California laws SB 721 and SB 326: Using video borescopes for inspecting balconies and elevated structures

In response to the 2015 deck collapse in Berkeley which caused six fatalities, California legislation signed into law SB 721 and SB 326 requiring periodic inspections of exterior elevated elements (EEE) that structurally rely on wood or wood-based materials, says ViewTech Borescopes.

California Senate Bill 721 relates to apartment complexes with more than three units, while senate bill 326 pertains to condominiums or multi-family housing controlled by residential homeowners’ associations (HOAs).

Any entry, decks, porches, stairways, walkways, and other entry structure that are elevated more than six feet above ground level must be checked for cracks, rotting, insect damage, rusted fasteners or connectors, and mold or mildew exposure.

There are many methods, techniques, and types of equipment that can be utilized during these necessary evaluations of EEE, including visual inspection, infrared thermography, destructive testing, and video borescopes.

Under the legislation, initial safety investigations need to be completed by Jan. 1, 2025

When completing inspections, licensed structural engineers, architects, contractors, or certified building inspectors can drill a series of holes through materials and use a video borescope to take photos and videos to assist with necessary reports, including photographs of any damage found, the company says in a statement.