Mandatory Inspections of Balconies, Decks, and Other Exterior Elevated Elements (EEE)

As per Senate Bill 721 (2018) and Senate Bill 326 (2019), inspections will be required of all Exterior Elevated Elements (EEE) by 2025. EEE inspections, as well as any required maintenance or repair which is identified as a result of the inspection, are the responsibility of the private property owner.

⇒ Read more about the California State Balcony Inspection Law

Buildings with 3 or more units that have:

• Balconies, decks, porches, stairways, walkways, and entry structures that extend beyond the exterior walls of the building and that rely in whole or in substantial part on wood or wood-based products for structural support or stability; and
• A walking surface that is elevated more than 6 feet above the ground level; and
• Balconies designed for human occupancy or use.

If the inspection reveals conditions that pose a hazard to the safety of the occupants, the inspection report must be delivered to the owner of the building within 15 days and emergency repairs must be undertaken, as specified, with notice given to the local enforcement agency for permitting. These bills also require the local enforcement agency to send a 30-day corrective notice to the owner of the building if repairs are not completed on time and would provide for specified civil penalties and liens against the property for the owner of the building who fails to comply with these provisions.

Code enforcement proceedings under the Oakland Municipal Code will be initiated against property owners who do not complete corrective work or if work is not completed on time.

A Building Permit is required to repair most parts of a typical wood deck, guardrail or exterior stairway.

Please email BalconyCompliance@oaklandca.gov for more information.

• Senate Bill 721 (2018): Building Standards: Decks and Balconies: Inspection
• Senate Bill 326 (2019): Common Interest Developments
• Building Permits
• City of Oakland Municipal Code - Buildings and Construction