Section 604 is a San Francisco local ordinance enforced by the SF Department of Building Inspection. Affidavit of Compliance must be submitted to San Francisco Department of Building Inspection https://www.sf.gov/file/compliance-affidavit-section-604-sf-housing-code
- Section 604 also includes Fire Escapes, metal and concrete structures, SB 721 is only wooden based elements
- SB 721 is a statewide law
San Francisco properties with 3 units or more are subject to both requirements.
To prepare:
- Provide access to all balconies and exterior elevated elements
- Notify tenants in advance
- Share prior inspection and repair records
- Identify known water intrusion issues
Early preparation streamlines compliance and reduces delays.
International Fire Code (IFC) Section 1104.16.5 and California Fire Code (CFC) Section 1032.2.2.3 require that fire escape systems be inspected and tested at least once every five years.
These codes mandate verification that fire escapes remain structurally sound, properly maintained, and capable of supporting required design loads in the event of an emergency evacuation.
The code applies to all components of a fire escape system, including:
- Fire escape stairways
- Fire escape balconies
- Platforms and landings
- Exit ladders
- Structural supports and anchorage connections
- Associated exit pathways
Any exterior fire escape serving as a required means of egress must comply.
Minimum Live Load Capacity: Fire escapes must be capable of supporting A minimum live load of 100 pounds per square foot (psf).

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