Case Study: Streamlining SB 721 Compliance & Structural Safety for Multifamily Apartments

The Challenge: Navigating California Health & Safety Code §17973

California Senate Bill 721 (SB 721), codified under California Health & Safety Code §17973, requires owners of multifamily rental properties with three or more dwelling units to perform comprehensive structural inspections of all Exterior Elevated Elements (E3s). This includes elevated balconies, decks, porches, stairways, walkways, and entry structures positioned more than six feet above ground level supported substantially by wood or wood-based framing.

The management team at Crestview Apartments faced a tight deadline to complete statutory inspections across 85 unit balconies and elevated exterior corridors. They needed:

• An inspection of at least **15% of each type of exterior elevated element** across the property as mandated by state law.
• A licensed structural engineering firm capable of identifying hidden moisture intrusion, dry rot, and decay without compromising structural integrity or tenant privacy.
• A clear, prioritized remediation plan that satisfied local building enforcement agencies without incurring unnecessary emergency capital expenditures.

The RAS Engineering Approach

RAS Engineering executed a seamless, four-phase inspection protocol optimized specifically for active rental communities:

1. Statistically Compliant Sampling Plan

In accordance with §17973 requirements, RAS Engineering developed a representative sampling strategy covering over 15% of all elevated decks, stairwells, and walkways, selecting units with maximum exposure to weather and irrigation impact.

2. Advanced Diagnostic & Invasive Evaluation

To inspect hidden load-bearing components without causing severe structural damage:

• Borescope Endoscopy: Drilled micro-bores into soffit enclosures to deploy high-resolution fiber-optic cameras, direct-evaluating hidden joists, ledgers, and structural metal connectors.
• Moisture & Thermal Scanning: Applied electronic moisture meters and infrared thermography to map hidden water paths around balcony guardrails and deck membranes.
• Visual Framing Assessment: Verified post-to-beam attachments, structural fasteners, flashings, and waterproofing seals against current California Building Code standards.

3. Actionable SB 721 Engineering Report

RAS Engineering delivered a fully stamped, certified report categorizing findings into immediate safety conditions versus long-term routine maintenance, giving property management clear priorities for capital allocation.

The Solution & Remediation

While the majority of elements were structurally sound, inspection uncovered localized dry rot in cantilevered wood joists near three upper-floor balconies due to deteriorated waterproofing membranes. RAS Engineering provided:

• Targeted Structural Repairs: Designed precise framing repairs to replace degraded joist ends and install corrosion-resistant structural ties.
• Waterproofing Upgrades: Specified fluid-applied polyurethane waterproofing deck systems to prevent future moisture penetration.
• Local Enforcement Submissions: Handled all documentation filings directly with the local building department to fulfill statutory reporting obligations.

Results & Value Delivered

Metric	Outcome
Statutory Compliance	100% compliant with California Health & Safety Code §17973, with a certified stamped engineering report filed with local code enforcement.
Capital Savings	Micro-invasive testing eliminated wholesale soffit teardowns, saving over $35,000 in exploratory demolition costs.
Risk Mitigation	Identified and repaired concealed structural framing decay prior to structural failure or tenant injury.
Tenant Impact	All field inspections were scheduled and completed with minimal intrusion and zero tenant relocations.

Is Your Multifamily Property SB 721 Compliant?

Protect your tenants and property value while satisfying California Health & Safety Code §17973 requirements. Contact **RAS Engineering** today to request an SB 721 inspection proposal.