SB 326 · SB 721
Exterior Elevated Elements Inspection
Exterior elevated elements inspection — here is what to know before you talk to a contractor.
Both SB 326 and SB 721 are built around the term "exterior elevated element" (EEE). Getting the inventory right is the first substantive step of any compliance engagement — a report that misses qualifying elements does not close the obligation. In general, an EEE is a load-bearing exterior structure that extends beyond the exterior walls of a building, is elevated above ground level, and relies in substantial part on wood or wood-based products for structural support.
Typically Included
Balconies, decks, landings, exterior stairways, elevated walkways, and their railings and support structures.
The Waterproofing Element
The associated waterproofing system is inspected alongside the structural components, because water intrusion is the dominant failure mode.
Commonly Misjudged
Ground-level patios, concrete-framed structures, and elements not relying on wood support are frequently miscategorized in either direction — the inspecting professional makes the call.
Building an Accurate Exterior Elevated Elements Inspection Inventory
An exterior elevated elements inspection starts with a complete property inventory, not a partial walk-through — second-floor breezeways, elevated walkways connecting buildings, and stairway landings are the elements most often left off a first pass because they read as circulation space rather than "balconies." An incomplete inventory does not exempt those elements from the exterior elevated elements inspection requirement; it just means they surface mid-engagement and can extend both timeline and fees.
What Triggers an Exterior Elevated Elements Inspection Under State Law
The trigger for an exterior elevated elements inspection is specific: a load-bearing structure extending beyond the exterior wall, elevated more than six feet, that relies at least in part on wood or wood-based framing. A fully steel or concrete elevated structure with no wood-based load path generally falls outside that trigger even if it looks similar from the ground — which is why a licensed inspector's read on borderline elements is worth getting before finalizing a property's inventory.
Why the Inventory Matters
Inspection fees scale with the number of qualifying elements, and sampling requirements are calculated against the total EEE inventory. An accurate count up front is the difference between a firm quote and a revised one mid-engagement. Use our cost estimator →