California Senate Bill 721 (SB 721) is a law that mandates the inspection and repair of exterior elevated elements (EEEs) such as balconies, decks, stairways, and walkways in multi-family residential buildings with three or more units. This legislation was enacted in response to the 2015 Berkeley balcony collapse, which caused multiple fatalities and injuries due to structural failure.

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Key aspects of SB 721 include:

1. Regular Inspections: Property owners must have these exterior structures inspected by a licensed professional (e.g., contractor, engineer, or architect) every six years to assess their safety and structural integrity.

2. Inspection Scope: The inspection must identify potential safety hazards like water intrusion, decay, or other damage that could compromise the load-bearing capacity of the structure.

3. Repairs: If the inspection reveals any issues, property owners must carry out necessary repairs within 120 days. If immediate safety risks are found, repairs must be done right away.

4. Enforcement: Non-compliance with the inspection or repair requirements may result in penalties.

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SB 721 aims to improve building safety standards and prevent similar tragedies by ensuring proper maintenance and oversight of critical structural components.